A nationwide lockdown is not easy for anyone. In India, where the population is the second-largest in the world, the challenge is twin-fold. The country is not only fighting the epidemic but is also fighting hunger. The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, however, has taken it in their stride to help overcome this. Read on to know how. By Bayar Jain
The LaLiT has taken the lead to support Delhi Government’s initiative of feeding those in need by donating 1,000 kilograms of wheat flour, 300 kilograms of refined wheat flour, and over 700 kilograms of vegetables sourced from their own gardens to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). Additionally, 11 of their hotels are providing more than 1,000 kilograms of wheat flour, 500 grams of refined wheat flour, 200 litres of oil, food supplies, and fruits and vegetables to local authorities.
Speaking about this, Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group said, “These are extraordinary times. COVID-19 is one of the toughest crisis ever faced by humanity. Everyone must do their bit to fight this pandemic. The need of the hour is to stand together and take care of those most affected. Together we can and we will overcome this.”
Leading by example, Suri, along with Executive Directors Divya Suri, and Keshav Suri have decided to forego their salaries for the next six months. Additionally, the executive leadership team has also voluntarily pitched for a 50 per cent pay cut.
Such philanthropic activities, however, are not new to the LaLiT Group. Over the past three decades, the team has been providing fresh food to special children at Mother Teresa’s Missionaries home. In the recent past, the teams at hotels have even engaged in regular distribution drives with the Robin Hood Army to help eradicate hunger.
Under their banner of Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF), they have also been reaching out to support the transgenders through different NGOs such as Kinnar Maa Trust in Mumbai, Sangama in Bangalore and Saksham Trust in Chandigarh. Through these NGOs, they are providing them with over 500 kilograms of wheat flour, groceries, fruits and vegetables. Moreover, KSF has also taken the initiative of extending mental health support to people in need. Their onboard counsellors give free counselling to help people cope with the situation, and overcome hurdles. The Foundation has also started Queering Quarantine, an online series of talks, interactions and workshops to help people cope with the lockdown, and utilise their time in learning and exploring new areas.
Related: This Social Initiative To Combat Coronavirus Scare Will Melt Your Heart
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.
