IHCL Wins 38th Jamnalal Bajaj Award for Fair Business Practices, Setting a New Benchmark for the Sustainable Hospitality and Ethical Governance

Written By: Gishan Das

Gishan Das

Gishan Das is a dedicated graduate with academic backgrounds in History and Political Science and practical experience in journalism and digital content creation. He completed his History Honours from Serampore College under the University of Calcutta and Political Science Honours from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2025. His academic credentials are supported by professional certifications including a B2 level Certification in French language, NISM Financial Education certification in collaboration with the Aditya Birla Group alongside Gishan has strong expertise in journalism, news research and SEO-based content writing. He has demonstrated skills in news analysis, fact-checking, headline creation, digital storytelling and search-optimized reporting, which are also reflected in the journalism and media skills

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March 26, 2026 1:25 PM

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has received the 38th Jamnalal Bajaj Award for Fair Business Practices in the Service Enterprises Large category for the 2025-2026 period. This award is a testament to the company’s unyielding commitment to the highest standards of governance and ethics while building long-term value in the hospitality industry. The award is a testament to the hospitality industry’s potential to drive positive change while setting a new standard for ethical business practices, creating a positive impact on the environment, and promoting the overall growth and development of the industry.

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO of IHCL, expressed his pride at the company’s receipt of the award by stating, “At IHCL, governance and ethics are fundamental to how we conduct our business and create long-term value. Through our ESG+ framework of Paathya, we have institutionalized transparent, accountable, and fair practices across the organization, and the Jamnalal Bajaj Award is a recognition of this legacy.”

Paathya: A Framework for the Future of Sustainable Hospitality

The foundation of IHCL’s commitment to fair business practices lies in its ESG+ framework, Paathya, which emphasizes the core principles of governance, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. This framework integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into IHCL’s operations, ensuring that the company is not only creating value for its guests and shareholders but also positively impacting local communities and environmental resources.

As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, Paathya positions IHCL at the forefront of the sustainable hospitality movement, showcasing how corporate governance and sustainable business practices are critical to achieving both long-term profitability and environmental stewardship. This ethical framework will serve as a model for future hospitality industry practices, encouraging more companies to adopt transparent, responsible practices that benefit both the environment and the communities they operate in.

Driving Future Hospitality Growth through Ethical and Sustainable Practices

As the global tourism market grows, there is an increasing demand for ethical and sustainable practices within the hospitality industry. IHCL’s recognition with the Jamnalal Bajaj Award serves as an important signal to the industry that responsible tourism and corporate governance are no longer optional but essential for future success. The company’s commitment to sustainable practices—from energy efficiency to community engagement—will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future growth of the hospitality sector.

With the growing importance of sustainability in tourism and corporate practices, IHCL’s leadership in this space will help define the direction of the global hospitality industry, ensuring that companies can achieve success by aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This balance will help the sector meet the needs of eco-conscious travelers while ensuring long-term profitability and sustainable growth.

The Future Impact of Fair Business Practices on the Global Hospitality Sector

The Jamnalal Bajaj Award for Fair Business Practices not only celebrates IHCL’s achievements but also sets a global benchmark for how the hospitality industry can balance business success with ethical practices. The award will inspire other companies to adopt similar sustainable business practices, corporate transparency, and governance frameworks, contributing to the long-term health of the global tourism and hospitality sectors.

As sustainability continues to be a key driver of tourism growth, companies like IHCL will continue to lead the way, fostering a more resilient and responsible hospitality sector. Through these practices, the hospitality sector can expand while minimizing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and enhancing guest satisfaction.

The Role of Sustainable Practices in Enhancing Hospitality Sector Competitiveness

In the coming years, the hospitality sector will see increasing competition among companies that prioritize sustainability and responsible business. As travelers become more aware of the environmental and social impact of their choices, companies that align with these values will likely see increased customer loyalty and market share. IHCL’s commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and community development ensures that the brand is well-positioned to lead the way in future hospitality growth.

By focusing on transparent governance, sustainable development, and community-centered practices, IHCL is setting a new standard for the hospitality sector—one that is rooted in both economic growth and social responsibility. This forward-thinking approach to business is not only helping the company thrive but is also paving the way for the entire hospitality sector to grow in a way that is sustainable, ethical, and beneficial to communities.

Shaping the Future of Hospitality Through Ethical and Sustainable Practices

The recognition of IHCL as the winner of the prestigious 38th Jamnalal Bajaj Award is an acknowledgment of its long-standing commitment to good governance and sustainable hospitality practices. This is an example of how the company’s vision in corporate governance is such that it is able to achieve alignment in its business as well as sustainability agendas.

As sustainability and ethical practices remain high on the agenda in terms of the future of the hospitality industry, IHCL’s leadership will continue to define the future of global tourism growth. Its efforts in this regard are defining a new benchmark in the industry to ensure that future growth is achieved in an environmentally friendly way.

Image Source: IHCL