New Delhi, August 12, 2026: The Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF) and The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group have released two reports documenting their work on education, employment and livelihood opportunities for LGBTQIA+ and other marginalised communities over the past decade.
The Aditya Nanda Scholarship Impact Assessment and Building Inclusive Livelihoods Through Hospitality Report examine how education, skilling, employment and partnerships have contributed to pathways towards economic independence and inclusion.
Instituted in 2019, the Aditya Nanda Scholarship provides 100% fee support to deserving LGBTQIA+ students, along with mentorship, career counselling, queer-affirmative mental health support and skill-building opportunities. Through The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School and partnerships with the Indian School of Hospitality and Lovely Professional University, scholars can pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, hospitality and culinary programmes.
According to the assessment, 55% of scholars remain enrolled, while 34% have completed their programmes. The programme has also enabled 28% of scholars to re-enter formal education after an interruption, while 31% are first-generation learners. Scholars have come from 12 states and union territories, with programme attrition reported at 3.4%.
The scholarship was instituted in memory of Aditya Nanda, who was Keshav Suri’s cousin and mentor.
Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group and Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation, said, “The Aditya Nanda Scholarship is deeply personal to me. Aditya was my cousin and my mentor, and institutionalising this scholarship in his name is my way of keeping his memory alive while creating something meaningful from a bond that continues to matter to me. For many LGBTQIA+ people, the education system and society have historically reminded us that we belong on the fringes. This scholarship is about changing that narrative. We do not want to be on the fringes—we want to participate, excel and contribute. We pay taxes, build businesses, create jobs and contribute to India’s growth. When India dreams of a US$4 trillion economy, we want to be part of that dream. This India is as much ours as anybody’s. Inclusion is not about charity or special treatment. It is about access to opportunity. Give people that opportunity and they will thrive.”
The second report, Building Inclusive Livelihoods Through Hospitality, covers The LaLiT’s inclusion initiatives between 2016 and 2026. During this period, the initiatives engaged more than 500 LGBTQIA+ team members, over 200 transgender professionals and more than 300 persons with disabilities, while creating more than 300 direct employment opportunities.
The report also highlights partnerships with more than 35 community organisations and NGOs that have reached over 1,500 individuals. In addition, more than 350 diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) sensitisation sessions have engaged over 15,000 students, employees, leaders and other stakeholders.
Together, the two reports outline an approach that links education and skilling with employment and livelihood opportunities. The initiatives are being pursued through KSF, The LaLiT and The LaLiT Suri Hospitality School, with a focus on expanding access to education, employment and career development for marginalised communities.
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