Past Presidents Honoured by Actor Boman Irani at 20th Regional Convention
Dr Ajit Kerkar and Mr Vivek Nair Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards
Mumbai, October 17: The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI – commemorated its Platinum Jubilee with a grand Awards Ceremony during its 20th Regional Convention. The milestone event saw acclaimed actor Boman Irani felicitate all Past Presidents of HRAWI for their enduring contributions to the hospitality industry.
Dr Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, and Chief Guest of the convention, presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to Dr Ajit B. Kerkar, President of Honour, and Mr Vivek Nair, Member of Honour, recognizing their outstanding service and leadership in Indian hospitality. Mr Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI, accepted the award on behalf of Dr Kerkar, who could not attend the ceremony.
Honouring the Legacy of 75 Years
The event paid tribute to the visionaries who shaped HRAWI into one of India’s most influential hospitality associations. Founded under the inspiration of J.R.D. Tata, HRAWI has consistently upheld standards of excellence and unity within the hospitality community.
The Past Presidents honoured at the ceremony included:
Late Mr A. P. Sabavala, Late Mr Rustom Masani, Late Mr D.R.D. Tata, Late Mr Maneck S. Shaw, Dr Ajit B. Kerkar, Late Mr Manmohan Singh Bedi, Late Mr Pesi M. Shaw, Late Mr Prakash Malik, Late Mr Jehangir Cama, Mr Vivek Nair, Late Mr Sunder N. Awatramani, Late Mr Rabinder Singh Bedi, Mr Dinesh Khanna, Mr S.P. Jain, Mr Suresh M. Talera, Mr Kamlesh Barot, Mr D.S. Advani, Mr Bharat Malkani, Mr Dilip Datwani, Dr Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Mr Sherry Bhatia, and Mr Pradeep Shetty.
Boman Irani Shares His Hospitality Journey
Presenting the awards, Boman Irani reflected on his early days in the hospitality industry, sharing that his first job was as a waiter at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. He spoke fondly of his journey from washing dishes in the basement to serving at the iconic ‘Rendezvous’ rooftop restaurant, once among Mumbai’s most exclusive dining venues.
“Seventy-five years is a remarkable journey. Each of these leaders has carried forward the legacy of Indian hospitality, setting benchmarks of excellence and resilience. It is a privilege to celebrate their contributions to the industry and to the Association,” said Mr Irani.
Dr Shashi Tharoor’s Vision for the Future of Indian Hospitality
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Shashi Tharoor emphasized that tourism and hospitality are the mirrors of a nation’s soul, underscoring the industry’s vital role in shaping India’s image globally.
He urged the sector to focus on three pillars—Image, Infrastructure, and Immigration—to align with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and establish the country as a global tourism powerhouse.
“This evening isn’t just about honouring the leaders and pioneers who have shaped our Association; it’s about celebrating 75 years of an industry that has built careers, created opportunities, and welcomed the world with open arms,” concluded Mr Jimmy Shaw, President of HRAWI.
HRAWI: 75 Years of Service to the Hospitality Industry
Over the decades, HRAWI has played a pivotal role in representing and strengthening the hotel and restaurant industry across Western India. The association continues to drive key initiatives in policy advocacy, skill development, and industry growth.
Today, HRAWI’s membership spans Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, representing establishments ranging from independent restaurants to 5-star deluxe hotels.
About the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI
Founded 75 years ago, the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) represents hotels and restaurants across Western India. It serves as the regional arm of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late J.R.D. Tata.
HRAWI is recognized as the voice of the hospitality industry, advocating for sustainable growth, professional excellence, and unity across all sectors of tourism and hospitality.
