Industry Chambers condole Lalit Suri's demise

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) Industrialists and businessmen have expressed shock at the untimely death of hotelier and Rajya Sabha member Lalit Suri who died this morning in London following a heart attack.

Industry chambers -- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Associated Chambers of Commerce (Assocham) and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) -- forwarded their condolences to the family of Mr Suri.

CII President R Seshasayee described Suri as an active forefront player of hotel industry.

''I had worked with him in many areas and found in him an urge to look forward and work for the industry,'' Mr Seshasayee told UNI in London.

'' Due to his untimely death, we have lost a true friend,'' he added.

FICCI President Saroj K Poddar described him as a ''dynamic businessman'' and one who as a Member of Parliament was instrumental in policy change and reform.

Mr Suri was also the Chairman of the FICCI Tourism Committee and Senior Member of the FICCI National Executive Committee and made a sterling contribution in his capacity as such, said the FICCI Chief.

Describing him as the ''uncrowned hotel King of India,'' IATO President Subash Goyal said he had endeared himself to all through his rare qualities.

''His death had plunged in grief not only the tourism and hotel industry, but the entire nation,'' he added recalling Mr Suri's contribution as a Rajya Sabha member.

''In his death, the country had lost a renowned hotelier, entrepreneur and politician, besides a true champion of hotel and tourism industry.'' The leading hotelier was known in business circles as an ''astute man with vision'' and was held in high esteem, both within India and in the international community, Assocham President Anil K Agarwal said in a statement here.

As Chairman and MD of Bharat Hotels, Mr Suri had established a network of hotels in Delhi, Srinagar, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Khajuraho and Udaipur. He also owned the afternoon newspaper, Delhi Mid Day, He had gone to London to attend the India-UK Business Summit.

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