FROM THE TAJ FALAKNUMA PALACE, HYDERABAD

JAI SREE RAM!! JAI SREE RAM!!!

The loss of P Sri Ram in his restaurant business has been a big gain to the Taj group of hotels. Sri Ram is presently working as a Commis I, at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad. Today morning I had breakfast at the Celeste restaurant. A student of mine who has earlier been with the Taj group of hotels was also with me. Both of us opted for Pesarattu - an Andhra specialty Dosa. Believe it or not the Pesarattu was so crisp and delicious; the Sambar which came in a dainty black bowl was equally good. We were both dumbstruck to see the quality of the Dosa...amazing. My student just fell off the chair!

Now, this Chef is a great credit to the organization. Even the HR department of this hotel may not know that this Chef is celebrating his 25th year in the hospitality industry. Born in a poor family, he studied upto 7th standard; Mehaboobnagar born Sri Ram chose the job in a small restaurant near his home. From their he migrated to Hyderabad, reached old city, picked up the job of a dishwasher; worked in a renowned restaurant for eight years. This is also where he acquired skills in cooking. He worked with diamond hard integrity; hopped from one restaurant to another for the next 12 years till he started his own 40 Seater restaurant in Hyderabad. Remember, he started this venture with his own hard earned money. He even employed 15 people under him. But, God’s plans were different. Business went into red and he had to close down his restaurant.

                              

Now, the story begins; 01 November 2012 - his good time started- he got a job at Taj Falaknuma Palace in the staff cafeteria as a cook. And, see how merciful God has been. His talented hands whipped up great food every day; the employees were so happy with his food. Within one year, Sri Ram was shifted to the restaurant...to cut the story short, today he takes care of the South Indian section completely.  During breakfast timings he will don the role of a Dosa Master also...that is how we tasted his Dosas today. Executive Chef Arun Sundararaj had spotted him right from day one; and exploited his talents by loading him with more responsibilities.

"Sri Ram is a work horse. He never says no whenever responsibility is given to him. That is his greatness" says Chef Arun.

Married to Sujatha, a homemaker, Sri Ram is blessed with two children. Monica and Manikanta.

If Sri Ram had not incurred losses in his business, today he would not be with the Taj group of hotels. That too in a heritage hotel. That too in one of the most beautiful palaces of the world! Yes, God's ways are mysterious.

Text and Pics:  R Kesava Mallia, Hyderabad