FROM THE CIDADE DE GOA........3

"MAY GOD BLESS THE TIMBLO FAMILY"

Balakrishna Chandrakant Bhalekar (47), Housekeeping Officer, Cidade de Goa is a contented person. Goa born, 9th pass Balakrishna popularly known as Vinod, is thankful to God, for his journey with the Cidade de Goa  - and that's because the last 22 years has been very inspiring.

From a Resort attendant to a Housekeeping Officer… He lapped up eight promotions and pocketed thirteen awards during his twenty two years with this  32 year old iconic hotel.

During the 25th year celebration of this hotel, the most prestigious award, perhaps the highest award given by the management (Modu Timblo Award for Excellence) sat softly on his shoulders. Importantly, Vinod was the first person to get this award from housekeeping department, in the history of the hotel. That was during 2006-07.

Just have a look at the awards received by him: he has won the Best Attendance Award in his first year itself, in 1992. He liked the taste of the award, and from there on he never looked back. In 1994, came the Honesty Award, he became the Best Employee of the Month (in '97 and 2000). Won the Best Employee of the quarter thrice in 2001,'04 and '14, Best Employee of the Resort in 2001 and '05. The Best Employee of the Year (2005-06). His amazing performance also attracted the Anju Timblo Special Appreciation Award in 2001-02.

"Our managing director Anju Timblo, who is one of the Founder Directors of this hotel, is a very people passionate. She always says: "My employees are my family members. My door is always open -Any time, any employee can come and meet me" quipped Vinod.

"May God bless the  Timblo family in abundance” says Vinod who spends an hour every morning , before coming to the hotel, for  spiritual reading and meditation. Married to Lalitha, a homemaker, he is blessed with a ten year old Son, Rudra. Vinod speaks fluent English, Hindi, Marathi and Konkani.

"Our General Manager, Neeta Brid is very friendly. She respects every employee" informs Vinod on his super boss.

No wonder, this iconic hotel, a unique place of luxury and discretion in Goa is doing very well in business .  The employees are taken care of very well. In turn, the employees take good care of the guests.

Vinod says: "Sir, Cidade de Goa is my second home".

Vinod is not to know that this hotel happens to be the second home for me too.

Text and Pictures : R Kesava Mallia in Goa.