As a Director of Amity School of Hospitality , Dr. Sanjeeb Pal has made a mark in the industry. With 4 authored books and nearly 30 research papers, he's made significant contributions to the hospitality field. His 12 awards underscore his reputation as a respected leader in the industry.

Dr. Sanjeeb Pal, currently the Director and Professor at Amity School of Hospitality in Jaipur, Rajasthan, also oversees the Directorate of International Affairs, managing the global progression of students within the university.

Dr. Pal originally hails from Howrah, West Bengal, Kolkata, known as the "city of joy." Despite his parents' wishes for him to pursue engineering or medicine, he desired a different path outside the traditional academic streams. In the 1990s, opting for a hospitality course was uncommon and often criticised, with some suggesting he would end up as a waiter. Undeterred, he pursued a diploma in hotel and catering management from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, graduating in 1998.

Prior to completing his course, Dr. Sanjeeb secured a position with the international brand Holiday Inn in Hyderabad, where he worked for three years before relocating to Kathmandu. This move provided him with valuable learning experiences and exposure to an international environment with guests from Europe and the US. For him coming from a small town, the opportunity to travel to Kathmandu was a transformative experience.

After a year, Dr. Sanjeeb returned to India and embarked on a journey across the country, working in various roles within the hospitality industry until 2005. During this time, he gained extensive experience with renowned brands such as Marriott, Taj, Ramada, and Sarva Plaza. However, by 2005, he felt a growing inclination towards training and development. His enjoyment of interacting with hotel employees led him to consider a transition into academia, as the demanding hours of the hotel industry were taking a toll on his personal life.

An opportunity arose for him to lead the food and beverage department at an institute in South India, providing him with valuable insights and experiences. Dr. Sanjeeb recognised the importance of enhancing his educational qualifications and pursued a Master's degree in Travel and Tourism Management as well as a Bachelor's degree in Social Science with a specialisation in Psychology. His academic journey culminated in a PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Subsequently, Dr. Sanjeeb joined residential colleges in Maharashtra, serving in Khandala and Lonavala for nearly a decade, including seven years as a principal. This period was marked by enriching experiences as he interacted with students from metropolises and furthered ties with international institutions, particularly in the UK and USA, while overseeing the international affairs department.

Driven by his passion and determination, Dr. Sanjeeb's journey transformed him from a humble village boy to the director of one of India's most prestigious universities, Amity University. With 30 colleges globally, including 13 in India, and over 100 foreign tie-ups, Amity University is renowned for its premier standards in education, processes, and courses. He takes immense pride in leading such a distinguished institute and remains grateful for the decision that led him to the hospitality industry.

At Amity School of Hospitality, a variety of courses are offered to cater to different interests and career paths. The Bachelor in Hotel Management is a standard program aimed at preparing students for various roles in the hospitality industry. The BBA in Hospitality Services and Hotel Management focuses on the management aspect of the hospitality sector, catering to the growing demand for event management professionals.

For graduates seeking further specialisation, the Master's in Tourism and Travel Management is available, particularly appealing as the travel industry experiences post-COVID growth. This programme is open to all graduates, providing an opportunity for career advancement in this field.

Amity also offers unique opportunities for international exposure. The Semester Abroad Programme allows students from any stream to spend a month studying in one of seven countries, including the UK, Singapore, London, France, Australia, and Dubai. This programme enriches students' educational experiences and prepares them for a global career in hospitality and tourism.

Dr. Sanjeeb Pal was born in Santragachi, Howrah, a small city located eight kilometres away from Kolkata, West Bengal. Life in Santragachi was simple, and he attended a railway school, which was the first ICSE school in the area. He was part of the second batch of students to take the ICSE Board exams and excelled, securing the first grade and becoming the topper of his 10th standard.

Due to his academic success, Dr. Sanjeeb's parents encouraged him to pursue a BSc degree. However, he had always wanted to do something different. On the day he had his physics examination, he also had the entrance exam for hotel management. He made the bold choice to take the hotel management entrance exam, a decision he has never regretted.

When asked about his role models, Dr. Sanjeeb says that he draws inspiration from the rich spiritual heritage of West Bengal, citing figures like Swami Vivekananda, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Ramakrishna Paramahansa. However, it was his grandfather's advice to follow his own path in life and not be swayed by others that left the greatest impact on him, a lesson he continues to uphold.

Dr. Sanjeeb Pal faced significant challenges when he entered the hotel industry in the 1990s. During that time, big brands had strict requirements for employees, such as fluency in English and a good height, that were beyond his control. As he progressed to a managerial role, managing a team where many employees were taller and older than him presented a new challenge. He learned to manage by being caring and respectful, despite the experience gap.

His professional mantra centres around respect, listening more, and talking less. He emphasises the importance of observation before commenting, avoiding office politics, and not just reacting impulsively. A true leader, according to him, takes responsibility for failures as well as successes.

Dr. Sanjeeb considers his journey from a small village to the Director of Amity School of Hospitality a significant achievement. He has authored four books, including one on alcoholic beverages, and has nearly three dozen research papers to his credit. His accolades include 12 awards, a testament to his dedication and hard work. He firmly believes in the value of perseverance and effort in achieving success.

Dr. Sanjeeb Pal offers valuable advice to aspiring hoteliers, stressing the importance of patience in their journey. While acknowledging the knowledge students possess, he underscores the necessity of gaining experience and growing with each position. He encourages them to choose their path wisely and maintain patience as they progress, wishing them success in their future endeavours.

For working professionals, Dr. Sanjeeb advocates defining happiness on their own terms, cautioning against equating success solely with material possessions. Instead, he urges them to find happiness in the present moment and lead fulfilling lives without constantly chasing success. He reminds them to cherish each day and live fully, as each moment is precious and cannot be brought back.