Alluring Odyssey : Interview with Abhijeet Patil

Exclusive & Exotic tour from the head to the heart and beyond with Abhijeet Patil   CEO of Raja Rani Travels

PRELUDE: The Late Shri. Raja Patil  founder, established Raja Rani Travels with a vision of providing the common man with an opportunity to explore our beautiful country, dedicated efforts, a spirit of national patriotism and a belief, “Learn to travel & travel to learn. He left his vision and legacy to his sons. This journey of over 50 years has been truly ornate. Evident Business growth, the patrons and their loyalty says it all.

Abhijeet to me is placed high on my list of men I admire. Simply outstanding, emotional, traditional, humble, steadfast and has  percolating charm which all those who know him will instantly agree with.

He is unembellished when it comes to politics the leaders and our nation. He can fearlessly enter a lion’s den and assert his expressions and views, Recently he made headlines when the Marathi papers carried his interview where he said we sure need a Hitler there is no way out, at the same time  he is too shy and humble  to openly discuss the many social obligations which he fulfills this just goes on to endorse my view that he is a perfect gentleman. When it comes to his corporate profile one cant help but just marvel at his brilliance in repertoire.

Well as I sat across his desk, with our youth deputy by my side who were eager to hear him   to see and find out what travels through his heart, to his head ….here is what I have for all to read.

“Since my father passed away I feel like the Peter Pan in me has died” As he voiced this one line when I asked him that what “you miss most in your busy schedule” his eyes his emotions said the story of all the years that he had no time to pause for simple joys as he had the corporate steering and the speed and caution to take care off, the wheels of values, commitments, dreams and a brand.

Q. At times I get a feel that you have mastered to blend virtues with emotions in commercial sector of travel and sustained with matchless pace.

A. After my father died we had a legacy of values, ideals to carry forward plus with the changing times, I could not stagnate my business we were at a crossroads keeping also the business dynamics in mind things were not easy but we have managed to have growth and also feel satisfied that we are happy to come out as a brand that infuses trust and values.

Q. With the Payola and corruption in our country how does it effect the business and the principals one wants to follow.

A.I recall the railway getting computerized still there were ways offered to us to make sure we get our tickets as and when we want, but we refused to be a part of a system and stood on firm ground. We never have a single under the table deal from our travel house. I have followed this legacy till date. When we aimed to propel Marathi and the Maharashtrians on an international platform and we pitched and won the Travel partner contracts for all the three international delegations’ I put my proposals on the table for the patron, and that is transparent  enough for them to decide that we will live up to the high expectations and the products are priced accordingly.

I am proud that the next three are also given to us, and this was unanimously agreed by all without any uproar this it self speaks volumes of the faith of our patrons in us and the quality of our products planned with total dedication and needs.

Q. Kashmir valley and tourism is more an emotional sector than commercial for your travel house

A. Yes after my father we have tried to keep the fire burning I sternly believe that if there are ten terrorists out there we do not want the eleventh one go that way due to poverty. Thus this sector is not just about commerce it is about the valley being green. After my late father we have continued to improve tourism with all the innovative ideas and government help.

I recalls the day when militancy was at its peak in the valley I had gone to Baramulla where some cricket matches were being played locally and the organizers requested me to fly in some actors if I  could manage with no time loss.

I thought of something else and managed to get cricket bats and two dozen T shirts autographed by none other than the master “Sachin” Indian Films and cricket are a passion which crosses all barriers I still can feel the echo the electrifying response, uproar the rush and chaos and thrill Sachin’s name brought about I have no words to describe that moment. That too in the valley where militancy was at its peak

Q. This question Devanshi , Krish and Farrhad cornered him with wanting to know his : Patriotic Nostalgia views and disappointments :

A. The Indian Flag flies high on our building all the 365 days, the entire facade of our building is in the colors of he National Flag. I interact with leaders and politicians all the time many I have grown up with in this Shivaji Park area, which is home to me “I may sound pessimistic to you all at this moment but when it comes to our country politics and its ways it is “Either your break or you bend” A minister who was no more than a daily laborer has over 400 crores in his house fleecing the nation, that too in a state like Jharkhand, where there is poverty for all to see.

”Seeing all this even if one of us decides to stand for elections and wins a seat then too what changes can we bring about when the entire system is in the hands of greed and power which is openly misused.

Beyond a point patriotic feeling goes not just to a level of frustration but to a level of actually giving up. Today if my daughter decides to go abroad and study, well I will understand her and surely see her point of view and agree with her decision.

Q. Any new ventures, variance or remodeling  in the pipeline seeing the turn the tourism industry is taking.

A.To change your Doctor, Travel Agent, and Lawyer is a very difficult task The Indian consumer is changing rapidly. Consumers now value convenience and choice on a par with getting value for their hard earned money. A range of modern retailers is attempting to serve the needs of the ‘new’ Indian consumer

Come what may there is not substitute for “Goodwill” “Contacts” & “Experience”

Globe hoppers – roll out We plan to have a launch on the 26^th of January 2010 The concept is to be able to have an Outlet within  arms reach of the target audience. In keeping with this, we have identified a roll out to encapsulate various categories of cities and towns and hope to achieve 100 outlets within three years.

A potential customer on the ‘faceless’ internet highway, gets immediate and personalized attention at the nearest outlet next to him (in a mall Shoppe), boosting convergence

Q. One teaser as we parted…if you are in the Grand Canyon, who would you love to be stranded with? And would you ask your desk to organize an immediate assistance?

A. Demi Moore Grand Canyon and me sounds perfect and  I will make sure my office sends no assistance at all …..

He had made my day as he had given enough food for thought to our youth they were smitten by his multifaceted charming demure personality on coming out they said “Ooff what a Dude he is and we can learn so much from him, we must come again to meet him” yes we have learnt a lot and we will keep learning from all those who live life on firm ground, like our Abhijeet.

Exclusive answers and views  for our readers of aspiringpeople.com

Nwaz

A big thanks to Krish Kapadia for giving us such a  lovely picture

Devanshi Jaiswal and Farrhad for helping me compile the contents