THEY ALSO SERVE.........12

PEOPLE PASSIONATE PANDEYJI

                                     

This happened in 2008. After checking out of the hotel, I was proceeding to the airport… the hotel chauffeur was driving silently. I have been quoting on the arrogant behavior; I just bounced the idea on remaining humble… I was just talking thru my hat…

Suddenly the silent driver became very articulate...he started quoting from the Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata…Stories on arrogance...with characters. At least half dozen stories were belted out by him…(e.g. Bheem's arrogance was nullified by Hanuman, Hanuman's arrogance was nullified by Bharatha), the driver was really a knowledgeable person... I was shocked to know that he is very well versed on Puranas. He has been none other than Tarkeswar Pandey (48)… The star chauffeur in The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata.

Many in The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata are not to know that he is silently celebrating his silver jubilee year as a driver. He had joined this hotel in 2000. Seven years later, Pandeyji got one more chance to display his knowledge related to the guests. Oberoi Grand had conducted an objective type written tests to all the chauffeurs. Questions were related to the hotel, car, guest's requirements. He not only lapped up a cash award, he also remained the topper by answering all the 60 questions…he scored the full marks…a rare achievement indeed.

"I have been serving the guests of this hotel since 2000'.Fourteen years of service as a chauffeur has made me feel that this hotel is also like my home only. I know most of the regular guests of this hotel" says Tarkeshwar Pandey.

Honestly speaking, he commands respect from all quarters. Oberoi group Vice Chairman S.S.Mukherjee to Regional Manager Rahul Sen to the General Manager of this hotel, George Kuruvilla… Every one utilizes his services because of his passion to his work.

Lorepur village born (near Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh) Pandey's family lives in Uttar Pradesh, in his native village. His family encompasses his Parents, Grandmother, Homemaker wife Sharada and two daughters. Theirs is an agricultural family. Elder daughter Simpa is 2nd year MA student; the younger daughter Bivechana is pursuing her degree course in Arts.

"Once in three months I will go to my home", says Pandey.

Pandey remembers: "that was in 2012. A long staying guest from Switzerland was so pleased on the service provided by me. He gifted Rs. 11,000/- to me. I have learnt a lot from the guests staying in this hotel. Most of the guests are very friendly with me".

Listen to Karan Talwar, The Front Office Manager:"Pandey is earmarked for handling VIP guests; he follows all the hotel standards. Very hardworking and trustworthy. He always wears a smile on his face. Whenever our Chairman P R S Oberoiji is in Kolkata, Pandeyji will be his chauffeur".

Text & Pics  by R Kesava Mallia in Kolkata