Diwali’s impact on the AAHOA community
The AAHOA Board of Directors warmly extends their Diwali greetings, offering a glimpse into their personal connections with this cherished festival. Each board member brings a unique perspective to this celebration, highlighting its significance not only as a cultural event but also as a source of inspiration and reflection within the hospitality industry. Here, we present their heartfelt messages and invite you to join in the spirit of Diwali.
Bharat Patel with his family.
BHARAT PATEL, CHO, CHIA, CHAIRMAN
“Let us pause and take the time to enjoy the warmth of our family, friends, and colleagues around this pleasurable time of year. Happy Diwali. As we celebrate the festival of lights, let us hope that it brings along new opportunities for us to work together and reach new heights of success and glory. Let’s write a new story of success, together. Warm wishes to you and your loved ones on Diwali. Shubh Deepavali and Saal Mubarak!!”
Miraj Patel with his family.
MIRAJ S. PATEL MBA, CHO, CHIA, VICE CHAIRMAN
“Diwali, a celebration of my roots and my dreams, shines as a beacon of hospitality. As a second-generation hotelier, I take pride in welcoming guests from across the globe, sharing the joy of this festival and the spirit of warm hospitality that defines our culture.”
Rahul Patel with his family.
RAHUL PATEL, SECRETARY
“In the midst of the diyas and fireworks, may your heart be filled with the light of hope and the spirit of renewal. Let this Diwali be a time to leave behind the darkness of the past and step into a future that is bright with new opportunities and success.”
Sanjay M. Patel with this family.
SANJAY M. PATEL, ALABAMA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“During Diwali, the vibrant festivities and time-honored traditions reignite my commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. It’s a bold reminder of the power of hard work, resilience, and innovation, traits mirrored in my cultural heritage. As I immerse myself in the celebration, my determination is fueled, ready to tackle challenges head-on and elevate the standards of service and leadership in my field.”
Kamalesh Patel with his family.
KAMALESH (KP) PATEL, TREASURER
“Diwali is a celebration of light, love, and unity for my family and me. It’s a time when we come together to illuminate our homes and hearts with the brightness of diyas, exchange sweets, and, most importantly, spend quality time with our loved ones. Diwali signifies hope, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a cherished tradition that connects us to our Indian heritage and reinforces the bonds of family and community.”
DANNY (CHINTU) PATEL, ARKANSAS REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Diwali is a beautiful reminder of the importance of light and warmth in our lives. Just as we illuminate our homes during this festival, our commitment to the hospitality industry is renewed each year as we strive to provide our guests with a welcoming and comforting experience.”
Arti Patel with family.
ARTI PATEL, CENTRAL MIDWEST REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Diwali is a time to appreciate the beauty in diversity, much like the global tapestry of guests the hotel industry welcomes every year. My commitment to the hospitality industry is rejuvenated by the opportunity to share the richness of my culture with people from around the world.”
Chetan (Chris) Patel with his family.
CHETAN (CHRIS) PATEL, FLORIDA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“By embracing the spirit of Diwali, the hospitality industry can renew its commitment to providing exceptional service and creating a warm and welcoming environment for guests from all cultural backgrounds. Similarly, celebrating Diwali can serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that shapes our identities. It motivates me, and I hope others in the industry, to deeply value diversity, respect various customs and traditions, and cultivate a strong sense of inclusivity in every interaction with our guests.”
VIK ZAVER, GEORGIA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“My fondest memories celebrating Diwali is always celebrating with my wife and family. Diwali brings us all together, and we cannot be more grateful for our lives and the industry we are in that is such a vital part of the community.”
ND Bhakta with his family.
NARESH (ND) BHAKTA, GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“As a hotel owner, Diwali reminds me of the significance of impeccable service and attention to detail. I take pride in upholding my cultural heritage by offering my guests a glimpse of Indian hospitality, ensuring they leave with cherished memories.”
Vimal Patel with his family.
VIMAL PATEL, GULF REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“As we celebrate the festival of lights, let us hope that it brings along new opportunities for us to work together and reach new heights of success and glory. Let’s write a new story of success, together. Warm wishes to you and your loved ones on Diwali. Shubh Deepavali.”
MZ Patel with his family.
MAHENDRA (MZ) PATEL, CHA, CHO, CHIA, MID ATLANTIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Celebrating Diwali reinforces our belief that every guest is a cherished part of our extended family. The hospitality industry allows us to extend the warmth and hospitality of this festival throughout the year, making each guest feel at home away from home.”
HK Patel with his family.
HARIKRISHNA (HK) PATEL, MID SOUTH REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Diwali brings me closer to my cultural heritage and makes me proud of what I do. Its traditions and customs, like decorating homes with colorful rangoli patterns and lighting oil lamps, show the victory of light over darkness. These traditions inspire me to be creative in my work and find new ways to make guests’ experiences even better. It’s important for me to remember my cultural heritage during Diwali and share it with guests from all over the world. I want to preserve these traditions and let others experience the beauty of my culture.”
Pinkesh Patel with this family.
PINKESH PATEL, NORTH CAROLINA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“May this Diwali fulfill all your dreams and bring happiness to your life forever. May every diya that lights the world brighten each heart with joy. May these diyas light your life with peace, prosperity, and happiness! All the lights of the world cannot be compared to a ray of your inner light.”
