NextGen Royal Entrepreneurs

Each generation acts as a vital mediator, bridging the gap between the past and the future while infusing their creativity and insights into the mix. Ultimately, it's a delightful cycle of highlighting frolic, learning, and legacy-building. And look at the magic today - India’s youth is passionately working to spread the essence of our history and heritage—like fine wine, it only becomes more enchanting with age.

The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) recently held its 11th Annual Convention and 23rd Annual General Meeting at INDeco Hotels Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, in Tamil Nadu. This gathering aimed to focus on preserving and promoting Indian culture. Heritage hotels and palaces owners from across the country participated and discussed the blueprint of a 25-year roadmap for heritage tourism. Also present at the table were nextgen young turks Sonavi Kaicker, Sahana Steve, Radha Niranjani Tondaiman, Mahadhriti Singh Chundawat, and Jaidev Singh, who weighed in their opinion.

Incidentally, we spoke to these next generation of luxury hotel and boutique homestay owners about their insights into the current state of heritage hotels, expectations from the government, social media marketing and much more. They are outspoken, talented, and knowledgeable, showcasing their commitment to preserving our heritage.

Preserving heritage with sass and class

Sonavi Kaicker stands tall—not just in stature but in her vision too, exuding powerful 'boss lady' energy that inspires those around her. As the proud CEO of Neemrana Hotels, she represents the second generation with grace and mettle. Her leadership is a testament to the blend of tradition and modernity.

‘Neemranification’ refers to the restoration and revitalisation of India's historical structures and their transformation into heritage hotels. This journey began in 1977 under the leadership of Aman Nath, Sonavi’s beloved uncle. In 2010, she joined the mission, contributing her efforts to expand and systematically and professionally manage the Neemrana Hotels. This indeed looks like a mammoth task. We asked her, "Do you perceive this as pressure?" She confidently smiled, “We were raised with the philosophy that Old is Gold. Playing even the smallest part in preserving our culture and heritage is an honour— it’s a responsibility that I embrace with open arms."

Based in Delhi, she oversees Neemrana Hotels’ properties, which span across India, from North to South, with over 18 non-hotel hotels across 13 destinations. “The most rewarding aspect of my work is exploring rural India, meeting new people from diverse backgrounds, supporting local employment, and, above all, preserving India’s rich history—something I find deeply fulfilling,” added the Rhodes Scholar from Oxford University.

Embracing change

During our conversation, Sonavi, who spent a considerable time in the heritage hospitality industry, reflected on the current state of India’s historic properties. "While many heritage sites have faced neglect, I believe this is changing. The mindset of Indian domestic travellers is evolving, as they are proudly exploring our heritage. I am glad the government is recognising the value of these historical sites; this has encouraged public-private partnerships (PPP) to facilitate restoration," she shared. "This is just the beginning. We, as Indians, should take greater pride in visiting these properties to help preserve them and to educate the next generation about the importance of India’s rich heritage,” she added. Under Sonavi’s leadership, Neemrana Hotels is actively collaborating with the government to promote yoga and wellness through various events hosted at their properties, reinforcing yoga's significance in India's cultural heritage.

Technologising our heritage

Incorporating technology is essential for sustaining any field, and Sonavi has embraced this principle early in her career to enhance the value of her heritage properties. She emphasises the importance of social media and technology in improving communication and customer service. "In fact, in 2017, I led the deployment of chatbots to efficiently engage with our guests," she shared. Additionally, Neemrana Hotels stay current by collaborating with influencers to review their properties, ensuring that the content reflects the USP of the brand.

Beyond borders and limits

There is no looking back for her. Last year, they launched the 20th century Neemrana’s Three Waters in Betul, South Goa, a rare and special property showcasing 9,000 shells, along with a swimming pool and local cuisine offering guests an opportunity to experience authentic Goan culture. With that, her commitment to safeguarding the glorious history for a sustainable future is impeccable. Bold, visionary, and driven, Sonavi yet again sets out to preserve India's golden heritage, celebrating the rich diversity of the nation.

Painting her Town Red with Heritage and Leadership

The IHHA annual meeting took place at INDeco Hotels, Swamimalai, owned by Steve Borgia, Sahana’s father. Though Steve was present there, it was clear that Sahana was the one taking the driving seat in managing the event. With grace and confidence, she took charge, impressing everyone with her seamless coordination. Steve looked happy to see his legacy in capable hands, knowing that the heritage and vision he built were being carried forward with such dedication and skill. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Sahana Steve, Executive Director of INDeco Hotels.

Steve’s elder daughter Chandini is also an integral part of the family business and currently serves as one of the Directors at INDeco Leisure Hotels – responsible for overseeing Finance and Administration. Meanwhile, the younger daughter, Sahana, manages the Operations of INDeco.

When asked about how it feels helping out your father in the business, she proudly said, “More than anything, following in his footsteps has been an honour." She stepped into the family business in 2015. “My vision is to take the hotel forward while maintaining its foundation and staying relevant as well. I'm working to find the right balance, and the journey has been truly rewarding,” expressed Sahana. She holds a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from University College Birmingham, providing her with a profound understanding of the industry.

