FROM THE LEELA PALACE ,UDAIPUR.....2

"NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOURSELF"

Prince Laksyaraj, son of Maharana Arvindji Singh Mewar's son got married in Feb 2014.Udaipur has been painted red all over. For a month, it was the hustle and bustle of the VVIPs. One of the important invitees has been the late

C P Krishnan Nair, the founder of Leela Group Of Hotels. (Krishnan Nair passed away on May 17, 2014.)

"After attending the function, C P Sir has been returning to Mumbai. In Feb 2014. That day, I personally accompanied him to the airport. The flight was on time, I was told, when I called the airlines officials. But, I was shocked and appalled when I came to know that the flight was late by two hours. This was informed to me only after reaching the airport at Udaipur. I was very scared on the reaction of my boss. Anyway, very diplomatically I informed that the flight is delayed by two hours. Nair Sir was a little upset; but never said anything. On the other hand, he instructed me to take him to the lounge. I did so. Immediately after taking the seat he asked me: "Anil, is this the only lounge available in this Airport?

"Sir, I shall check and let you know" was my reply. Soon, I enquired with the concerned officials.

Yes, Nairji was right. I was told, that there is yet another premium lounge, but that is open only for Chief Minister, Governor and other VVIP guests. In turn, I informed this to Nair Sir.

Nair sir asserted: "Anil, don't you think I do deserve an entry to that Lounge? I have been honored with Padma Bhushan Award…I own eight Five star luxury hotels. In my hotels I do entertain Country Heads... Please go and check with them once again....repeat whatever I had said just now.

I went again and met the concerned official and did exactly what Nairji had said. Believe it or not, the lounge was thrown open to Nair Sir. Now, we both are in the VVIP lounge. Tea was served to us…silver service…nothing less than that.

While having the tea Nairji very calmly told me:"Anil, in life, you should not underestimate yourself; you should not hesitate to ask what is rightful to you. Never be subservient".

The next moments till we moved to the aircraft has been very enriching; he spoke to me in detail on many things...the real life changing learnings of his life...at last the flight was airborne....I thanked God profusely; in case, if the flight has been on time, then I would not have got the golden chance to pick up the pearls of wisdom from him; I learned many things in a short span of two hours.

(Anil George spoke to me on 11 Aug 2014. He is the Rooms Divisions Manager of The Leela Palace, Udaipur).

R KESAVA MALLIA in Udaipur