Loadbearing Pillar

By R Kesava Mallia in Udaipur

“I do really feel valued” says the exceptionally radiant Durga Singh Rathore(52), the doorman at Oberoi, Udaivilas, Udaipur, “when I am at the Porch  clad in uniform, I feel very  proud and important”.

Durga Singh is 52 years old, nevertheless, his heart is just 25 years old. Energetic and enthusiastic is Durga, while he is at work. At sharp 7 am, he will there, at the main Gate(Porch). Having an experience of 15 years in the hospitality industry, Durga Singh claims that Oberoi Udaivilas has taught him how to remain patient at work.

After serving in a security agency in Mumbai Durga Singh had a stint with Taj Lake Palace Udaipur for three years. Since Jan 2004, he is with Oberoi group. “ I have been an angry person. My job as a doorman has taught me reduce my anger in a big way”

Cell phone and walkie talkie happens to be his main tools; his job mainly, is to usher in the guests, also connect with the Front Desk/boat jetty on the arrival of the guests, touch base with the boat drivers, guide the drivers/tour operators/guests who bring in the guests to the hotel….etc.

Being positioned at the main porch, he finds joy in helping the elderly guests from abroad, on luggage assistance. While at work, he never consults his watch. For him guests are more important. “Guests come from Jodhpur, Jaipur as well as Delhi airports. During the winter season, Delhi will have fog, as a result flights will be delayed; I will wait for the guests; then only I will go home”.

“My family is very supportive” says Durga Singh married to Kamal Kunwar. He is blessed with three children-Paramjit(21)Raksha(18) and Sarala(15). Friendly, warm and courteous he is; The Udaivilas guests greet him, meet up with him, take pics with him…also write on him in the Guest comments cards.

The positive feedback from the guests is the one thing that enthuses and  motivates Durga Singh to the hilt.