Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), has announced the institution of a prestigious national honour titled the Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar Award, in sacred memory of his father, Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th Custodian of the House of Mewar.
The award will recognise individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions in the fields of tourism, hospitality, heritage conservation, and sustainable development.
Announcing the award, Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar said the honour seeks to celebrate the enduring vision and legacy of Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar, who was widely regarded as a pioneering figure in heritage conservation and hospitality in India.
"Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar was a visionary leader whose life's work helped preserve the rich cultural heritage of Mewar while presenting it meaningfully to the world. Through his pioneering initiatives in heritage hospitality and sustainable tourism, he placed Udaipur and Rajasthan firmly on the global tourism map," Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar said.
His initiatives ensured that the historic legacy of Mewar was not only protected but also revitalised for contemporary audiences, allowing heritage spaces to remain vibrant and relevant for future generations.
In 1984, Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar introduced the concept of heritage hospitality as a sustainable tourism model, offering a new and innovative approach to heritage conservation in India. He believed that historic monuments should not merely be preserved as relics of the past but should be kept alive and integrated with contemporary life, ensuring their continued relevance to society.
Under his visionary leadership, the HRH Group of Hotels witnessed remarkable growth and emerged as India's largest privately owned chain of heritage hotels. He also played a pioneering role in developing the City Palace, Udaipur into a world-class museum complex, presenting the rich cultural legacy of Mewar on a global platform.
Continuing this legacy, the first Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar Award will be conferred upon Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), in recognition for his leadership in advancing India's travel and tourism sector. Under his stewardship, IHCL has been on a transformation journey of being the most Valued, Responsible and Profitable hospital ecosystem, strengthening community linkages, promoting environmental practices and positioning the iconic Taj brand as a global benchmark in responsible tourism.
The national honour will be presented on 15 March 2026 at Manek Chowk, City Palace, Udaipur, during the 42nd Annual Awards Ceremony of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation.
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