With over 13+ years of experience in the hospitality industry, Deeba brings a wealth of knowledge acquired during her tenure with esteemed brands such as the Taj, Leela, Hyatt and Marriott. As the Admin at  the Ananta Institute of Hotel Management, she channels her expertise towards fostering success and growth.

Deeba Khan is serving as the Admin Head at the Ananta Institute of Hotel Management, Jaipur for the past three years. Before this role, she was part of the hotel division within the Ananta group.

With a professional background spanning over 13 years, she has worked with various prestigious brands including the Taj, Leela Group of Hotels, Hyatt, and Marriott. Subsequently, she transitioned to the Ananta group of hotels, eventually being deputed to the Ananta Institute of Hotel Management.

Deeba mentions that she didn't actually plan her career path. In her 10+2 years, being a student of both Biology and Mathematics, she had the option to pursue a career either in Medicine or Engineering. Although she was selected in the PMT (Pre-Medical Test) for dental studies, she somehow ended up choosing the hotel industry.

During a summer vacation, she happened to meet one of her friend's friends. It was during this encounter that she got influenced to pursue a career in the hotel industry. As a result, she decided to shift herself to the hotel sector, says Deeba.

Reflecting on her experience in the hotel industry, Deeba notes the evolution in the type of clientele over the last few years. Initially, there was a predominant trend of outbound business, with a higher influx of foreigners traveling to India. However, she observes a shift in recent times, with more locals embracing fine dining without the need for a special occasion. Deeba perceives that there has been an increase in the number of people visiting hotels, indicating a growing trend of individuals opting to spend time and dine in hotels.

Discussing the post-COVID scenario, she notes a significant shift in people's priorities towards health and hygiene. While hand washing was previously a habit, she observes that post-COVID, hygiene concerns have expanded beyond this basic practice. The pandemic has elevated the importance of health and hygiene to new levels in people's daily lives.

Reflecting on her childhood, Deeba fondly recalls it as a happy time. She remembers living with her family and siblings, cherishing moments spent together. Although she cannot pinpoint specific details, the overall sentiment is one of joy. Summer vacations, visits to her grandparents' home, and the routine of doing homework are some of the cherished memories from her childhood.

Deeba shares that she completed her schooling at an army school in Jaipur Cantt., even though she didn't have any family members in the army; she studied there through a civilian quota. Reflecting on her school days, she describes the environment in her school as highly disciplined.

During her 11th and 12th grades, she was a PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) student and was recognized for her academic brilliance. However, deviating from that, she decided to pursue Hotel Management at Maharishi Arvind Institute of Science & Management in Jaipur, marking a crucial step in her educational journey.

Deeba mentions that she was born and raised in Jaipur, completing all her studies in the city. It was only after pursuing hotel management that her career required her to move around the world, prompting her to venture outside Jaipur.

When asked about her role models, Deeba points to her mom and dad. She highlights being raised in an environment where her mother's words were given equal or even more respect within the family. In this setting, she emphasizes the absence of patriarchy in her household, and expresses that she was brought up in an environment where her mother held a position of superiority.

Sharing her struggles, she acknowledges facing challenges, but she considers them not too severe. With the unwavering support of her parents and family, she never felt the full weight of those struggles. Despite being a PCMB student, she was never pressured to become a doctor or engineer. When she decided to pursue a career in the hotel industry, her family supported her choice. There was no need for her to exert extra effort in convincing them; instead of an outright "No," her parents engaged in an open discussion on the matter and ultimately agreed with her decision.

Deeba recalls that the first job offer she received was from Taj Exotica Goa, and her parents were supportive of her pursuing a career outside Jaipur. She vividly remembers the moment of surprising her father with the offer letter.

Reflecting on her achievements, Deeba shares a significant moment from her career. She recalls her first interview at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, where she sat on the interviewee side. After 13 years, she found herself sitting on the opposite side, marking a personal achievement. Notably, she attained the position of Executive Housekeeper for the Radisson group of hotels, and she considers being the youngest housekeeper as another noteworthy accomplishment.

She draws inspiration from the quote on Sushmita Sen's tattoo which translates to: "I shall either find a way or make my own."

Deeba's message to new aspiring hospitality students emphasizes the importance of hard work, applicable not only in the hotel industry but in any field. She stresses the need to be self-motivated, disciplined, and guided by one's own judgment, as there may not always be someone to provide direction. Encouraging wise career choices, she advises dedicating oneself to the chosen path and ensuring commitment to make it successful.

Her advice to the youth is straightforward: "Use your own mind." She urges the youth to take charge of their lives, plan accordingly, and make choices based on their own judgment. Importantly, she cautions against getting influenced by the surroundings, emphasizing the importance of independent thinking and decision-making.

Expressing her thoughts about Ananta Institute of Hotel Management, Deeba Khan describes it as one of the best colleges in Jaipur. She believes that students at Ananta get top-notch faculty, excellent infrastructure, and invaluable practical knowledge. Highlighting a distinctive feature, she mentions that Ananta has its own hotels, providing students with exposure and practical experience by sending them to work in these establishments. She emphasizes that Ananta offers a combination of exceptional academics and practical exposure to enhance students' learning experience.