From Tarakeswar to Five-Star Hotels — My Journey, My Identity, My Question
From Tarakeswar to Five-Star Hotels — My Journey, My Identity, My Question
My name is Kamal Roy. I come from a simple middle-class family in the small town of Tarakeswar, West Bengal. My father is a farmer, and my mother is a homemaker. Generations ago, my great-grandfather was a wealthy man during the British era, but time changed our circumstances.
However, my dream has always been different.
I don’t want to be known by my father’s name. I want my father to be known by mine.My journey began in 2007 after completing my Computer Hardware & Networking course from George Telegraph. I started with a stipend of just ₹1,600 at a small company. Within three months, I earned ₹3,000 — a proud moment for me.
When I shared this with my father, he said something unforgettable:
“I can give you ₹5,000 per month if you stay and manage our farming.”
But I chose a different path.
I moved forward, learning, struggling, and growing.
From earning ₹5,500 at Theta Computer Service Pvt. Ltd. to working with reputed companies like Berger, TWL, Linc Pen, and Saregama HMV — every step taught me something valuable. I made mistakes, lost data, learned recovery, and gained real-world experience under mentors who shaped my technical foundation.
Then came the turning point — my entry into the Hospitality Industry.
Working with Zetta System and being deputed to the Ambuja Neotia Group opened a new world for me. I learned from Purushottam Karwa Sir & Sourav Gomes Sir:
POS systems
Hotel booking software
Purchase & accounting systems
Network infrastructure
Hands-on hardware skills
A lesson that stayed with me forever by Kalyan Da:
“If you open a laptop for repair, the worst outcome is it won’t work — but you will learn.”
That mindset built my confidence.
I worked across multiple properties — clubs, luxury hotels, and premium brands — eventually becoming an Assistant IT Manager in a 5-star hotel with pre-opening experience.
Today, after 18 years in IT (13+ years in hospitality), I have built my identity in the industry.
People know me. My work is recognised.
But along with success came a realisation.
The Hospitality Industry Demands Excellence — But Often at the Cost of Personal Life.Long hours, constant pressure, guest expectations, and operational challenges make it extremely difficult to balance family and work.
Yes, hotels are now introducing employee engagement programs, weekend activities, and team bonding initiatives — which is a positive change.
But the reality remains:
Work-life balance is still a major challenge for hospitality professionals across India.I’ve spoken to many colleagues across cities — and the story is the same everywhere.
So today, I stand at a crossroads.
On one side:
A respected career, a professional identity, a polished lifestyle.
On the other:
The need for time, family, and personal peace.
And the question I ask myself — and you:
What truly defines success?A professional identity… or a balanced life?
Every industry has its own struggles and rewards.
In hospitality, we look like gentlemen in suits.
In farming, you may look simple — but you might have control over your time and life.
The real decision is not about profession.It’s about the life you want to live.
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