Hyatt Regency Chennai's 'Tree of Knowledge' initiative lights up the season, collecting over 2,000 books to revitalise a local school library, emphasising a commitment to sustainable initiatives.
Published Dec 04, 2023 | 10:00 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 04, 2023 | 10:00 AM
The book donations can be made at Hyatt Regency Chennai until the end of Christmas. (Supplied)
December conjures a myriad of scenes — a crispness in the air, joyous Christmas tunes, the delightful essence of festivities, sparkling decorations, comforting treats like hot chocolate and brownies, cosy attire, and an enchantingly whimsical period. Yet, the most radiant aspect remains the essence of generosity. Ruban Das, the general manager of Hyatt Regency Chennai, agrees with this sentiment.
“The heart of Christmas lies in giving,” he expresses.
Embracing this belief, this December at Hyatt Regency isn’t solely about adorning the premises with tinsels and ornaments, it also involves the introduction of the ‘Tree of Knowledge’.
“Children often imitate adult behaviour. In an era where adults are increasingly absorbed in virtual realms, acknowledging this influence is crucial,” he shares.
Previously, hotels provided puzzles and storybooks in restaurants. “However, it’s now simpler to offer tablets or phones, which captivate children,” he notes.
To reintroduce something gadget-free, like storybooks, fostering a love for reading, Hyatt Regency decided to innovate beyond the traditional tree this Christmas season. Instead, they’ve created a tree of books, which was ceremonially lit at the hotel recently.
“We aimed to contribute to the nearby community. We identified the Presidency Girls High School, a government-sponsored institution. Their library required some care. Our efforts included providing books, cleaning the space, organising the collection, potentially installing desktops for library management, and offering diverse reading materials,” he shares.
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“As a parent of twin nine-year-olds, I’ve witnessed their curiosity and love for learning through books covering various topics,” he shares.
So, the focus remains on storybooks, encyclopedias, knowledge books, and dictionaries in various languages to cater to different interests.
“We’ve reached out to the people of Chennai through social media posts over the past three weeks. The response has been overwhelming, with children and adults donating books in substantial numbers. So far, we’ve surpassed the 200-kg mark, estimating roughly 2,000 books (averaging 10 books per kg). Our donation drive continues until 31 December, with a bookshop set up in the lobby for contributions,” he explains.
The ‘Tree of Knowledge’ initiative encourages guests, walk-ins, and Chennai residents to participate.
As part of their World of Care platform, Hyatt Regency embarks on projects quarterly that align with their values.
“Our next goal is to engage more with people from underprivileged backgrounds, emphasising sustainability, environmental initiatives, and community involvement. We prioritise consistent, impactful actions, not merely symbolic gestures,” he asserts.
Hyatt Regency, he shares, is also committed to adopting a small lane connecting the employee entrance to the main gate, an area lacking streetlights and often neglected.
“Our efforts include cleaning, tree planting, installing solar lights, and adding artistic elements. These micro-initiatives reflect our commitment to effecting lasting positive changes,” he adds.
Further highlighting their future initiatives, he emphasises promoting sustainability, empowering girl children, and fostering diversity and inclusivity.
“In our workforce, we’ve witnessed exceptional dedication from employees from the transgender community, serving as role models. Similarly, we aim to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities, valuing their contributions. Moreover, we advocate inclusivity by recognising the potential and expertise of individuals aged 50+, acknowledging their commitment and experience as invaluable assets,” he shares.
Their goal is also to support women in the workforce by providing platforms that accommodate maternity breaks and facilitate smooth transitions back to work.
“We aim to sustainably implement these initiatives, ensuring they aren’t temporary measures for mere publicity but ongoing efforts that positively impact both our community and employees. Ultimately, these actions bring us a sense of fulfilment and pride in contributing positively to society,” he says.
Hyatt partnered with the NGO Prema Vasam for the tree lighting ceremony, where children with disabilities from the organisation assisted in completing the last section of the tree.
The books collected will be later donated to the Presidency Girls School in Egmore, Chennai. The donation drive will continue until the end of Christmas. To donate, visit: Hyatt Regency Chennai, 365, Anna Salai, Rostrevor Garden, Teynampet. For details, visit Instagram @hyattregencyChennai
