FROM THE WESTIN GURGAON, NEW DELHI - YCI HEROES........1

"MUJHE BADAA CHEF BANNA HAI"

Youth Career Initiative(hereafter YCI), a work and life skills program for the young people, was originated in Bangkok in 1995 as the Youth Career Development Program; a community initiative from Pan Pacific Hotels group established to give something back to the society.YCI India was launched in Mumbai in 2012. Seven five star hotels piloted this program.

YCI expanded to Delhi-Gurgaon in 2013. It started with the participation of Westin Gurgaon, Hyatt Regency, Delhi and courtyard Marriott in Gurgaon. The Hotel Investment Forum India (HIFI), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and The Oberoi Group are sponsoring this program in India.

YCI works with the hotel industry to offer training programs that includes six months training course. During this training period, stipend also will be paid by the hotels. Here I am introducing two youngsters who had the good fortune to get job as a trainee in the Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi.

Importantly, we must remember one thing. YCI works with young people who are unable to find legitimate employment and who have no means to continue their education.

Harish.N (22),The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi was very quick to answer when I asked him what is his ambition in life: the answer has been so spontaneous: "Mujhe badaa Chef banna hai".

Delhi born, 12th passed Harish knew about cooking since younger days; his father is a cook in a school in Delhi is one thing; his uncle is an Indian Chef in a restaurant in Germany is another thing.

Delhi based Continental Chef Manoj (Warehouse Cafe chain of restaurants) and Chef Girish Prasad (CDP-Cold Kitchen) in the Westin Gurgaon New Delhi are other two Chefs who have inspired him in a big way.

22 yr old Harish has worked in many places before joining Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi... As a helper in a Mirror factory, sales boy in Azadpur Mandi selling tomatoes, worked in two restaurants in Delhi in the kitchen (tandoor), tried his luck in the kitchen stewarding, in Westin Gurgaon, worked in Lemon Tree premier in the F&B service… Again joined back to Westin Gurgaon as an YCI hero...

Harish has already completed five weeks; every week he will be posted in different departments. So far, he has tasted Seasonal Tastes-(cold section in the kitchen), Laundry, Housekeeping - rooms as well as public area, F&B service in the coffee shop, PREGO and PREGO kitchen. Next weeks he will be Banquets, Pastry Kitchen, Gardemanger and finally the most important section- kitchen stewarding.

"I am ready to work hard; but opportunities were not there for me earlier; at least this is what I have been thinking. In this hotel opportunities are many. I am very confident. One day I will become a successful Chef" says Harish.

"I can understand everything the guests speak in English; but can't speak fluently- that is one thing I should improve. I also find it difficult to understand when the foreigner guests speak; especially the Chinese guests" admits Harish openly on his improvement areas.

(It was Rahul Suyal who is presently working in the HK department in Westin Gurgaon who advised Harish to try his luck once again in this hotel. Incidentally, my room has been serviced  by Rahulji for the last two days. Hardworking, Quick footed Rahul is a great credit to the organization, undoubtedly).

Text and Pics by R KESAVA MALLIA in Gurgaon