Walking Your Values @ Taj

A sense of gloom

The Latur earthquake struck India at 03:56 local time on September 30, 1993. The earthquake primarily affected the districts of Latur and Osmanabad in Maharashtra. Fifty-two villages were demolished in the intra-plate earthquake. Approximately 10,000 people died, whilst another 30,000 were injured. The following day the Prime Minister of India declared a week long national mourning. Flags flew half-mast.

The Qimpro Awards Ceremony had been organized at The Rooftop of Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai for the evening of October 1, 1993. International dignitaries had arrived in Mumbai. The exquisite French preparations for the distinguished winners and guest were already in a work-in-progress status at 4 pm. But there was total gloom in the air.

A change of heart

How could one have a private celebration in the midst of such devastating tragedy? How could one cancel the event at such short notice? There were far too many arrangements that needed to be reversed.

But my conscience got the better of me. So I went and met the Banquets Manager, Raman Mehra. I explained that I needed to cancel the event that was only three hours away. I apologized for the last minute cancellation. I went on with an emotional throat to explain that I simply could not go through a celebration owing to the Latur earthquake. I carried on that I would pay for all the expenses incurred. I was sorry. And on and on…

A silver lining

When I seemed exhausted from my monologue, Raman only said:

“That’s OK. The reason is genuine. I too am an Indian. There will be no charge for canceling the event.”

The magnitude of his prompt decision, and the empowerment he enjoyed, did not sink in for at least 10 minutes. While I thanked him, I only realized later that the Taj has a unique values-driven culture percolating from the top to bottom

Qimpro has since been a loyal customer of the Taj.