Author: Anosh Malekar
Publication: The Week
Date: March 7, 2004
URL: http://www.the-week.com/24mar07/currentevents_article10.htm#2
The first thing on my sports calendar
is to watch a Test match in Mumbai," says Duncan Craig, general manager
of Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai. The 36-year-old New Zealander, who arrived in
the city three weeks ago, is not a stranger to India. "Six years ago, I
worked as a food and beverages manager in Goa," he says. "I thoroughly
enjoyed my stint there; perhaps a reason for landing here again."
He feels the work culture in India
is a combination of "people being focused on their jobs as well as leading
meaningful lives". But the work atmosphere is hierarchical. "It's a lot
more cosmopolitan than what it was six years ago. People are more aware
of where the rest of the world is heading to," he says.
Duncan-who hails from Wanganui north
of Wellington, "a small place by Indian standards but a big one in New
Zealand"-is looking forward to his wife joining him next month. He has
made no plans yet, except perhaps "a visit to my favourite fish restaurant
in Goa".
Duncan's colleague, executive pastry
chef Guillaume Bonnety, 36, has witnessed the hospitality business grow
in India, having worked here for four years.
"A lot more tourists are coming
here and the Indian hospitality industry needs to keep pace with change,
providing better quality services," says the Frenchman who feels Indians
in the business are not sufficiently motivated or qualified. It is the
reason why a number of foreigners are entering this sector to train and
educate their Indian counterparts.
What amazes Guillaume is India's
huge population working towards a goal. "The future looks good with the
economy becoming stronger," he says. "Definitely, a lot of foreigners would
want to come and work here now."
The only difficulty Guillaume faces
in India is socialising because, "Indians seem to live a very family-oriented
life. There are hardly any who would want to mix with foreigners. But I
have a few friends". Being a nature freak, he looks forward to travel across
India.
