FROM ITC GRAND CHOLA,CHENNAI

MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE

Time: 5.30am.

Venue: Basement one-The staff entrance at ITC Grand Chola,Chennai 

Date: 26 July 2015

As many as 40 cyclists were getting ready for the 10 km cycling event . The Sun was yet to show it's face. 

Time: 6.10am

Venue: Valluvan Porch ( where the guests staying in towers access the lobby ) 

Cycling event flagged off

All ITC Grand Chola members wearing helmets surged ahead in their cycles for the 10 km cycling event, orchestrated  and curated around the "responsible luxury" element, the first of its kind event ever pitched as part of the employee engagement activities. 

 Perhaps I was the only Room Guest  in the entire crowd.

"The purpose", says Rohit Mallick,  Regional Manager, Learning and Development Services ,ITC Grand Chola  also the Chief Director of this event, "of orchestrating this cycling event is to create awareness of health, wellness, fitness, team work, synergy, bonding and sense of harmony".

The General Manager of this iconic hotel , Anil Chada promptly reached by 6 am. However, his Personal Assistant Cherie had reached the hotel half an hour before him .  "I got up at 4 30am", informed Cherie, clad in a cream coloured T shirt and black capri.

Chef Srinivasan, one the load bearing pillars of this hotel showed up in a navy blue T shirt and  cream coloured  Bermuda. The HR team turned up  in  full enthusiasm and glee. Col Menon, the HR Head, Subash, HR Manager were promptly supported by the august presence of Ishbeer, Jecenta, and  Pavana. There was a guest appearance too......Pavana's   sister Unnathi (not a staff member of this hotel) also participated. 

Of the total number of 40 who had participated, 12  were female employees. Pratibha, the co-ordinator  of Senior Executive Chef  of this hotel was seen radiating enthusiasm to the hilt.

By 7 30am all the cyclists returned back to the staff entrance after the joyful 10 km ride. Remember: First aid boxes, a technician and even dust bins were carried by the support item. Responsible luxury at its best, isn't it ?

Chef Kannabiran, popularly known Kanna  Chef  and his team were eagerly waiting for the cyclists to come back. Every one has thoroughly enjoyed the ride...they  might have enjoyed the piping hot  idlis  and sambar served at the Grand Cafe( the staff cafeteria of this hotel) more than the ride. I am sure it was a different breakfast experience altogether...after an exciting cycle ride.

ITC Grand Chola has set an example.( I think ITC Gardenia had conducted a similar event before). But, all other ITC hotels  should also try to pitch such resplendent employee engagement initiatives in the days to come. This is a great morale booster. It helps to build trust among the employees in a big way. 

I was impressed. Thoroughly. The oneness among the employees is worth emulating. This 10 km cycling fun event might have stimulated them mentally, activated them physically and also  might have helped to splurge spiritually. Good show indeed. 

This mystical experience, I am sure, will give them more confidence to serve the  ITC guests with more cheer and vigour. May all of them serve the discerning guests with focussed attention. 

I am certainly not a history buff. I really do not know whether the Chola Kings had been patronising cycling. Glad that, at ITC Grand Chola thought about this cycling event as a wellness tool. For that, I am a wellness buff,  I  have been advocating wellness all my life. 

 

Amazingly orchestrated event .Even Gods might have felt jealous.

"Everyone was  absolutely happy and joyous. We will have such cycling events once in two months" says Rohit Mallick. 

Text and pictures: R Kesava Mallia