Astute Aarti

“I am working hard to improve my communication skills in English”, says Aarti(23), presently working as a Commis in the western cuisine kitchen attached to the 'Qube' - the cafe located at the lobby level of The Leela Palace, New Delhi. Every day, from 7PM to 9PM is allocated for her online classes, so that she can improve her spoken english, as well as enrich her writing skills in english. It was Akanksha Joshi, the Learning and Development Manager of this hotel, who had lovingly advised her join the online spoken english classes. 

Remember : Aarthi had grown up in a one room home, with her parents and three siblings. She studied in a Hindi medium Government school in Delhi till standard 12th.“Aarti is very friendly and relaxed at work. Even under tremendous pressure, she works with a cool and serene mind” says Sous Chef Laxmi Dutt Joshi, who also happens to be the head chef of this renowned eatery. 

Before the sun is up, the hotel car will pick her up from Savitri Nagar, Delhi, where Aarti lives with Mala, her younger sister, who is a Yoga instructor. After reaching the hotel, Aarti will spend half an hour for her Yoga and meditation. By 7AM she will hit the kitchen floor. 

“My mom has sacrificed so much for me. She was so supportive” quips Aarti, who started cooking, when she was just 14 years old. “I used to share the food cooked by me with my friends and classmates. On every occasion, they used to tell me that whatever I cooked comes out very tasty”. Yes. I also agree to this. My first visit to this iconic hotel was in December of last year. In the early evening hours, soon after I checked in, I had proceeded to this cafe, as I was so hungry. The General Manager of this hotel, Anupam Das Gupta who was sitting with me suggested that I should order for a veg sandwich, as it would be available quickly. Astonishingly, the sandwiches landed on my table in minutes. Predictably, the sandwich was luminously flavoured. Plus distinctively delicious too. I was incredibly curious to meet the culinary artist who had masterfully crafted this for me.That is when I had first met Aarti.IHM Hajipur pass out Aarti, was just one month old in this hotel, at that time. 

Yesterday, after my Service Excellence workshops for the staff members of The Leela Palace, New Delhi, I had been to this cafe to interview Aarti. As and when Aarti got seated, I reminded her that I was feeling a little peckish and would like to order a sandwich. “I will make the sandwich for you” Aarti asserted. Within just six minutes, she came back with the sandwich. When I took the first bite, she asked : “hope you liked the sandwich”. When I complimented her, she smiled. There is a glow in her face, when she smiles. 

"I would like to specialise in Italian cuisine” says Aarti, who shares her entire salary with her mother, while using her tips to purchase cookbooks and knives. What I like in Aarti is this: she never gives up. she faces problems in life as well as at work, head on. Never gives up ever and fights vigorously. She is ready to serve guests with consummate ease. 

Always switched on and tranquil at work, Aarti is known for her patience and composure too. Reading motivational books is her hobby. Cooking is her passion. 

                                                                                               Aarti with Executive Chef Karan

 Text and pics by R.Kesava Mallia at New Delhi