Preserving heritage

To elevate her hotel experience, Sahana believes that focusing on immersive and experiential offerings is essential. She explained, “The state of Indian heritage palaces and hotels is evolving significantly. Today's generation seeks experiential holidays that go beyond traditional accommodations. They desire immersive experiences that connect them to history and culture, rather than just a place to sleep with basic amenities.”

Further emphasising this point, she shared, “At INDeco, we strive to recreate the lifestyle of our grandparents and immerse guests in the nostalgia of village life. Many young people today have lost touch with their heritage, as their grandparents may no longer be around to share those stories. Visiting heritage properties allows guests to reconnect with their roots and learn about our cultural traditions and values.”

“Safeguarding our heritage is essential, rather its the only way forward,” said a proud Sahana.

Social media, technology, and heritage

Sahana emphasises the significance of using social media and technology to connect with customers. By leveraging platforms like Rannkly (software), she gathers valuable insights into customer preferences and feedback, allowing for continuous service improvement and effective customer engagement. This approach reflects her strong commitment to customer satisfaction and the strategic use of digital tools.

Regarding her expectations from the government, Sahana stated, “I believe the government needs to enhance visibility and recognition of our heritage sites, not just those that are commercialised as heritage hotels. While they are not entirely neglecting these sites, there is a noticeable lack of promotion for broader cultural heritage.

She further remarked, “Our government must recognise that storytelling is a powerful tool; every heritage property has a narrative that deserves to be told. We should focus on creating venues that offer immersive experiences, highlighting the surrounding areas and their historical significance rather than promoting hotels individually.”

On the involvement of big companies in heritage sites, she noted, “As long as they don’t disturb the foundation, it is good for our industry.” Despite being busy with event and hotel work, Sahana radiated peace—there was a radiant glow on her face, conveying her passion for preserving heritage. And all this while, there was a sense of pride on her parents' faces—how could there not be? They knew the future was bright, with Sahana leading the way.

Unveiling Tamil Nadu's legacy through Tredis

In a room full of heritage hotel and palace owners – mingling and chatting, Radha stands out effortlessly. There’s a quiet spark about her—a graceful demure that subtly hints at her confidence and expertise. Though she may come across as reserved or shy, it’s clear she knows exactly what she’s doing, even if she chooses to keep it to herself.

Radha comes from the royal family of Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu and she carries a lineage rich with history and influence. Her mother is a politician, while her father and brother have both excelled in sports. Radha too stands out by following her heart. Driven by her passion, she chose a unique role—connecting people to the stories embedded in heritage properties. As she puts it, “Every heritage property has a story to tell. I want to be the mediator, offering a blank canvas for the heritage palaces whose stories have to be heard.” She said with a smile, “Every heritage property exudes culture. I wanted to share that story because I enjoyed staying in this palace as a child with my parents and grandparents.” In the past four years, she led the renovation, restoration, and revitalisation of her heirloom colonial property. Sprawling over 10 acres and 35 rooms, Tredis is almost complete and ready to welcome people.

Strong foundation

Radha has been deeply focused ever since she made the decision to transform her property into a heritage hotel. She took charge of the entire process, ensuring everything was done meticulously. “The groundwork of visiting heritage and luxury hotels around the world like - up north in our country, Versailles in France, or even the smaller palaces in Germany and Nuremberg city – was rewarding and enlightening,” she added with pride. Her dual degree in hospitality, tourism, and business administration comes in handy.

The driving force behind the project was deeper—it was about legacy, heritage, and culture. She observed, “In Tamil Nadu, there wasn’t as much emphasis on promoting heritage as there is in the north. While palaces in Rajasthan or smaller boutique hotels in the north thrived by capitalising on their cultural value, Tamil Nadu’s colonial buildings often lay in disrepair. This venture is more than just a business, it was about keeping my family’s history alive.” Through this, Radha hopes to change that mindset, beginning with Tredis.

Focused and how

Radha believes that if you have a tale to tell, social media is the most powerful platform to share it on. She intends to make the most of its value, noting, “Social media is incredibly easy to use, and practically everyone is on it. With the rise of influencers today, I plan to maximise its potential in the best way possible.”

Radha understands that today’s generation is a digital nomad, but she has a plan to attract them as well. “Today’s generation seeks experience-based travel. Our property offers a 360-degree view of Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage. I am confident they will appreciate this immersive journey,” she said.

Tredis will soon open its doors to the public. “I can’t wait for people to hear what Tredis has to tell,” she smiled. For Radha, this is her greatest achievement—sharing her family’s legacy and TamilNadu’s treasure with the world. Her hope is to ensure the stories of the past are remembered for generations to come.

Where passion meets purpose

He is young, bold, and talented—and he has pulled up his socks to live up to the title of ‘custodian of tradition and heritage’. "With great power comes great responsibility, and as a custodian, I wish to give my best to carry our traditions forward," said a proud Mahadhriti.

