Hotel Association of India & The Lalit Suri Hospitality School Partner to Launch ‘Image & Life Skills Lab’ in Presence of Union Tourism Minister

New Delhi, April 2026 – Strengthening its commitment to building future-ready talent for India’s hospitality industry, the Hotel Association of India (HAI) and The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS) formalized a strategic collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the School’s Faridabad campus.

The MoU exchange took place in the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, marking a significant step towards advancing skill development aligned with the Government’s vision for tourism-led growth.

About the Initiative

This partnership introduces the ‘Image & Life Skills Lab’, a specialized 10-day Professional Presence & Communication Development Program designed to equip participants with essential soft skills — interpersonal and communication skills — critical for success in today’s experience-driven hospitality landscape.

• Non-commercial collaboration: No financial obligations between the institutions.

• HAI’s role: Outreach, awareness, and industry integration.

• TLSHS’s role: Program delivery through faculty expertise, campus infrastructure, and immersive training methodologies.

• Certification: Joint certification from HAI and TLSHS, enhancing employability and professional readiness.

Event Highlights

The ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both organizations, including:

• Mr. K. B. Kachru, President, HAI & Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group

• Dr. Jyotsna Suri, CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group

• Members of the HAI Executive Committee

• Representatives of several HAI Member Hotels

The event featured a campus tour, MoU exchange, ministerial address, and interactive engagement with students and faculty.

Statements

Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, congratulated HAI and TLSHS, calling the initiative “historic” and emphasizing its role in creating employable, industry-ready professionals. He noted:

“Hospitality remains one of the most promising sectors for employment generation. By fostering structured collaboration, we are strengthening the talent pipeline and contributing to the long-term growth of the hospitality ecosystem.”

Mr. K. B. Kachru, President, HAI, said:

“Together with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School, we aim to bridge vital capability gaps by equipping professionals with interpersonal and communication skills essential in a service-driven industry. This collaboration is pivotal to India’s aspiration to achieve a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047.”

Dr. Jyotsna Suri, CMD, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, added:

“At TLSHS, we believe education goes beyond technical skills. Through the Image & Life Skills Lab, we aim to nurture individuals who are confident, inclusive, and industry-ready for the evolving needs of hospitality.”

About Hotel Association of India (HAI)

The Hotel Association of India is a leading industry body representing a wide network of hotels across the country. It works towards policy advocacy, industry growth, and capacity building for India’s hospitality sector.

About The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS)

The Lalit Suri Hospitality School is a premier institution dedicated to excellence in hospitality education, with a strong focus on skill development, inclusivity, and industry alignment. It nurtures professionals who combine technical expertise with emotional intelligence and global service standards.

The Lalit Suri Hospitality School and Chef Ritu Dalmia Collaborate to Launch the European Culinary Excellence Program

Mumbai March 2025: The Lalit Suri Hospitality School, in line with The Lalit Group’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and skill development, has announced a collaboration with renowned chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia to introduce the European Culinary Excellence Program—a transformative 10-week European culinary training. This initiative aims to foster an inclusive learning environment by providing aspiring chefs, including LGBTQIA+ students and individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, with access to world-class training.

The program will bring together 15 students from The Lalit Suri Hospitality School and 7 individuals from marginalized communities, 3 students from DIVA and 5 participants from the open category equipping them with hands-on experience in European and Italian cuisine. Participants will explore the historical and cultural influences that have shaped these cuisines while mastering classic recipes such as handmade pasta, risottos, gnocchi, breads, pastries, and desserts like tiramisu. Under the expert guidance of Chef Ritu Dalmia and her team, students will also gain essential technical skills, including knife techniques, sauce-making, and plating artistry.

Speaking about the collaboration, Chef Ritu Dalmia shared: "I am thrilled to partner with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School. Giving back to society is important, and the least I can do is share my knowledge and experience with young aspiring chefs. Over the past 32 years, I have learned so much, and I hope that this program will help shape future culinary stars who will make us all proud."

Rahul Ahuja, Principal, The Lalit Suri Hospitality School, emphasized the program’s broader vision:
"At The Lalit Suri Hospitality School, we are committed to fostering talent through meaningful learning experiences. The Culinary Excellence Program is another step towards promoting inclusivity in the hospitality industry. Under the mentorship of Chef Ritu Dalmia, students will not only develop culinary expertise but also gain a deeper appreciation for diverse European food cultures."

The European Culinary Excellence Program embodies The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, redefining culinary excellence in hospitality education, and driving empowerment through world-class skill development