FROM ARMENIA TO THE GRAND OBEROI, KOLKATA

"LEOPARD"  IN THE LOBBY

Next time, when you go to The Oberoi Grand,Kolkata, in the next three months, be careful: there is a leopard!!!!!!!

The leopard will be there for three more months!!!!!

The leopard is none other than Hovaz. 18 year old Armenian boy deputed as the Industrial Trainee in this iconic hotel. In Armenian language, Hovaz means Leopard. It is their culture to give the names of strong, brave and courageous animals to human beings...like Lion, Eagle etc. He has already finished two months in The Oberoi Grand as a trainee. This Car Mechanic's son can speak in English, Persian and Armenian, his mother tongue. Dad a business man, mom is a homemaker; one elder sister and a younger brother.

Hovaz landed Kolkata in June last year, on an Indian-Armenian Community sponsored program. Remember: This is a fully sponsored program wherein Hovaz will complete the three year Degree course in the International Institute of Hotel Management, at Salt Lake in Kolkata. His food, accommodation to college fees to books….everything will be taken care by the Armenian College Of Philanthropic Academy, based in Kolkata.

Hovaz is an Apostholic Christian. In Armenia, they had accepted the Christianity as their National Religion way back in AD 301.The oldest Church in the world today, has been constructed here in AD 310. In 782 BC, the oldest city in the world, Erebuni, belonged to Armenia. Today, it is the Capital of Armenia, and has been re-named as Yerevan.

"I can speak little bit Hindi; but certainly not the Bengali" says Hovaz. His hobbies encompasses playing Rugby and listening to Classic Songs. In Kolkata he eats both Armenian as well as Indian food.

"Chicken Biryani I like most. In the hotel cafeteria, I eat Indian food. The food served here in Cafeteria is excellent. The Cafeteria has dedicated hotel staff and it is open for 24 hours".

"The punctuality and professionalism - these are the two things that impressed me most in the Oberoi Grand, Kolkata. Every one offers their unselfish dedication to the team".

Hovaz happens to be a renowned Rugby player too. He is the HOOKER of THE ARMENIANS, a high profile Rugby team in KOLKATA. Last year, THE ARMENIANS Rugby  Club had lifted the Trophy as the State Champions.

Now, something about Armenia. It is located in Eurasia, that is between Europe and Asia. The neighbouring countries being Iran, Azerbayjan, Georgia. It is closer to Russia too.

R.Kesava Mallia in Kolkata