“My parents always insisted I have long-term planning for whatever I do in my life. They provided me with the best facilities they could within their capacity. However, the planning didn’t work for me. There’s destiny and things happen accordingly – this is what I believe in life.

After class 12, I packed my bags and left my hometown, Dehradun, to earn a living. I heard a lot about New Delhi, so I went there. I learned the nuances of the hospitality industry and management business there. After six years of work, I was promoted to assistant manager at a hotel in Hyderabad. It was only after reaching the city that I started focusing on things.

Over the last ten years, I have been able to get along in life and survive in the hospitality field despite the tough competition in the market. Apart from work, I like to enjoy my life every single day.

I use my savings to travel across the country during my free time as it gives me happiness and exposure. My biggest dream is to visit the United Kingdom once in my lifetime.

After Covid and the recession, there is no guarantee about financial stability so I am just going with the flow, and trying to make the most of what I have in my control.

What’s the point of worrying about the future when you can’t live life to the fullest today? Kya pata, Kal ho na ho.”

• Prakash Pathak, Hotelier