It was 5 months ago that I first came across Nikhil, a young 17-year-old boy who was taking care of his unwell mother, and his specially-abled brother, managing the entire household, all while in school.
The boy had a fire in him that I’ve seldom seen in people – a passion to get to his dreams and if you’d listen to him, you would see the same in his eyes. When I learned that his heart was set on being a chef – I had to meet him, I just had to, and I’m glad I did. Because the moment I met him in person, I knew he had it in him.
As I left his house, my only advice was to concentrate on his exams and work hard for his shot at the career he dreamt of – and he did exactly that.
Today, I’m extremely happy to announce that Nikhil is enrolled in the Institute of Hotel Management, Kovalam for a 3-year Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration!
The RCP Hospitality group and I have personally seen to it that he has no restrictions on him – financial or otherwise, so he can focus on his learning journey. Nikhil will also be undergoing training at the newly-announced RCP, Trivandrum this December – hopefully his first of many professional exposures.
My best wishes to you, young man.
May god bless you and your family – and may you have a great, happy and illustrious career ahead.
– and yes, can’t wait to have you in the kitchen soon!
– Chef Pillai.