Exclusive Interview | Prabir Kumar Patra, Hospitality Assessor, Sh. Maaungoodhoo School Ministry of Education, Maldives
/“Teachers who Train, Coach, Guide students to manage any kind of situation creates the best achievers ”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
I am from a remote village Called Saluipahari of Bankura District in West Bengal. Getting into Hospitality was a sudden excursion. After 10+2 I wanted to Pursue B.SC in Mathematics /Physics but my Father being a Mathematics teacher knowing the hard realities of my life suggested me to join Hotel Management & thus in 2003 I enrolled for a 4 Years Bachelor in Hotel Management in DSMS, Durgapur. I have travelled across the country and attended more than 100 interviews in Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Indore, Chennai, Kolkata and Goa from 2006 to 2009. However, My Journey in Hospitality Industry is limited to 2 Years including Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley Coorg, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, ITC Sonar the Luxury Collection Kolkata and the Retreat Mumbai. I have also appeared for various Examinations in Govt. Sector including Banking, Railways, Civil Services, Municipal Services, Armed Forces, Staff Selection Commission etc.
Since January 2010 I have been teaching Hospitality & Tourism Management in Local, National and International Level Starting from School to University Undergraduate Level. Since January 2017 I am working as a BTEC Hospitality Teacher and Assessor under the Ministry of Education, Maldives. I am empanelled as an Expert at NIMI Chennai under Director-General Employment and Training, Govt. Of India, since 2016 and also Google for Education Certified Trainer from September 2020 and connected to around 7000 Teaching Professionals in Google Group from more than 100 Countries.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Right kind of Attitude, Analytical & Flexibility of Mind, Easy and Outgoing Personality, Career Plan with SMART Objectives and Passion to learn and serve.
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
I am not associated with Recruitment at this moment but if I recruit definitely, I will look for a Positive Attitude, Innovative Approach, Self-Motivated, Detail Oriented and who can add value to the organization.
I Would like someone in Teaching who can Train, Coach and Guide Students in such a way that they will be able to manage any kind of situation in order to achieve success.
Editor: What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?
Practical Training Plays a crucial role in developing Talents in any technical field. Basically, it is the first step to become successful in the Industry. While training in Hotels /Resorts trainees should observe, learn how to manage works in an efficient and effective manner. Outcomes of the right kind of training can form a solid base for the future. In order to be successful Trainees should monitor and evaluate their own performance.
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
The latest hospitality trends in response to the changing behaviour of customers, due to the recent pandemic are Touchless Hospitality, Smart Hotels, Safety and Hygiene, Local Experience, Sustainability & Global Mindset, AI in Hospitality, Takeaway Etc.
Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the techs that go into creating your guest experience?
Hospitality Industry always Adopt the latest technology in order to give their customers a memorable experience. Maximum Hotels/Resorts are using Mobile Check-ins, Contactless Payment - an excellent way to reduce human-to-human contact., facial recognition technology to unlock rooms, Voice Search and Voice Control, Some of the Hotels are even using Robots and chatbots. Menu cards also replaced by digital devices and there are many other such Technologies.
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
1.Being a Hospitality Educator and Trainer I like to see some changes in Course Curriculum and Uniformity in Nomenclature. Course Curriculum should consist of a minimum of 60% Practical and 40% Theory whereas at present it is based on 80% Theory and 20 % Practical.
2. Uniform Approach from the Hospitality Leaders towards Trainees and Staff and Working Hours for the Trainees /Freshers Should not exceed 9 Hours in order to create mental stability.
Editor: What can we expect in the coming year?
Hospitality Industry and Hospital /Healthcare Tie-Up,
Digitalized guest experiences & Contactless Technology,
Sustainability
Healthy Food and lifestyle
Growth in Domestic Tourism
