Home is where the heart is

By Sayoni Bhaduri

They chose to leave their home country in search of better opportunities in India and ended up falling in love with her. Seven industry professionals tell their stories of how they got here and why they have stayed back, despite the difficulties.

What began as a way to give vent to the creativity of authors, painters and artistes, has today become a well-ingrained culture in many multinational corporations. In the hospitality industry, it has now become a norm for international hotel management companies to rotate their staff across various properties in the world.

While the early nineties saw a huge movement of Indians going to the Gulf, the US and the African nations in search of jobs, we saw a steady stream of expatriates pouring into the country because of the growing economy and expanding opportunities. Then, there are a few who are here because of the warmth and the hospitality they have experienced in the country - like Chef Dario Dezio, who came to India for a holiday 19 years ago and never left.

Consider his story. He wielded the ladle in the Italian restaurant chain Little Italy where he worked for ten years. Today he is with the InterContinental Marine Drive, Mumbai as master chef of Corleone - the hotel's Italian restaurant. "India was very different when I came here. It was known more as a third-world country and the Ambassador car was perceived as a luxury car. This simplicity is what attracted me to this country," he reminiscences.

Then there are some who came to India looking for newer challenges. Julian Groom left London because he wanted to grow professionally. After living in various cities in various countries, he settled down in India, where he was responsible for setting up the Le Meridien brand in Pune. Today he is the COO and executive director of DB Hospitality and lives in Mumbai with his family. "I never thought I'd stay back for so long. India has been growing at a fast pace and that is creating a whole line of new projects. India Inc has been working on a vision and to be part of that vision is a thrill that has no comparison," Groom says.

For Rudiger Ewald, GM of Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa, Goa, it was a more personal choice. He met his wife who is an Indian in the US - hence the move to India. He says, "My first visit to the country really drew me in. Plus, it is also one of the fastest growing economies in South East Asia. So for me it was a professional as well as personal decision."

Chef Nariyoshi Nakamura, Master Chef at Sakura, The Metropolitan Hotel, got an offer to come to India five years ago and he grabbed the opportunity. "When I came down from Japan, India was emerging as a potential global leader. That, together with its rich history was a definite attraction for me. India has always been a land of opportunities and the hotel industry here is growing at a tremendous pace."

While a booming economy that offers endless job options sounds all good, living through day-to-day problems and tackling them doesn't quite cut it. Groom, for instance, started in Pune at a time when it was more like a village than an emerging metropolis that it is today. "I had limited choices in food and lifestyle. It was difficult for my family as well," he says.

It is a general consensus that living in India requires a lot of patience. It is therefore important how the company helps in the relocation. Mumtaz Moiz, GM (India) for Club Med, who moved from Singapore to India, recalls having to start life right from scratch. "India is a very warm and vibrant country where people are very supportive. Being helpful comes as a second nature to them and this helps interacting with people as well creating an instant sense of belonging."

But even if one is able to look beyond small issues, it is difficult to cope with any unprecedented events - like the recent terror attacks in Mumbai or the economic downturn. Cecilia Oldne, manager (International Business) for Sula, says, "I was definitely shocked as many of our associates and clients have suffered in the attack. But it has never questioned my faith in this country."

Pascal Dupuis, GM of the The Leela Kempinski Goa, voices his opinion. "I would never leave the country because of something like this. The fact of the matter is that it could happen anywhere. I was in London when the city witnessed similar incidents, but that should not stop us from living our lives. What we can do is be prepared," he says. India, being a land of mystic, will always tempt the traveller.

Ewald adds, "Economic upheavals are part and parcel of any nation and are bound to appear periodically. It is about keeping things under control and not panic."