FROM TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE, HYDERABAD.......7

SAVVY SOUJANYA

Interestingly this is my 100th blog story. I am really grateful to all the hotel employees who have spared their time with me; I am deeply indebted to all the Managers and General Managers for their support and encouragement. Perhaps, this will be the only Blog in the world that focusses only on the Guest Centric Hotel Employees.

This is a real inspiring story, where Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad supported and encouraged an 18 plus girl Soujanya, to go to college and finish her B Com; by giving leave as well as off during exam time; and allowing her to flexi timings, so that she can go and attend college every day.

Now, about gratefulness. Soujanya is really grateful with gratitude not only to the Palace, but also to all the colleagues who have helped her on her journey in the hospitality world.

Soujanya, after her 12th exam, joined the Taj Falaknuma Palace as a Security Guard, worked for six months, then thought of resigning because of her studies. That time, HR offered her Telephone Operator's post. She consulted her mother Jayashree, who is working in a private company in Hyderabad. Mother gave the green signal. She was successful as an Operator. Worked there for a year. When there was a vacancy of an order taker in the In Room Dining, the mantle fell upon Soujanya, promptly. Thereafter she never looked back...

"Now, I am very confident. Everyone around motivates me. When I make mistakes, they correct me, when I do good job, they appreciate me".

Her boss Minak (Asst Butler Operations Manager) has been instrumental in teaching technical things about service, also more on food. Her Super Boss Ashok Nair, (Palace Services Manager) has been correcting her with his diplomatic feedback.

Come April 2015. Soujanya has to clear one more paper in her B Com course; after this she will be a graduate. Perhaps one of the very few determined girls who have completed the regular college, while they were working!!! Indeed she is an inspiration to many a girls.

So, what is the change in you after joining the hotel industry? I asked.

"Till 12th class, I have been a very shy person. I hardly talked with others. Now, everybody is telling me that I am talking too much".

I am not surprised at all. She has become very talkative.

Text and Pics: R KESAVA MALLIA in Hyderabad