FROM THE REDFOX, HYDERABAD

              BRILLIANT BUDDHA

 

"Oh, that was my happiest moment in my life" quipped Buddhadev Das (25) with a chuckle. He was narrating the incident when Lemon Tree Founder, Chairman cum Managing Director Patu Keswani had shook hands with him. That was in 2015. The then Chief Operating Officer Mahesh Iyer had told Patu Keswani that Buddha was looking after the entire Housekeeping operations of Red Fox Hyderabad, as a Guest Service Associate since 2013.

Now, about Buddha. He had joined Lemon Tree Premier as a FTC (First Time Contract) in January 2011. By mid-2013, he came on the company rolls as a Guest Service Associate. In his very first year, he lapped up the Best Employee Award. Later on in Red Fox in 2014 as well as 2015, the Best Employee Award sat softly on his shoulders. Since 2016 he is the Housekeeping Executive of this hotel. Remember, this hotel tops the list in many a parameters out of 40 hotels in Lemon Tree Group (which includes four brand names - Lemon Tree Premier- Upscale, Lemon Tree Resorts- Leisure, Lemon Tree - Mid Scale and Red Fox- Economy). Also last year in September, this hotel had created a history by ensuring 100 per cent occupancy for 107 days in a row.  A rare achievement indeed.

                              

There are seven Speech and Hearing Impaired heroes in Buddha's team. See the picture. He teaches others whatever he knows, that is what I found profoundly appealing in him.

Listen to what Narotam Singh - Area Director - South (With six hotels under his belt) based out of  Hyderabad has to say: "Buddha is the youngest Housekeeping Lead One across the Lemon Tree Group in India. Very enthusiastic, his zeal for learning is great ".

Buddha's boss, Srinivas Kadadi (General Manager, Red Fox. Hyderabad) says: “Buddha never says no to the allocated workload; he interacts/welcomes every guest with a smile”.

"He is one of the most reliable staff", informs Arun Gupta, General Manager, Lemon Tree Premier Hyderabad, " He has very good connect with guests as well as the staff".

Decoration is his main hobby. He is omnipresent in both the hotels during birthdays and marriages. From the point of decoration his contribution is impeccable. He is a thoughtful collaborator too. Towel art is another USP of his. He can give shape to 35 different things using towels.

Tenth pass Budha was born in a poor family in Kolkata, in the east Midnapur village. He sends 80 per cent of his earnings every month to home. His family includes his Father (a Farmer), Homemaker Mother, Grandparents and an Uncle. They live in Kolkata. His younger brother, Jayadeva Das is a Tandoor Chef in Swagat De Royal, a three star hotel in Kondapur.

Buddha is wedded to Red Fox Hyderabad. On Sundays, compiling the guest feedback on the on line portal is the new job responsibility that has been assigned to him. He has started this recently.  All the hotels under Narotam will be covered in this process.

"It takes three hours", says Buddha on the compilation work on Sundays.

Other than the allocated official job responsibilities, he is available to co-ordinate any loose ends. I was impressed by his boundary less behaviour. Buddha is brilliant, I swear. He displays extraordinary care, warmth and concern. Very gracious and graceful. Vigilant and vigorous. Honourable as well as hospitable. Hilarious and handsome too. My blessings to him.

He resembles a bouquet of fragrant flowers in full bloom.

Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Hyderabad