The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India (HRAEI), the apex body representing the hospitality sector in Eastern India, convened its 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 24, 2025, at The Park Hotel, Kolkata. The gathering, attended by hoteliers, restaurateurs and industry stakeholders, was marked by the election of new office bearers as well as representatives to the committee of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI).
Established on July 18, 1961, HRAEI is the principal industry association for the hospitality sector across twelve states and a Union Territory in Eastern India. Over the past six decades, it has played a pivotal role in policy advocacy, industry development and professional growth, working closely with state and central governments and allied organisations to safeguard the interests of hotels, restaurants and allied businesses.
The highlight of the AGM was the election of a new leadership team to guide the Association in the coming term. Sudesh Poddar was elected as President, with Mohammad Azhar as Senior Vice President, Manoj Gowda as Vice President, Pranab Singh as Honorary Secretary, Deepak Kapoor as Honorary Treasurer, Souvik Raha as Honorary Joint Treasurer, and Aneel Goenka as Joint Honorary Secretary.
Alongside the internal leadership, HRAEI also selected its representatives to the FHRAI Committee, ensuring regional participation in the national-level forum of the hospitality industry. Those elected to FHRAI from HRAEI included Sudesh Kumar Poddar, Pranab Singh, Girish Arora, Ashok Singh, Sandeep Sehgal and Vijay Kumar Diwan.
In his address after assuming charge, the newly elected President, Sudesh Poddar, emphasised the need for collective effort in strengthening the hospitality sector. He underscored the importance of proactive engagement with policymakers, arguing that only a united industry voice could ensure that the challenges facing the sector are adequately addressed. Poddar highlighted opportunities for growth that could be harnessed through collaboration, innovation and closer interaction with governments at both the state and central levels.
The deliberations during the AGM touched on the pressing issues facing the hospitality sector, including the impact of shifting consumer preferences, the need for digital transformation, and challenges posed by regulatory frameworks. Members also discussed strategies for workforce development and professional training to maintain service excellence in an increasingly competitive environment.
Officials pointed out that the hospitality industry in Eastern India is uniquely placed to benefit from both domestic and international tourism trends. With the region’s cultural diversity, culinary traditions and growing urban centres, the Association views its role as not only defending business interests but also promoting Eastern India as a destination of choice for travellers.
The meeting reaffirmed HRAEI’s commitment to advancing the hospitality sector, both regionally and nationally. Members stressed that by maintaining close ties with FHRAI, the Association could ensure that regional issues are represented at the national level, thus influencing broader policy directions.
The AGM also served as a reminder of the Association’s long-standing contribution to the industry. Since its inception, HRAEI has been central to shaping hospitality standards in Eastern India, offering a platform for dialogue, dispute resolution, and business networking. Over the years, it has grown to represent not only established hotels and restaurants but also emerging businesses and allied service providers.
As the session concluded, members reiterated their support for the newly elected leadership and their confidence in the Association’s ability to navigate a changing industry landscape. The 64th AGM stood out not only as a routine exercise in governance but as a demonstration of continuity and vision, reinforcing HRAEI’s role as a vital institution for the hospitality industry in Eastern India.
