There are stories that entertain, stories that teach, and then there are stories that leave a glow in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page. “Moth to Flame” belongs to the last kind.

Written by the veteran hotelier P. K. Mohankumar, fondly known across the industry as PKMK, this book is much more than a memoir. It is a lyrical reflection of a life devoted to the art of hospitality and the quiet courage it takes to follow an unconventional dream.

From his beginnings in the serene city of Trivandrum in Kerala, where values of humility and education were deeply rooted, Mohankumar dared to step off the well-trodden path. In an age when young minds were expected to become doctors, engineers, or civil servants, he chose a road less known, “the world of hotel management”. His decision to join the Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, then the country’s most prestigious catering college, marked the birth of a new kind of dreamer, one who believed that serving others with warmth and grace was a noble pursuit.

“Moth to Flame” gently unfolds this remarkable odyssey. It tells of his ascent within the Tata Group’s Indian Hotels Company Limited, where he spent over four decades shaping and nurturing the soul of Indian hospitality. From his early days at the legendary Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, to his later years as Managing Director and CEO of Taj Gateway and Ginger Hotels, every chapter reflects his belief that hospitality is not a job, but a calling.

Within these pages, readers will find rare glimpses of moments shared with visionary leaders like the Late Mr J. R. D. Tata and the Late Mr Ratan Tata, whose ideals deeply influenced his journey. There are reflections on leadership, humanity, and the subtle art of creating joy for others; lessons drawn not from boardrooms, but from lobbies, kitchens, and countless conversations that shaped a lifetime.

Through his poetic storytelling, Mr Mohankumar invites readers to witness the evolution of an industry once considered peripheral, now standing tall as one of India’s most respected professions. The book is both nostalgic and forward-looking, filled with gratitude for the people, mentors, and institutions that built the hospitality world we know today.

Honoured with the Hall of Fame Award by his alma mater, the Institute of Hotel Management, Dadar, Mumbai, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the TajLifers Collective, he remains a guiding light for young hoteliers. Even today, as he serves on the boards of Orange County and Prestige Hospitality, his wisdom continues to inspire the next generation.

At its heart, “Moth to Flame” is a story of devotion — of a man who chased the glow of his passion and, in doing so, illuminated the path for countless others. It is a reminder that the truest success lies not in titles or accolades, but in the light we pass on through our work, our words, and our kindness.

As Mr. Mohankumar beautifully reflects,

“The moth that chased the light was not destroyed. It was illuminated.”

At HospitalityNews, we believe “Moth to Flame” is an experience every hotelier, reader, and dreamer should embrace. It stands as a timeless reflection of what makes hospitality one of life’s most noble pursuits, a celebration of heart, heritage, and humanity expressed through a lifetime of purpose and passion.

Beyond the boardrooms and the bustle of hotel life, “Moth to Flame” also offers a glimpse into the man behind the professional triumphs. Mr. Mohankumar shares how he balanced an intense and demanding career with deep devotion to his family. Through years spent traveling and leading from the front, he anchored his personal life with self-discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment as a husband and father. He speaks of the importance of spending quality time together, creating meaningful moments during holidays, and embracing life’s imperfections with grace. His family, understanding his deep passion for his work, stood beside him, allowing him to pursue his calling while remaining the steady light at the center of his world.

“Moth to Flame” invites readers to feel every moment and walk alongside a man whose journey continues to inspire generations. For those who see hospitality as an expression of the soul rather than mere service, this story will stay with you, warm, luminous, and enduring like the gentle glow of a flame that never fades.

Book Launch Event

Join us as we celebrate the official launch of “Moth to Flame” by P.K. Mohankumar
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Venue: Tamara Lawns, Taj MG Road, Bengaluru

About the Book

Title: Moth to Flame
Author: P. K. Mohankumar
Genre: Memoir, Hospitality and Leadership
Now available for readers and dreamers who believe that true hospitality begins with heart.

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