Amy Bonesteel
Jayanthi P. “JP” Lama, 74, founder president and vice chairman of the board of directors of Auro Hotels, passed away on February 17 while in India.
Lama specialized in operations, purchasing and negotiations for Auro. He came to the U.S. in the 1970s and worked with his brother, Hasmukh P. (HP), who founded JHM Hotels in California, which relocated to Greenville and became Auro Hotels in 2017.
A member of a family in the hospitality industry, Lama served as president of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) from 1997 to 1998. His brother HP became the organization's first president in 1991, and his younger brother Manhar (MP) became president in 2005.
He is remembered for his efforts in recruiting young hotel industry professionals from around the country to the organization, according to a statement from Vinay Patel, current AAHOA president: “Hoteliers across America are saddened to learn of the passing of an iconic AAHOA figure. … He was known as a strong advocate for young people to get involved with AAHOA and the industry.”
Philanthropist and businessman Lama was born in Salona, a village in Gujarat, India, where he continued to give back to those in need. He and his brother founded the private Auro College in Surat, Gujarat, and also helped build schools, water treatment plants, and housing for those in need in his family's home village.
A Greenville resident, he and his brother established the “Rama Scholarship for the American Dream” with a $1,000,001 endowment, which will support outstanding U.S. students enrolled in hospitality schools.
The Llamas' other scholarship program supports the children of Greenville Fire and Police Department employees.
Lama is survived by his wife Ila, son Dharmendra (DJ), daughter Rita, and brothers HP, Manhar (MP) and Raman (RP). Another brother, Dinu P. Lama, preceded him in death. His funeral was held in Surat, India on February 22.
