Judicious Jahnobi 

The discerning guests visiting the Qube cafe at the Leela Palace, New Delhi are not to know that the hostess of this eatery Jahnobi Borah(24) is a taekwondo black belt holder…she is a pedigreed NCC Cadet who has bagged the ‘Best cadet award’(2019-20). She was also the winner in the rifle shooting competition held at the National NCC Academy at Jorhat, Assam. In total, she has attended 18 NCC camps, including the most prestigious national level Sainik camp. There are many a feathers in her cap, indeed ! 

Last year in December, I had met Jahnobi for the first time. Last Sunday, I met her for the second time. I was so impressed to see her enhanced confidence and amplified positive self esteem. She is very focused at her work. I liked her deep concentration at work as well as her penetrative insights. She is known for her helpfulness, generosity and effective co-operation. 

Jahnobi is grateful to two girls. One is Anisha, her classmate who suggested her to join Leela Palace, New Delhi. The other is Prachi Sarin, HR Coordinator of this hotel, who was instrumental in connecting her to this iconic hotel.This Assam girl, who is an Economics graduate, opted to join the 18 month hotel management course during the pandemic. She joined Leela Palace, Delhi in October of last year. 

At 530AM everyday, the hotel car will pick her up…by 6AM she gets on the job…after signing off from the hotel in the evening hours she proceeds for her Taekwondo classes …her practice sessions last for 3 to 4 hours on alternate days…on other days she practices yoga at home. She is a pure vegetarian. For the last ten years she has had the habit of writing a diary on a daily basis. She introspects on her work with unabated regularity. Gets a good night's sleep. 

 “I do believe that I can contribute much more at work” says Jahnobi, who is currently pursuing an online MBA from Amity University, “ my co workers are very supportive and caring, I do learn every day from my guests too. In the first week, I found it difficult to remember the table numbers…..but now I am very comfortable”, quips Jahnobi. 

Her parents live in Assam with her younger sister Nitali. Adventure is Jahnobi’s passion. Horse riding is her hobby. 

                                        Jahnobi with the Qube Cafe chef brigade

 Text and Pics by R.Kesava Mallia