Joyous Jeetu

The loss of Leela Palace, will be the gain of The Leela Ambience Convention hotel. Interestingly, both hotels are in New Delhi. The former is located in south Delhi, while the latter in the east of Delhi. Come 28th March, Jitendra Singh Rawat(40) will be joining the Leela Ambience Convention Hotel as their Stewarding Manager. Interestingly, Jitendra popularly known as Jeetu was wedded to Leela Palace since it's pre-opening days in 2010. 

Mumbai born Jeetu, a bus driver’s son has been working since the age of 13 in order to pay his tuition fees. He was working in a factory then.After passing standard tenth, he discontinued his studies, to financially support his family. “I used to handover all the money I earned to my family” says Jeetu. His first lucky break came in 2002. He got a job at Le Royal Merdien, Mumbai as a utility worker. He was just 20 at that time. In only six months, he lapped up a promotion with an increment of Rs. 1,000/- per month. The then Kitchen Stewarding Manager Sanjay Panoli told him: “You are really a star. You should learn the paperwork associated with this job, going forward”. These words resonated very strongly with Jeetu. He continued working hard and in the next four years, he pocketed a double promotion and coronated himself as the Asst Chief Steward. As many as a half a dozen times, he was adjudged as the ‘Best Employee of the month” at Le Royal Meridien at Mumbai. 

Thereafter h he worked for 18 months with Pan India Food Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd managing the kitchen stewarding operations of 17 restaurants in Mumbai. Bur he had a deep desire to test his endurance further…so his next stop was the Westin Gurgaon as a team leader…this stint lasted for only six months… after which sheer providence brought him to Leela Palace New Delhi. 

His last 12 years in this hotel has been very productive and meaningful. His hard work and undaunted will to serve has helped him earn his stripes. Indeed he is a great credit to the Leela Group. Two gentlemen had played a great role in moulding the professional in Jeetu. One being Sanjay Panoli and the other being Subhash Pinjola - his current boss, presently, the Kitchen Stewarding Manager, at the Leela Palace, New Delhi. “ Subhash Pinjolaji is my godfather. I will never forget him in my life” quips Jeetu. 

Jeetu is married to Suman Rawat, a housewife. He is blessed with three children - Sakshi(14)Meenakshi(12) and Arav(09). He lives in Palam, Delhi with his family. Singing in Hindi and Gadwali is his hobby. 

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                                                                                                      Jeetu with Executive Chef Karan 

 Text and Pics: R Kesava Mallia in New Delhi