27 Years of Hospitality: A Journey of People, Places, and Purpose
My name is Yadap Kumar Pandey, and I hail from Nepal. I came to India when I was just 18, with dreams of exploring new horizons and making a life for myself. After completing the 12th grade, a close friend of mine mentioned an opening for a caretaker position at a guest house in Pune called Zahr Palace for Thermax. Encouraged by his suggestion, I applied for the role, and after an interview with R. N. Doctor, I was selected. That was 27 years ago, and since then, Thermax has been my home.
This job was my first, and as I look back, I realise how much it has shaped me. I’m 44 years old now, and over the years, my excitement to meet new people and learn new things has never waned. The environment at Thermax has always been warm and welcoming, with colleagues who treat each other with kindness and respect. I never felt like I was just doing a job; I felt like I was part of something larger, something meaningful.
In my role as a caretaker, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from different states and countries, each with their own unique stories and personalities. Over time, I learned how to manage different behaviours and adapt to the needs of our guests. What’s special about this experience is that it never felt like work; there was never any pressure. Instead, it was an opportunity to connect with others, to learn from them, and to share my own experiences.
My journey with Thermax has taken me across various cities – Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Vadodara, Ooty, and for the past 24 years, Chennai has been my home. I’ve witnessed the company evolve, seen four managing directors, and experienced many changes in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) department. I’ve had the chance to meet everyone, from the chairperson, EC members to employees from all walks of life. Each interaction has been memorable, with everyone taking the time to inquire about my family and work. Their appreciation for what I do has always been a source of motivation for me.
When I joined, Anu Aga was the Chairperson, and the MDs I’ve worked under include Abhay Nalawade, P. M. Kulkarni, M. S. Unnikrishnan, and now Ashish Bhandari. I’ve been inspired by each of them, particularly by Ashish Sir and Unni Sir. Despite holding such high positions, they never made me feel like there was a gap between us. Their humility and down-toearth personalities make everyone around them feel comfortable.
Chennai holds a special place in my heart. The city’s culture, the people, and the local traditions have become a part of me. I love sharing what I’ve learned with others, and one of my closest friends, Shiva Bashyal, works at the Chairman’s house in the Mumbai guest house. We’ve shared countless stories, and through my travels, I’ve picked up the skills to cook various dishes from different regions. I remember initially learning to cook by following recipes from newspapers, adding my own twist to create something unique.
The world has changed so much since I started in the 90s. Back then, people were eager to talk and connect with each other. Today, everyone seems more absorbed in their phones. I often encourage employees who stay at the guest house to leave their phones behind during meals, to truly engage with one another.
The pandemic was a challenging time for all of us. During the lockdown, I stayed at the guest house with four others. We supported each other in every way we could, delivering food to rooms without physical contact. The experience was a profound life lesson, teaching us all the importance of resilience and community.
I’m married and have a son who is pursuing engineering in Chennai. There are times when I miss my family, especially since I only get to see them twice a year. Responsibility, however, is something I’ve come to accept. It’s hard when someone back home is unwell and I can’t be there, but when I can, I make sure to do everything I can to take care of them.
Staying positive in life is essential, and I believe that kindness and a willingness to listen go a long way. Whenever I’m stressed, I focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. After 27 years with Thermax, I’ve learned that hard work and dedication are key to achieving anything worthwhile. No field of work is big or small; it’s our perspective and determination that make all the difference.
I look forward to continuing my journey, meeting new people, and sharing my experiences. My passion for understanding others, caring for them, and making them feel at home is what I love most about my role. My father, who was diagnosed with cancer, taught me the importance of hope, discipline, and perseverance. At 87, he remains a pillar of strength, embodying the very qualities that have guided me through my life.
As I continue to serve in my role, I carry with me the lessons of a lifetime – a deep respect for the power of human connection, the value of kindness, and the belief that no matter where we are, we can always make a difference.
Yadap Kumar Pandey Caretaker, Chennai Guest House
