“When I first stepped into the Hospitality Industry, I had no idea how it would transform my life. Growing up in West Bengal, I was just a simple boy with big dreams, unaware of the journey ahead filled with challenges and successes. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management, laying the foundation for my future endeavors.

Later, in 2004, I also got myself enrolled in a course in Hotel management in Mumbai, focused on Restaurant training and bartending to boost up my CV. During the day, I worked in a restaurant at Juhu, and in the evenings, I attended classes at Colaba taught by Sadhana Madam. Those six months flew by, and I never missed a session, thanks to the unwavering support of my boss, Mr. Gaurav Surana.

In 2004, an article featuring me was published in the Opportunities Today book in July where I was honoured with the student of the month. I excitedly shared the news with my mother, only for her to pass away the following month before she could read it. That experience taught me the true meaning of sacrifice. We often take our parents for granted, and it’s only when they’re gone that we truly understand their impact.

It was during this period, I learned the importance of perseverance. Being alone in Mumbai was tough, but with every challenge, I kept pushing forward.

Before entering the world of hospitality, I was a passionate cricketer. I played in local leagues and even at the district level. I dreamed of building a career in sports, but life had other plans. The discipline, teamwork, and resilience I learned from cricket prepared me for the next chapter of my life.

My hospitality career began as a trainee waiter at Daspalla Hotel in Visakhapatnam. I worked my way up from waiter to captain and eventually to head manager, learning every aspect of the hotel industry, especially in the food and beverage (F&B) sector. My father, who was a government employee at the Durgapur Steel Plant, instilled in me a strong work ethic that laid the foundation for my growth.

I’ve always believed in continuous learning. Whether serving guests or managing a team, I aimed for excellence.

This mindset propelled me to the position of general manager at The Class Hospitality in Mumbai. I took pride in personally interacting with every guest, and this approach set me apart.

One memorable guest, Professor Cyrus M. Gonda, appreciated my efforts so much that he included my interactions in his book, Seal the Hole in the Bucket. This experience reinforced the value of the connections we create in this industry.

Of course, there were setbacks too. I vividly remember a day when a guest pointed out that we had kept an expired sauce bottle. As the restaurant manager, I hadn’t placed the bottle myself, but I had to take the full responsibility of the situation. That incident highlighted the importance of accountability and leadership, lessons I now pass on to the next generation of hospitality professionals.

After nearly 15 years working in various departments in the Hotel Industry, I decided it was time for a change. In 2021, during the pandemic, I relocated to Hyderabad, taking on a new role as a faculty member in a Hotel Management Institute. Training young minds has become my passion; I treat my students like family, guiding them in their careers and lives.

I’m also active on social media, sharing insights about F&B services, which has garnered me close to 100,000 followers on Instagram and several thousands on YouTube. I also conduct training sessions at Hotels across India, eager to share my knowledge.

Along the way, I wrote an e-book titled Service with a Smile, a collection of everything I’ve learned about F&B services, from team management to mastering the art of guest interaction. It’s my way of giving back to the industry that has shaped me.

Reflecting on my journey from West Bengal to where I am today, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had. My family—my parents, my wife Anuradha, and my five-year-old son Aayansh—have been my constant support, and I owe much of my success to my mentors.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in life and hospitality is the importance of empathy and compassion. Respect your guests, your colleagues, and, most importantly, your family. Take care of your parents; once they’re gone, you’ll truly realize their impact.

In this industry, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn. The relationships you build, the lessons you learn, and the people you meet make this career truly fulfilling.”

• Tarakeshwar Rao, Founder of Service Nexus