THANKS TO GOOGLE AND FACE BOOK

“MY WAY OF EXPRESSING GRATITUDE”

June 07, 2014 to Jan 07, 2015. That is seven months. Precisely 215 days. 10,146  page views. 71103 Google plus views. It was on June 07 last year, the blogger in me was born. That too with the blessings  of Chef Rajan, 75 year old Master Chef at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai. My first story was on Chef Rajan. 

Believe it not; it has been a self fulfilling mission for me. Perhaps, this will be the only blog in the world dedicated to the Hotel Employees in India.

Who are all behind this blog?

Myself, my pen, my stylus, my IPad, my wife and my daughter.

Now, the making of a blog story. First, I will identify on whom the story is to be written, then block his/her calendar, meet and interview that person; shoot the pics, collect and note down the info...type the story in my IPad, send the pic as well as the story to my home; here my wife and daughter will do all the work related to publishing, like photo editing, corrections in the story and finally the posting of the story etc.

Many a things I learnt...Angels from the North East India series I wrote, out of my respect to those from North East India who come and work in different parts of India, just because there are no job opportunities in their place. Against all odds, (like food, climate, and language...everything is different) they also serve. One thing I had noted in these North East girls: most of them do not save money. They spend the hardearned earnings lavishly. North East India's Angels/Heroes are known for their hardworking nature.

The employees of Oberoi Group of Hotels impressed me by their big heart to share my blog stories with as many Facebook accounts. They happen to be the most tech savvy people in the hospitality industry.30 and 12 stories were written on Oberoi/Trident respectively. One third of my stories came from Oberoi family.

I started flying since 2005, for my lecture engagements. That is the time; I could understand the value of a hotel chauffeur, who waits for you in the airport patiently with the placard on which the name of the guest will be written. Around four stories were on chauffeurs out of the total 121. I learnt that hotel drivers play a paramount role in delighting the guests. Last October I have been to Kolkata. The Oberoi driver reminded me:" Sir, we have Wi-Fi facility in the car also". I placed my lunch order from inside the running car… The moment I reached my room in The Grand Oberoi Kolkata, close on the heels, the steward with lunch also showed up. Amazing ....isn't? Thanks a million to the chauffeur community.

Sanjay Sharma, Area General Manager, Westin Gurgaon has appeared in my blog thrice. The only hotel employee who has appeared thrice. First one, in a story on an honest housekeeping staff member of his hotel, second, he shared the space with his close friend Anuraag Bhatnagar, the Area General Manager, Westin Mumbai. I had written on them when both were given additional responsibilities as AGMs. The third story "The Humane Hero" portrayed on his humane attributes which are inimitable.

Speaking to Chefs and writing on them came in as an eye opener. Very knowledgeable they are. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Japanese Chef Kamlesh Joshi as well as Italian Chef Greco, both in ITC Gardenia. Both had different perspectives... Their thinking towards their cuisines is worth mentioning.....for me it has been an unforgettable experience meeting different Chefs from different brands of hotels.

The PWDs (Persons With Disabilities) employed at ITC Windsor are great contributors. Their focus at work is incredible; at workplace, they are completely wedded to work.

Blogging has given so much joy to me. This is my way of expressing gratitude to all the hotel employees who had spent time with me sharing their stories. Last but not the least, Thanks to Google and Face book.

Text and Pics: R Kesava Mallia in Hyderabad