We believe that knowledge is a powerful force," said Hasmukh H.P." Rama, chairman of the hoard and chief executive officer of JHM Hotels. "And education provides knowledge because it helps to prepare individuals to pursue their dreams."

"The gift creates the largest en-dowed fund within the Foundation and is the single largest donation in AHF's history," said Thomas F. Hewitt, chairperson of AHF and president and chief operating officer for Carnival Resorts & Casinos. '"The  Ramas'  extraordinary gift shows their strong commitment to the industry and their willingness to give hack a portion of their success to ensure its future growth."

"What a better way to fulfill our commitment, said Jayanti "J.P." Rama, president of JHM Hotels, "of giving back to the commu-nity and to our industry."

Fourteen hospitality management schools were selected by the Ramas to participate in the inaugural year of "The Rama Scholarship for the American Dream" program. The following schools were selected: Bethune-Cookman College, California State Polytechnic University of Pomona. Cornell University, Florida International University,  Georgia State University, Greenville Technical College, Howard University, Johnson & Wales University, Michigan State University, New York University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Houston, the University of South Carolina, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. "All of these schools," said Manhar "M.P." Rama, executive vice president and chief operating officer, are highly regarded in our industry for their hands-on hotel management programs.

The five Asian-Indian brothers started in the hotel business in 1973 with two associates and a 37-room independent motel in Pomona, Calif. Driven by integrity, honesty, and hard work, today their business has grown to 22 properties with 2,725 rooms and more than 1,000 associates, located across South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, as well as a five-star hotel in Surat India. 

With a vision of JHM Hotels to be a premier lodging company, the brothers have been actively involved in their industry associations. Currently serving as vice chairman, H.P. will be the 1999 chairman for the American Hotel & Motel Association (AH &MA) and he is the founding chairman for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. In addition, Dharmendra "D.J.." Rama has been a member of the AHF Scholarship Committee since 1996. "As a member of the Scholarship Committee, I have had the opportunity to review the many scholarship applications received by AH F." said D.]. Rama.  The Rama Scholarship for the American Dream program will enable AHF to broaden the scope of its scholarships and award much needed dollars to worthy hospitality management students.

The gift was announced during the JHM Hotels 25th Anniversary Celebration held on August 14, 1998  at the Palmetto Expo Center in Greenville, South Carolina.  Five hundred people from the lodging industry including hoteliers, suppliers, bankers, financiers, friends and family relatives attended the celebration.

The program will begin distributing scholarship monies to students for the upcoming 1998 - 99 academic year. The scholarship recipients will be nominated from the participating schools and will be awarded monies in December 1998.