LORD OF LAUNDRY
Ajit Kumar Singh,
the Laundry Supervisor at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata impresses me
every time. I do really like his courteous behaviour and friendliness.
This time what I found very appealing in him was his
quick footedness. This happened yesterday. I was staying in The Oberoi Grand,
Kolkata (Room no 306). At 7.50pm I had given one trouser and two shirts for
pressing. Ajit came to collect the laundry. I told him I do sleep very
early...that is all. He surprised me by returning back all three items, pressed
very neatly and that too in just 40 minutes....amazing guest centricity.
This is my tenth year of association with The Oberoi Grand
Kolkata, an iconic hotel known for its professional service. I knew Ajit since
2009. That is the year he had joined this hotel after passing out from The Hotel
Management School. After completing his two year Operational Trainee program,
he lapped up his promotion as Supervisor in just one year's time.
Listen to his super boss Asim Chakrabarti, the Laundry
Manager of this hotel: "Ajit is very guest oriented is one thing; very
good team player known for his dedication is another. Ask him to come early, he
will come; ask him to stay back, finish the work go home, he is game for it. I
can count on his co-operation any time. He will be there, ready to serve
wholeheartedly, all the time".
"In the initial stages of my student days, I was not
at all interested in laundry. Two years of Operational Traineeship in Housekeeping
department pulled me towards laundry. It is not mere washing of
clothes...hardness of the water, right doses of chemicals, fitness of the
machinery ...all such elements add charm to the laundry wing. We do have all
highly sophisticated machinery, all imported" says Ajit who hails from a
business family.
Howrah born Ajit presently is part of an Executive Development Program. This internal program helps employees to get ahead in
their career. Next month, after attending a 15 day training program at OCLD,
Delhi, Ajit will attend the final round interview. In case, if he clears this
round, then he will be promoted as a Housekeeping Executive.
What do you think? Will you be able to crack the final
round? I asked.
Pat came the reply:" I am looking forward to take up more responsibilities". I could read the unsaid.....He meant " I am very
confident that I will clear the final round too".
Ajit is a jewel in the crown of The Oberoi Grand Kolkata.
He is a great asset to the organisation. I do have great respect on sincere
employees like Ajit.
If somebody asks me, which is the best laundry team you
have ever seen amongst the 300 hotels in India and abroad, I have ever stayed so
far, I will not have any hesitation to admit that it we be The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata laundry team.
Very friendly. Prompt and proactive.....my good wishes to
Asim Chakrabarti and his team.
Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Kolkata
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