The 56th annual FHRAI conference, themed ‘Anant Kashi’, was inaugurated in Varanasi. The event saw participation from political, tourism, and hospitality leaders who discussed the sector’s growth, challenges, and India’s cultural heritage.
The three-day 56th annual conference of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), themed ‘Anant Kashi’, was inaugurated with great pomp at Hotel Taj Ganges in Nadesar on Friday. The conference brought together prominent personalities from the hospitality, tourism, culture and political sectors. Chief guests and dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to India Vithaya Xayvong, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaute, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Stamps and Registration Ravindra Jaiswal, Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur, European Hotel Association President Dimitrios Manikis and FHRAI President Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp amid Vedic invocations.
‘Atithi Devo Bhava’: UP Speaker on Indian Hospitality
Speaking to ANI, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana said, “Hospitality is deeply rooted in Indian culture and reflected in the traditional principle of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava'”. He said Kashi has undergone a remarkable transformation and highlighted India’s growing global standing. He added that “The respect for the Indian diaspora has also increased since 2014, which we all feel proud of. He said that Gen-Z and Gen Alpha are the future of India, and Kashi has the responsibility to nurture them.” Mahana expressed that Kashi, one of the world’s oldest cities, reflects India’s rich cultural heritage and values of hospitality. He said India’s hotel industry is among the best in the world and expressed happiness over the three-day conference being held in Kashi. He added that the event will discuss challenges facing the hospitality sector, with government representatives expected to deliberate on possible support measures. He said, “Kashi is the world’s oldest city, and India represents the world’s oldest culture. India’s values provide direction to the world regarding how to live life. India’s hospitality industry, which signifies dedication and the joy of bringing a smile to another person’s face; this very spirit is being reflected in the conference taking place here in Kashi. Today, India’s hotel industry is the best in the world, so I extend my best wishes. This event will span three days and include academic sessions where industry challenges will be discussed. Government representatives will also attend to listen to these concerns and deliberate on the support the government can provide or has already extended. It is a matter of great happiness that this event is being organised in Kashi…”
Dignitaries Highlight Cultural and Tourism Ties
Special guest Vithaya Xayvong, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to India, highlighted the cultural and religious ties between India and Laos. He said, “Buddhism connects India and Laos, and Varanasi is an important link in that relationship. Relations between India and Laos have deepened significantly in recent years, which is having a positive impact on tourism. We invite Indians to the land of Laos.”
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo described Kashi as a destination that combines tourism with spirituality. He said Odisha was keen to strengthen tourism links between Kashi and Puri, highlighting the importance of the two major religious centres. He said the FHRAI’s 56th annual convention, themed ‘Anant Kashi’, brought together hoteliers to showcase Kashi’s spirituality, textiles and culture. Recalling his experience during the holy month of Shravan, he said religion plays an important role in preserving a country’s culture. Referring to the freedom struggle and Lokmanya Tilak’s use of religious celebrations to mobilise people, he said the younger generation, including Gen Z, is also increasingly connecting with religion.
Goa Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaute said Kashi and Goa are among India’s most prominent tourist destinations and share a special bond. He said Goa is also known as ‘South Kashi’ and highlighted efforts to promote religious tourism between the two destinations.
Ravindra Jaiswal, Minister of State for Stamps and Registration (Independent Charge), Uttar Pradesh, said India’s tourism and hospitality industry has made an important contribution to the country’s economic growth.
Maharaja Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur highlighted the centuries-old relationship between Mewar and Kashi and recalled the contribution of Maharana Fateh Singh towards the establishment of Banaras Hindu University. Mewar said, “There is an ancient bond between Mewar and this sacred place (Varanasi), a connection spanning centuries. I am also immensely happy today recalling the contribution Maharana Fateh Singh Ji made towards the establishment of Banaras Hindu University back in 1912; it is heartening to see how deeply connected this land of Mewar was to the cause of education so long ago. And today, a grand tourism festival is being celebrated here, drawing participants from across the country, a matter of great joy for us… We hope that, in line with the call given by our Prime Minister to explore our own country, more and more people will visit these regions; as Kashi is a revered religious site, people will surely come here to seek the blessings of ‘Baba’ and enjoy the experience of visiting.”
European Hotels Association President Dimitrios Manikis also praised India’s hospitality traditions, saying the country’s culture of welcoming guests makes it unique. Manikis said, “I have visited more than a hundred countries in the world, but no other country has hospitality like India; the culture of Atithi Devo Bhavo here makes it unique.”
Bharat Gaurav Awards Honour Kashi’s Icons
The conference also featured the FHRAI Bharat Gaurav Awards, recognising 15 personalities associated with the music, art and cultural heritage of Kashi. The awardees included Bharat Ratna late Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bharat Ratna late Ustad Bismillah Khan, late Munshi Premchand, Padma Vibhushan late Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Padma Vibhushan Girija Devi, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, Padma Bhushan Pandit Devi Prasad Dwivedi, Padma Shri Dr Harihar Kripalu Tripathi, Padma Shri Pandit Shivnath Mishra, Padma Shri Dr Rajeshwar Acharya, Padma Shri Dr Rajnikanth, Padma Shri Chandrashekhar Singh, Padma Shri Dr Mangala Kapoor, Padma Shri Pandit Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid and Dr Nagendra Pandey.
Cultural Showcase and Conclusion
More than 1,400 delegates from across India and abroad attended the conference and witnessed performances highlighting the rich musical traditions of the Banaras Gharana. Renowned sitar player Pandit Devbrat Mishra performed ‘Padhaaro Mhaaro Desh’, while Rudra Shankar Mishra presented a Kathak performance and Ustad Rizwan Haider performed the shehnai. The event was presided over by FHRAI President Surendra Kumar Jaiswal. Organising Secretary Garish Oberoi delivered the welcome address, while KB Kachru proposed the vote of thanks. (ANI)
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