Thursday, July 24, 2014

50 YEARS WITH THE GRAND OBEROI, KOLKATA



Shiv Narayan is his name; but the spelling is different in his Visiting card- it is written as Sheo Narain. Why it is so? I asked him "Oh it is as per the Numerology" says 67 years old Commercial Photographer.

I had the good fortune of having an association with The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata since 2006. I am very very humbled to convey that, I have taught as many as 1127 staff members of this hotel in 72 sessions as of today. Perhaps, the hotel where I have taught maximum number of hotel employees.

Every year, twice I will be visiting this hotel for my lecture engagements. As it is the culture at Oberoi that after every workshop, the participants will also be given a certificate as well the copy of the group photo. It is here I got connected with photographer Narain. Every year, we will meet and renew our friendship.

What is so special about him?

Here is the answer : This Arts Graduate shutterbug, who shoots with his Nikon D 300 S camera, has been associated with  THE OBEROI GRAND for the last 50 years.

"My elder brother Vishnu Narayan has been a professional photographer. I started shooting pics as a professional when I was just 16. I still remember the day......I was just ten years old....I had visited Grand Oberoi for the first time.......”

"Since 1964, as a commercial photographer I am connected with this iconic Hotel....50 years” ....isn't it?  This is yet another home to me."

Narain will be beckoned often by  The Grand Oberoi, as he is like an Official Photographer. Banquet functions, the events at the hotel like Town Hall or Annual Day to photo shoot on food items or theme decoration, New Year Celebrations....photo shoot for the Celebrities staying in the hotel at their request. You name any function, Narain will be there with his Camera.

He is married. His daughter is working as Asst Director in FICCI, New DELHI. He is presently living with his son, an employee in an MNC in Kolkata. Daughter in law is a school teacher.

R Kesava Mallia in Kolkata


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