A hospitality professional from Pune, Amar Deshpande has had a diverse career spanning working in hotels and cruise ships to teaching at esteemed institutions. His journey includes studying oenology in France and advocating for the growth of wine culture in India.

Amar Deshpande, hailing from Pune, Maharashtra, completed his Hotel Management Diploma in 1995. He recalls that during that time, there were no degree courses in hospitality available, which only began in 2000.

After completing his diploma, Amar commenced his career in the hospitality field at the Holiday Inn. Subsequently, he seized an opportunity in France to study Oenology, a course on wines. Oenology encompasses the science of pairing food with wine. Amar spent around one and a half years in Paris, mastering the course and gaining exposure to various wines and vineyards.

Following his studies in France, Amar worked as a sommelier in Kurukshetra Food for approximately ten years. In 1999, he embarked on a decade-long journey working on a cruise ship, again as a sommelier. Amar considers himself fortunate to have been selected by Royal Caribbean, one of the world's leading cruise lines.

In 2005, Amar transitioned to academia, beginning his teaching journey at DY Patil College of Hotel Management in Pune. From 2005 to 2023, he served as a lecturer and assistant professor, and currently holds the position of Head of the Department (HOD) at AIMS School of Hotel Management, affiliated to Sardar Patel University.

Based on his experience, Amar suggests that though the tourism industry in India is rapidly growing, the field of oenology remains in its nascent stage. He feels that people in India lack awareness of wine tasting nuances, presenting unique opportunities for those passionate about the subject.

Amar encourages students to pursue further studies, such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses, available in London, UK. These courses offer three levels of certification, enabling individuals to become sommeliers, wine sellers, wine masters, or to pursue careers in wine marketing or winery ownership.

Reflecting on his childhood, Amar recalls his love for traveling and meeting new people. Though he had limited travel opportunities growing up in a middle-class family, his career in hospitality provided him with immense chances to explore the world. Working on a cruise ship allowed him to travel worldwide twice.

APJ Abdul Kalam and JRD Tata serve as Amar's role models, while the quote that motivates him is, "If you want to shine like the sun, you need to burn like the sun."

Amar faced financial struggles when pursuing studies in France, requiring his parents to navigate the challenges of obtaining a loan. Additionally, convincing his parents to support his choice of a hospitality career in a time when medical and engineering fields were more favored presented its own struggle.

Amar's achievements include his extensive travels around the world via cruise ship and the acquisition of international certificates through courses like WSET and oenology studies in France.

Regarding the scope of the hospitality industry, Amar foresees tremendous growth from 2024 to 2050. He believes that hotels, resorts, and cruise ships will experience significant expansion, especially as the government introduces cruise ships to India.

Discussing the difference between education and experience, Amar emphasizes the importance of both. While education is valuable, he believes that experience holds greater significance in today's world.

According to him, even a one-year degree can be complemented by skill development through practical experience.

His advice to the youth is to cultivate patience and pursue their passions in life.