The joy on his face as he runs the boutique homestay, in Deogarh, Rajasthan, is truly a sight to behold. Smiling from ear to ear, he says, “I am living a dream. This boutique stay is heritage and has all my heart.” His passion for preserving the heritage while creating a unique experience brings him a sense of fulfillment that shines through his smile. “We are the flagbearers of our heritage,” he shared, highlighting the pride he feels in introducing visitors to his family’s contributions to history.

Taking the onus

Mahadhriti is very opinionated, especially when it comes to discussing the state and significance of our heritage sites and hotels. Mahadhriti emphasised that entrepreneurs should take proactive steps, rather than completely depending on government’s support, to preserve India's heritage. "There must be enough awareness about vandalism and degradation that undermines historical value. It is our heritage; we must preserve it. There should also be strict restoration policies, similar to those in England, to maintain the authenticity of heritage structures. Creating booklets to educate citizens about the architectural styles across India, particularly in regions like Rajasthan will be valued," he stressed.

His passion and urgency for preserving architectural heritage were evident, as he also suggested documenting the diverse cultural influences in Indian architecture in a multi-volume book format. Mahadhriti urged local communities to take pride in their heritage and actively participate in preservation efforts.

Harnessing the power of social media

Mahadhriti comes with a breath of fresh air, adding new dimensions to their family business. As a young entrepreneur, he recognises the power of social media and has been experimenting with its vast potential.

“We are in this for the long run. Incorporating social media is inevitable, and we’ve been doing just that,” says Mahadhriti. Their strategy involves focusing on long-form videos on YouTube and utilising shorter content on Instagram to engage audiences, respecting their attention spans.

Understanding the diversity of their audience, Mahadhriti aims to connect with different segments through tailored content. “Overall, social media has been a boon to our family business,” he said.

To the people, for the people

Through their boutique homestay, they are creating employment opportunities and fostering cultural awareness. The family is deeply committed to sustainable and organic farming, which provides business and livelihood to local communities. "Our community completes us, so we must take care of it," he urged. With a smile, he added, " It’s all about preserving our ecosystem. Even the food we serve is grown by us, providing jobs for local farmers. We're also working to preserve wildlife corridors. In this way, we're ensuring everything is protected for future generations”.

His journey exemplifies an amalgamation of tradition and innovation. Flagbearers like Mahadhriti are ensuring that the youth of the nation, and around the world, are aware of our heritage and actively preserving it.

Passion for Heritage

Jaidev exudes a striking presence, which is marked by his deep appreciation for heritage and an unwavering commitment to its preservation. His vast reservoir of knowledge allows him to engage in meaningful conversations. Setting foot in the family business, at just 27, Jaidev serves as the Director of Umed Bhawan Palace, Kotah, and the Executive Trustee of the Kotah Garh. While such responsibilities may seem daunting to many, for him they provide a profound sense of purpose. “More than anything, it’s an honour and a responsibility to take forward and preserve our heritage,” said a proud Jaidev.

In this - together

Although he has been involved in the heritage hotel business only recently, his lifelong exposure to the same, allows him to have a valuable perspective. Enlightening us about the condition of our heritage palaces, he stated, “The responsibility of preserving our heritage does not rest solely with the government; entrepreneurs and those managing the palaces and historic structures must also do their utmost to safeguard it. Having said that, I feel government can play a vital role in promoting and creating suitable conditions for the survival and growth of our heritage. Also, as citizens, we must show due respect to our historical sites and help preserve them.” With that, he advocates for the government to establish a regulatory framework to prevent the destruction of historical structures.

Born to do this

Jaidev graduated from Cornell University with a major in Economics and a minor in Business. With a solid educational foundation, he embarked on a corporate career in the finance industry where he worked with the industry bigwigs. Despite his successful corporate journey, Jaidev decided to return to his roots. He emphasised the importance of continuing the family business, stating, “Yes, the onus is on the next generation, to uphold our values and take the legacy of our culture forward. I strive to do the same every day”.

Powerful tool

Social media is a powerful tool that can help share your vision with the world. Jaidev understands its value and aims to leverage it wisely for various aspects of his heritage business.

He stated, “We have already been using it across many of our entities. I have taken the time to understand how we can utilise social media effectively. For heritage properties, social media can be a great way to tell some of the many stories that define them. Platforms like YouTube and Facebook can attract diverse demographics. They serve as appetisers and trailers for what travellers and visitors might expect, and for them to get a glimpse of the unique character and identity that each heritage property possesses.”

A man with a plan

Jaidev’s passion is truly contagious. He shares a plan that paints a beautiful picture of our heritage’s revival, “I want to highlight both the tangible and intangible culture of our area, through stories of our rich heritage. Many don’t realise that Kota and Hadoti are more than just coaching classes—there’s the mighty Chambal River, a UNESCO World Heritage site, temples, and a meteor impact crater. I want to spread awareness about these attractions, promote local art, and develop tourism. My goal is to make this accessible to all”. His ambitious plans ensure that the future of our heritage is in the right hands.