Exclusive Interview | Rathindra Nath Biswas, Chief Engineer at The Aananda Imperial Hotel by Svenska
/“I always believed the term “ALL IS WELL”. I am sure that the Hotel Industry will return back again with Kohinoor’s Shining Glow.”
Rathindranath Biswas
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
It's the year 2011.After completed my B.TECH. I was searching for a job. That time I got a call from JLL. They offered me "Executive Engineer" position for the site Metropolis Mall. I was really excited because it was my dream project. During that time in Kolkata, it was one of the famous malls. I joined there and it was a memorable time for me to work with them. After that a year, I transferred the AVANI RIVERSIDE MALL in 2012. That time it was the second biggest mall in West Bengal. It was awarded SEVEN STAR MALL that time as Energy Saving Mall.
After successfully completed 1.5 years, I got a call from Hyatt Regency Kolkata. I joined there as a Shift Engineer. It was really a memorable moment for me to work under Hyatt legends- Mr Girish Chouhan, Mr Prabu Balaraman, Ms Britta Leick Milde etc. I learned a lot of things from Hyatt Family. After 2 years, i joined New Kenilworth Hotel as assistant Chief Engineer. It was an awesome feeling to work with Kenilworth Team. After that, I joined Vedic Village Spa & Resort. I was really excited and it was a great challenge to maintain like a huge property(20 ACRE). I successfully completed 2.5 years there and then I got an opportunity to work with Ananda Family.
It is my first exposure to working as a Chief Engineer. It is really a nice NICE property by Svenska in Chhattisgarh.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
I think in hospitality industry success stands upon 3 Pillar. Patience, Hard Working and Dedication
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
I always love those candidates who are positive in their attitude and belief the term "YES" If someone wants to work with me, they a send me cv to rathindra@aanandaimperialhotel.in
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?
Training is the staircase on which every person's career is made. So, it is very important to learn from the heart during training. A good trainee's job is not only to do his job, but his job is also to learn thoroughly and ask the trainers to ask questions about the subject matter and how many processes that the job can be done. Books and internets can teach you basics but during job training, you teach practically everything. Practical teaching and learning is the mother of any success. A Win- Win for both comes in when we choose our future talents from the batch and are able to recruit them.
Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
First one for me is-Technical explosion. The sudden switch to working from home during social distancing of the corona virus pandemic has forced planners to get on board with productivity apps and a crash course in pivoting to digital. Virtual meetings that were once seen as a threat to face-to-face events are now the saviour for interactions that need to go on to support business, research and social needs.
Second One is-Increased emphasis on health and well being. Wellness is taking on primary importance as attendees want to know that it is safe to return to large group settings. Reduced density, increased sanitation stations and pre-packaged meals could be the norm going forward. Meanwhile, mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and promote mental health have become more common in agendas large and small.
Third One is- Need for seamless technology. The call for being able to handle everything from hotel registration and meal ordering from the convenience of our smartphones has only grown louder. A 2020 survey found that almost three-quarters of respondents would prefer to text for help in real-time compared to 42 per cent who said they would like to talk to someone using video. A phone call was the number one option.
In Our hotel, we are also applying these trends. We have made Aananda K.A.V.A.C.H.(Keeping Action areas Virginally Accessible and Clinically Hygienic) for our guest's safety purpose. Our Motto is Safe ,Secured and Sanitized Stays and our goal is: Well-being of One and All through Responsible Hospitality. To maintain safety protocol we are using safe distance stickers, paddle sanitizes, Shoe sanitizer, Sensitization tunnel for guest and employees. We are using digital menus, thermal checking process, deep cleaning rooms by using Diversity products- VIREX II 256 and SUMA. We have also planned for KITCHEN ON WHEELS concept where anyone can invite us for serving any get-together function on his area.
Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the tech that goes into creating your guest experience?
Technological advancements make our life so easier. As a Chief Engineer we loved to use technology for guests satisfaction. Our in house engineering team has made paddle sanitizers, sanitized tunnel and shoe sanitizers for safety protection against COVID 19. We have also planned for making in house UV sanitized key box and UV Sanitized racks for food processing. These all are helpful for Guests heath and safety issues. Except for it apps like what app assist us in making more connection with regular guests as well as long-staying guests. We always try to make our bonding more tight with guest by using phone call also.
Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
Being a hotelier i feel it's a wonderful place and it's not require to change any thing in this industry. At this present scenario, we are now stronger than before. We just need to streamline some steps to protest against COVID 19. If we all maintain those processes then definitely we will return back again.
Editor: What can we expect in the coming year?
I always believed the term "ALL IS WELL". I am sure that the Hotel Industry will return back again with Kohinoor's Shining Glow.
