FROM THE LEELA PALACE,UDAIPUR...........4

"WORK HARD TO LEARN; NOT TO EARN"

Delhi born Amit Khatri (29) was indeed fortunate to get berth in the first batch of the Oberoi Group's STEP Trainee program in 2004. At Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur. That time, he was just 12th passed. Today, after a decade, he is the Front Office Manager of The Leela Palace, Udaipur.

He spoke to me on 13 Aug 2014, in a Palace Wing room in The Leela Palace, where I have been staying.

He was very bullish on Udaipur; that exactly is what has prompted me to publish a story on him in my blog.

Since 2004, Amit got trained under the STEP trainee program, in Oberoi Udaivilas. In the first three years, one year each was spent in Front Office (Accounts Dept also), F&B (kitchen included) and Housekeeping (laundry too). In 2009, he passed out of the OCLD program. As part of OCLD program he worked in Oberoi (New Delhi and Bengaluru) and Trident, Gurgaon. In Aug 2009, took charge as Asst Manager in Front Office in Oberoi Amar Vilas, Agra. Landed Oberoi Gurgaon in June 2011. Joined The Leela Palace in Oct 2012 as Front Office Manager.

"Udaipur has rich and distinct history. Mughals were all over North India, but, Udaipur remained untouched by them. Once you have seen the shimmering waters of Pichola Lake, you are destined to come back to Udaipur again".

Disclosing more dope on the room inventory in Udaipur, Amit Khatri spoke with passion."Trip Advisor rated hotels alone are 103.  Other than that there are around 3,500 rooms available which include Small Hotels, Guest Houses, Havelis, Motels, and Lodges".

Undoubtedly, it is the Palaces, Forts, Lakes, and the Temples, that draw the tourists from all over the world. On Domestic scene, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and New Delhi sends maximum tourists.

"Work hard to learn; not to earn. Whatever you learn in the early stages of your career will stay with you" says Amit, married to Nancy, a housewife.

"Leela Group has helped me to realize my potential; I have been given opportunities aplenty to prove my mettle" adds Amit Khatri.

The Leela Palace Udaipur is yet another jewel adorning the banks of the beautiful lake Pichola. It offers spectacular views of the Aravalli Mountains and evokes the grandeur and opulence of the land of the Mewars. Architectural heritage of Rajasthan is showcased in the richly detailed inner courtyard, grand domes, fountains and reflection pools. The interiors have been embellished with Thekri work, gold leafed floral and paisley motifs and handcrafted white marble with exquisite inlay work.

R KESAVA MALLIA in Udaipur