AURO HOTELS LAUNCHED its $2 million Rama Legacy Scholarship endowment for employees' children, continuing a tradition started by company co-founder H.P. Rama. Several students received scholarships in this inaugural year, reflecting the company’s view that its success depends on its people.
As founding chairman of AAHOA and past chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Rama believes the hospitality industry’s strength lies in developing its people, Auro said in a statement. He established the first scholarship under his family’s name in 1998.
The Rama Scholarship for the American Dream began through AHLA, where a $1 million commitment has supported more than 700 hospitality students, the statement said. In 2008, the Rama Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Greenville City Fire Department was established and has provided over $110,000 to more than 120 students.
Rama established AURO University in Surat, Gujarat, India, in 2011. Since then, the university has graduated more than 2,200 students across over 30 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Through industry engagement and practical training, AURO prepares students for careers in hospitality and other fields.
“The Rama Legacy Scholarship is more than financial assistance—it is an investment in the future of the hospitality industry,” the company’s statement said. “By supporting employees' children, Auro Hotels is creating opportunities for the next generation to achieve their educational and career aspirations.”
For Rama, these scholarships link his company’s success to its responsibility to the community that made it possible. As the hospitality industry changes, he shows that success includes supporting others and helping secure their futures.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, with offices in Atlanta and Surat, Auro Hotels has developed, owned, and operated hotels for more than 50 years. It runs 37 hotels with over 6,700 guestrooms in the United States and India under brands including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.
H.P. Rama, with brothers M.P. and J.P. Rama, founded JHM Hotels that later became Auro Hotels in Greenville. Both M.P. and J.P. Rama have passed on. D.J. Rama serves as Auro’s president and CEO.
In August, Auro Hotels completed the renovation of the 132-room Hilton Garden Inn Orlando Airport in Florida.
Red Roof President Zack Gharib, far right, participates in a panel discussion at AAHOA’s 2025 Convention and Trade Show.
