The LaLiT Launches Book Featuring Stories of Its Queer Employees

New Delhi, November 02, 2026: The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group has launched Hospitality with a Heart, a book featuring personal stories of its queer team members, at the Crystal Ballroom of The LaLiT New Delhi. Written by Amrita Tripathi, the book includes an introduction by Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group.

The book documents the experiences of individuals who have faced social marginalisation, challenged stereotypes and found a sense of pride and belonging. It also traces the development of the Group's inclusion practices, highlighting how its approach evolved from providing employment opportunities to changing workplace policies and systems to better support queer employees.

These measures include revised policies and processes, gender-affirming healthcare support, Employee Resource Groups and other programmes for queer team members.

The launch began with a welcome address by Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director. Journalist Faye D'Souza moderated a panel discussion featuring Amrita Tripathi, Rithik Hukku, Shaurya and Shruti. The discussion explored empathy, inclusion and the role of hospitality beyond conventional service.

Speaking about 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 team members featured in the publication. Keshav Suri delivered the vote of thanks. The event also featured a performance by Hash Brownie in line with Kitty Su Beauty.

The stories featured in the book come from team members associated with the Group's initiatives, including She Leads, the Aditya Nanda Scholarship, Project Prahari and Apna Heera. The contributors include LGBTQIA+ persons, acid attack survivors, persons with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals.

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group operates luxury hotels, palaces and resorts across India under The LaLiT brand, along with mid-market properties under The LaLiT Traveller brand. Its inclusion initiatives focus on creating employment opportunities for marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+ persons, neurodivergent individuals and acid attack survivors.