The Hub of Classic Man

Professional Journey and Early Struggles

My career began with Reliance Telecom, where I joined as a Sales Executive. The role demanded meeting strict sales targets, particularly for postpaid connections. Despite my efforts, I struggled to achieve the required numbers and managed to sell only a few prepaid connections. Within a week, my manager reassigned me to the collections department, where I worked on a commission basis. Armed with a customer list, I traveled door-to-door on my bicycle, often encountering unreachable addresses or inactive numbers. On one occasion, I managed to collect ₹700, and over time, I earned approximately ₹2,000—enough to purchase my first mobile handset, the Classic 231.

Following this, I joined Tata Indicom, but once again, the role did not prove successful. These early experiences were marked by hardship, compounded by financial difficulties at home. With my father unemployed, even basic necessities such as regular meals were uncertain, and pursuing higher education seemed out of reach.

Turning Point: Education

A significant turning point came when I was offered admission to a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program. I cleared the entrance test and interview on my first attempt, but financial constraints delayed my fee payment. My father borrowed ₹2 lakh from a friend in our village, and I simultaneously applied for an education loan through Punjab National Bank. After two months of persistent effort and an appeal to the District Commissioner of Rohtak, the loan was sanctioned for ₹2,56,000.

During this period, I also took up a tally job at a bank located far from my college. Without a cycle or transport, I walked long distances daily, often managing only one or two meals a day. Despite these challenges, I was proud to be the first boy in my family to enter graduation—a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Early Industry Experience

During my graduation, I undertook training assignments with Lemon Tree Group and The Oberoi, New Delhi. However, these roles highlighted the exploitative practices prevalent in the hospitality industry, where trainees were often used in place of professionals. Later, I joined Noormahal, Karnal, as an operational trainee with a stipend of ₹3,500.

By the time I completed my degree in 2011, I had realized that much of the hotel industry operated under unfair conditions—long hours, fixed registers, and no overtime compensation. It felt more like bonded labor than professional growth.

Transition to New Opportunities

My family continued to hope for a breakthrough, and I eventually joined Café Coffee Day. Though not my first choice, the role provided valuable learning and a better income of ₹7,500. After nearly a year, I transitioned to ITC through a third-party company, where my responsibility was to collect feedback from smokers about cigarettes.

Breakthrough with Indigo Airlines

The true turning point came on 26 December 2013, when I was selected to join Indigo Airlines. That day remains etched in my memory—the rush of the train, the exhaustion, and the overwhelming joy of finally stepping into a career that felt promising.

I vividly recall the ₹100 note given to me by my father, Shri Prem Anand, as a gesture of support. Born on 25 December 1964, he was a man who endured injustice throughout his life yet taught me the values of sacrifice and resilience. His contribution shaped me into the person I am today—unbreakable in spirit.

My first gift to him was a kurta-pajama with a pair of white shoes, a symbol of gratitude for his sacrifices. Sadly, I lost him in 2014. His teachings remain my guiding light; he was my Jesus, showing me the path of Shri Ram, instilling in me the strength to persevere and succeed.

to be continued…