Wednesday, September 16, 2015

FROM THE WESTIN GURGAON, NEW DELHI

THE PERFECT FIT


The most important aspect of a clothing is how it fits your body – It is not the colour, texture and material for sure.

This Teachers’ Day, one of my students gifted me two shirts. He was just back from USA and he got these two shirts for me as his humble gift. The shirts were brilliant but when I tried them out I found them to be slightly loose on the torso.

Here begins the story.

I was staying at The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi on that day. Enter the hero of this story - Mohd Jubair Alam (27) – the in-house tailor at this hotel. He surprised me by altering my shirt into a perfect slim fit shirt. I could not ask God for more – it was such a perfect job done. He executed it so seamlessly…and in just 3 hours flat. Looking at Jubair’s skill I felt confident of getting my second shirt altered as well. When I bounced the idea to him he willingly agreed to reshape the second shirt too. And lo and behold came the second shirt too in its new avatar and shape. I was elated to say the least!

Now a point to ponder: How many of us really take a minute to think about the contribution made by the tailors in a hotel. They are craftsmen too – and they deserve their place under the sun – just as a much as the ‘front of the house’ teams like – F&B Service, Chefs, Front Office and Housekeeping. These unsung heroes certainly deserve applause… Essentially, they also serve the guests as much –silently and sincerely!

Mohd Jubair was born in a family whose traditional business was tailoring. His father and two brothers are also tailors. One of his brothers works in Saudi Arabia as a tailor whereas the other has bequeathed his father's tailoring business.

After passing Standard Xth Jubair ran away from his home in Ranchi and ended up in Delhi. For a week he wandered here and there searching for a job. He became penniless after a week, but was lucky enough to get a job in an export company to begin with. Trident Gurgaon was his next stop. He worked there in the laundry department for the next four years.

In June 2011, he joined the laundry department at The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi. It was here that the then Executive Housekeeper Archana Gupta spotted his talent and started to nurture the same in him. She waited for the right moment …………….and in a year’s time the tailor in Jubair became active at The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi....the rest is history like they say.

Today Jubair is a great collaborator in the Housekeeping Department and brings many a smile to the face of guests like me. More importantly he is not just a tailor- he is the person who delivers the perfect fit. Hail Jubair! ...May his tribe increase in the hotel industry ….. and get the recognition they deserve.

Married to Siamoom Khatoon, Jubair lives with his wife and mother in Delhi.

Text and Picture: R Kesava Mallia in Gurgaon



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