Bhavesh N. Patel with his family.
BHAVESH N. PATEL, NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Diwali is special to my family and myself because of what Diwali symbolizes. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness. My family brings light into each other’s lives, and during this time, we get to celebrate the love and happiness of friends, family, and our culture and religion.”
Ankit Panchal with his family.
ANKIT PANCHAL, NORTH PACIFIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Celebrating Diwali in November as a hotel owner is special because it allows us to provide our guests with a vibrant and culturally immersive experience. It’s a time when our hotel becomes a beacon of celebration, creating lasting memories for our guests and strengthening our reputation as a place where cultural traditions are honored and celebrated.”
DHIREN MASTERS, NORTH TEXAS REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Diwali is the community coming together to celebrate the new year and to look forward to a prosperous year!”
Preyas Patel with his family.
PREYAS PATEL, NORTHEAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“I’m excited to welcome hotel guests from around the world to experience Diwali with us. It’s a symbol of hope and resilience. I’m eager to create memorable experiences that bring joy to all who stay with us during this festive season.”
Taran Pael with his family.
TARAN PATEL, NORTHWEST REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“The spirit of Diwali reminds me of the importance of family, community, and shared celebrations. I hope the activities surrounding Diwali encourage guests to come together, exchange stories, and create connections, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond the walls of our hotel. It’s a moment of warmth, hope, and positivity that I’m thrilled to share with guests and staff.”
Fenil Desai with his family.
FENIL DESAI, SOUTH CAROLINA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“To light up your dreams. To bring new hopes for a bright future and a colorful life. This Diwali, promise yourself to be there for your loved ones in time of need, be strong, humble, and kind. Help those who need help share your success, your love, and your happiness. Let’s choose one new habit, to fill our life with health, wealth, and peace. We want to wish you a happy Diwali and Mubarak. Thank you all from Fenil Desai and family.”
MIKE RIVERSIDE, CHO, CHA, SOUTH PACIFIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Wishing you and your loved ones a Diwali filled with light, love, and laughter. May this festival bring you happiness and prosperity. Happy Diwali!”
Ailesh Mulji with his wife, Aarti Mulji.
AILESH MULJI, SOUTHEAST TEXAS REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“Diwali is a colorful festivity of lights. We celebrate this day for wealth and happiness. Friends and family come together to wish everyone a prosperous year.”
Kalpesh Joshi with his family.
KALPESH JOSHI, UPPER MIDWEST REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“May the radiant lights of Diwali fade the clouds of darkness between Franchisors and Franchisees, and may they illuminate the hotel industry! Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali.”
Deepak Patel with his family.
DEEPAK PATEL, WASHINGTON DC AREA REGIONAL DIRECTOR
“May we enjoy this most precious festival with family and friends. Share love and laughter. May this Diwali bring new beginnings, fresh hopes, bright days, and new dreams. Wishing you all a very happy festival of lights!”
Pinal Patel with his wife.
PINAL PATEL, DIRECTOR AT LARGE EASTERN DIVISION
“May the charm of the Diwali fill your home with happiness, and may the coming year provide you with all that brings you joy, victory, fulfillment, and success!”
Nalin Patel celebrating Diwali with loved ones.
NALIN (NEIL) PATEL, DIRECTOR AT LARGE WESTERN DIVISION
“Diwali is a festival that emphasizes togetherness and the bonds we share with others, reminding us that family and friends are what make this special holiday truly meaningful. This year, more than ever, we are privileged to facilitate those meaningful connections, making our role as hoteliers in the travel industry even more gratifying. Let us pass down the essence of Diwali to the younger generations, teaching them that it’s not just about the lights and festivities but also about cherishing the warmth of our relationships and the love of our dear ones.”
Tanmay Patel with his family.
TANMAY PATEL, MBA, YOUNG PROFESSIONAL DIRECTOR WESTERN DIVISION
“As the year draws to a close, celebrating Diwali in November is special because it reflects the enduring human spirit. Travel is an essential part of our lives, and despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic three years ago, people are choosing to explore and experience new places once again. This Diwali, our hotel becomes a destination where travelers can create lasting memories and end the year with hope, happiness, and a renewed sense of adventure.”
DYLAN PATEL, YOUNG PROFESSIONAL DIRECTOR EASTERN DIVISION
“For my family, Diwali is a time for self-reflection and renewal. It is not just a religious festival but also a celebration of our cultural heritage. As a second-generation hotelier, I stay committed to serving each guest with respect and providing a hospitable atmosphere. Diwali reminds me of this commitment each year.”
Purnima Patel with her family.
PURNIMA PATEL, WOMEN HOTELIERS DIRECTOR EASTERN DIVISION
“Wishing you and your family with a blessed Diwali. May millions of lamps illuminate your life with endless wealth, health, and prosperity. Warmest wishes for a joyous Diwali, from my family to yours.”
TEJAL N. PATEL, CHIA, CHO, WOMEN HOTELIERS DIRECTOR WESTERN DIVISION
“Diwali’s message of unity and togetherness resonates deeply with the essence of hospitality. It reinforces our dedication to creating spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, celebrate, and make lasting memories.”
