"Beyond Winning: A Tale of Friendship, Respect, and Legacy at The Taj"

As the evening unfolded at The Palace in Delhi, and the Issac ( STAR Award – at the IHCL STARS AWARDS CEREMONY?was presented to me, an upsurge of emotions flooded over me. This?honor, a symbol of professional excellence that I had sought for 14 years, was finally within reach. But this trophy had a different weight to it this year’

STARS Award - At IHCL, the exceptional achievements of staff are not only recognised but also celebrated with a great passion. The company's acclaimed staff recognition programme, STARS (Special Thanks and Recognition System), illustrates this culture of appreciation. It functions as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate those exceptional individuals who continuously exceed expectations. STARS programme participants get points by receiving favourable guest comments, being recognised by their peers, and presenting new ideas that contribute to the growth of the organisation. This programme serves as IHCL's acknowledgement of appreciation towards its exceptional employees, who exemplify the company's dedication to providing outstanding service and fostering innovation.

David Aaron – Chief Concierge at The Taj Bengal Kolkata and I, representing hailing from different hotels within the Taj group, had fiercely competed for this accolade year after year. We've always been in friendly competition for this honour,. Notwithstanding the animosity, our bond of friendship was built on profound mutual respect and a shared dedication to our Concierge?Profession (#ServiceThroughFriendship) This year, the shadow of his absence was real, as we lost him to a long struggle with sickness

I was at a crossroads when it came to balancing my individual goals with the values held by everyone here at IHCL. It became evident right away that the award was more than just a personal praise; it was a symbol of our shared beliefs and promises. It was a monument to the word we keep, the legacy we uphold, and the service we commit to.

?This year, the competition was silent as we lamented the passing of David, a stalwart of the concierge community, due to illness. His absence left an empty space not only in the lineup of possible honorees but in the very heart of our IHCL family and Concierge community.? The award I had long sought now represented a new challenge: preserving a legacy rather than simply enjoying an accomplishment.

In a poignant conclusion that echoed the underlying values of 'Tajness,' I invited David's son Issac (who now works for Taj and has just joined at the hotel where the award ceremony was held) to the stage following the ceremony. The young guy, who bears a strong resemblance to his father, not just in looks but also in quiet strength, now walks the corridors where his father once walked to join me on stage. I gave him my award as a symbol of continuity and faith in his father's legacy of achievement. It was an affirmation that, while we have lost a beloved member of our IHCL and Concierge families, the essence of his spirit is indelible and ever-present.

The light ceremony with a few concierge colleagues was filled with cheers and a strong realisation that at IHCL, we are more than just a workforce; we are stewards of a great past. My act was not about presenting an award; it was about reinforcing the principles we stand for—Trust, Awareness and Joy. The torch has now been transferred to the next generation, not to spark competition but to continue a history of quality that goes beyond individual performance. As I reflect on that time, I am reminded of the fundamental fact that what we compete for is less significant than the word we keep and the ties we form.

This deed marked not the finish, but the beginning—a challenge to the young Aaron and all of us at IHCL to not only seek accolades but to live up to the ideals they symbolise. It is a call to honour the past, love the present, and construct the future with unshakable determination.

Here's to the spirit of IHCL, to the lasting legacy of our beloved colleagues, and to the unbreakable relationships that define us. Together, we continue to raise the bar, not only within the stately walls of our hotels but also in the hearts of those we serve. May this narrative inspire not only a desire for achievement, but also a commitment to the principles that bind us together as one family, one legacy, and one unyielding spirit of 'Tajness'

I would like to express our gratitude to #Taj, #IHCL, and #TATA's for encouraging a culture of generosity, Humility, kindness, and adhering to the core principles of our remarkable organisation. Thank you Puneet Chhatwal Rohit Khosla Gaurav Pokhariyal Taljinder Singh Ritesh Sharma

#STARSAWARDS #TAJ #Trustawarenessjoy #Tajness #Concierge #lesclefsdor #IHCL #Tajness #Legacy #Custodians #ServiceBeyondSelf #InMemoryOfExcellence #recognition #excellence #OurPeopleMakeTheDifference #DavidAaron #Awards #Memory #SpiritofTajness Les Clefs d'Or? International The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL)