The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has been officially certified as a Great Place To Work, reinforcing its standing as one of India’s most respected hospitality brands and a preferred employer. The certification, awarded by Great Place To Work, is based entirely on employee feedback and a thorough evaluation of an organisation’s culture, trust index and people practices.

The Great Place To Work Certification is given to organisations that achieve at least 70 percent positive responses on the Trust Index survey, which measures credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. With insights gathered from more than 100 million employees across 150 countries, Great Place To Work is considered the global benchmark for recognising exceptional workplace cultures.

At The Leela, an associate-first approach continues to guide the brand’s growth. The organisation has built a strong and future-ready talent ecosystem focused on continuous learning, leadership development and overall well-being. Associates benefit from structured career pathways, digital learning opportunities, capability-building programmes and a culture of appreciation that encourages belonging and purpose. The Leela’s values are reflected in everyday actions, creating an environment where associates experience genuine care, trust and a shared commitment to excellence.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it comes directly from our associates, the people who bring The Leela's philosophy and promise to life every day. We are guided by The Leela Dharmas and our brand ethos of Atithi Devo Bhava - Guest is God, which shape a culture rooted in authenticity, care and excellence. As we approach The Leela's fortieth year, this certification is a reminder that our people remain our greatest strength and the foundation on which our future will continue to be built," said Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts.

Sharing her thoughts on the milestone, Ms. Isha Goyal, Senior Vice President and Head – Human Resources, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, "Being certified as a Great Place To Work is an important affirmation of the trust our associates place in this organisation. It validates our continued focus on strengthening culture, building leadership capability and creating an environment where every individual feels valued, supported and encouraged to grow. Our commitment remains to enable our people to thrive while contributing meaningfully to The Leela's journey ahead."

As The Leela moves toward its fortieth year, this recognition marks an important step in its ongoing journey to build a workplace defined by trust, belonging, purpose and high performance. It further strengthens the brand’s commitment to nurturing a culture that attracts talent, inspires excellence and continues to set high standards in Indian luxury hospitality.

Lords Hotels & Resorts has strengthened its presence in Jamnagar with the launch of Lords Studio Inn Jamnagar, now the brand’s third hotel in the city. With this addition, the group now operates 25 properties across Gujarat, showing its steady growth and its commitment to offering warm and reliable hospitality in the state.

Located in the heart of Jamnagar, the new property features 36 well-designed rooms that focus on comfort and ease for travellers visiting for work or leisure. The hotel also introduces Blue Coriander, its all-day dining restaurant that serves a lively spread of Indian and international cuisines. Known for its wholesome vegetarian dishes, the restaurant provides a relaxed and welcoming space for families, professionals and travellers alike.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Pushpendra Bansal, COO, Lords Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are delighted to introduce Lords Studio Inn at Jamnagar. This new hotel reflects our vision delivering our signature True Value Hospitality across key commercial cities. We look forward to welcoming guests to an exhilarating and memorable stay.”

Adding to this, Sudhir Jena, vice president corporate, mentioned, “This property is conveniently located just 4km from the Railway station, and a short drive of 15 minutes from the Airport offers an easy access to the key places of interest, including Lakhota Palace, Museum and Pratap Vilas Palace, both located just 2km away. We are ready to delight our guests and offer them an experience defined by quality, convenience, and the trusted warmth of the Lords hospitality.”

With its thoughtful location, comfortable rooms and inviting dining experience, Lords Studio Inn Jamnagar aims to provide guests with a pleasant and memorable stay in the city.

Nagore is all set for the 469th annual Kandhuri festival honouring Nagore Andavar Syed Shahul Hameed. The celebrations began with the flag hoisting event on 21st November, marking the start of the festivities. The main event, Periya Kandhuri, will be held on 1st December. One of the highlights, the santhanakoodu procession, will take place on the evening of 30th November and will begin from Nagapattinam. The Anointment of Sandal Paste (Chandanam) on the Sacred Tomb will be held in the early morning of 1st December.

To support the festival, the Tamil Nadu state government has taken efficient steps to ensure smooth travel for devotees. Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) is operating 100 buses from various parts of Tamil Nadu to Nagore. Southern Railway has also announced special trains from Chennai, and an unreserved MEMU train will operate from Villupuram. Reservations for these trains are currently underway.

The managing trustee of the Nagore Dargah Shariff attended the flag hoisting event, where flags were raised on all five minars. The sight of the fluttering flags has added more colour to the festive atmosphere across the town.

The state government is expecting around 15 Lakh people to gather for this harmonious festival, which brings together people from all religions. Devotees from Tamil Nadu and from states including Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to visit Nagore for the celebrations. The festive spirit is already visible across the town as the Dargah and its minars shine with decorative lights.

To elevate the celebrations, the Nagapattinam District Administration has declared a local holiday on December 1. The festival will conclude with the flag-lowering ceremony on 4th December 2025.  

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