ANCHOR NEWS: THE LaLiT LAUNCHES HOSPITALITY WITH A HEART, A BOOK OF STORIES FROM ITS QUEER TEAM

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI | 2 NOVEMBER 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group today launched Hospitality with a Heart, a book of personal stories from its queer team members, at the Crystal Ballroom, The LaLiT New Delhi. The book is written by Amrita Tripathi, with an introduction by Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group.

The book follows people who have lived on the fringes, challenged the labels placed on them, and found their way to pride and belonging. It also records how the Group’s approach to inclusion took shape: a question of whether hiring from a marginalised community was enough, or whether the systems around them also had to change. That question led to revised policies and processes, gender-affirming healthcare support, Employee Resource Groups and wider programmes for queer team members.

The launch opened with a welcome address by Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director. Journalist Faye D’Souza then moderated a panel with Amrita Tripathi, Rithik Hukku, Shaurya and Shruti on empathy, inclusion and what hospitality means beyond service.

Speaking on the book, Amrita Tripathi said, “When we kicked off this project, I expected to hear stories about DEI and queer leadership. What I heard instead were often heart-rending stories of isolation, bullying, intense pressure to conform, and the critical importance of a hospitable work environment. The clincher really is the difference the everyday things make, like how being called the right name and not being made to feel ‘other’ can transform someone’s entire life. I hope readers can meet each of our interviewees as people, in their own words, and feel inspired to show up as allies.”

Keshav Suri said, “Hospitality, at its heart, is about making people feel they belong. And true inclusion is when you don’t have to leave a part of yourself at the door to be welcomed in. For us, this goes beyond opening doors or offering opportunities; it is about creating workplaces where every team member can show up as their whole self, with dignity, pride and the freedom to thrive. Decriminalisation was an important step, but equality is the work that follows. The real measure of progress is not just who gets a seat at the table, but who feels safe, respected and valued once they are there. This book honours the people who have brought us closer to that promise, while reminding us that making hospitality truly inclusive is a responsibility we must continue to live every day.”

The book was unveiled by Dr Jyotsna Suri, the Executive Directors, Amrita Tripathi, Faye D’Souza, and the featured team members. Keshav Suri delivered the vote of thanks, and Hash Brownie performed in line with Kitty Su Beauty.

The stories in the book come from team members who are now part of She Leads, the Aditya Nanda Scholarship, Project Prahari and Apna Heera, among them LGBTQIA+ persons, acid attack survivors, persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.

About The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group is one of India’s leading privately owned domestic hotel groups, operating luxury hotels, palaces and resorts across key business and leisure destinations. The Group currently operates 12 luxury properties under The LaLiT brand and two mid-market hotels under The LaLiT Traveller brand. Rooted in its Indian heritage, the Group brings together distinctive hospitality, curated experiences, culinary excellence and a strong commitment to sustainability. Its philosophy, Hospitality with a Heart, reflects its focus on creating meaningful guest experiences while making a positive impact on the communities it serves.

Beyond hospitality, the Group believes in developing destinations by empowering local communities, supporting livelihoods, and contributing to the social and economic development of the regions in which it operates. Inclusion is integral to its approach, with a focus on creating meaningful employment opportunities for marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+ persons, neurodivergent individuals and acid attack survivors. Through The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School, the Group also invests in education and skill development, equipping students from diverse backgrounds with industry-ready skills and career opportunities, with a 100% placement record to date.