Mahinder, a seasoned hotel professional, has traversed a 23-year journey to attain a pivotal position in the hotel industry. He reflects that his path has resembled a roller coaster ride, filled with ups and downs but ultimately enjoyable.

Originally hailing from Ghaziabad and born and brought up in Delhi, Mahinder Rawat is managing the JUSTA Sajjangarh Udaipur Resort as a General Manager.

Mahinder remembers his childhood spent in Delhi, where, in those simple days, they played traditional games like gilli-danda, marbles, and cricket. He still cherishes his childhood memories of going cycling at night in the streets with friends.

Mahinder has been working in the hospitality sector since 1997. His journey of 23 years in this field has not always been smooth and hunky-dory. He has had his share of hard times, pains, and failures. But he overcame all the struggles with his determination and consistent hard work.

Mahinder mentions that a quote that holds great relevance for the hospitality sector and has always inspired him is: "I am because we are." He thinks you are your own driver, and if you are unwilling to do anything, no one else can compel you to do it. He also believes that you get what you sow, and you will have to suffer for your deeds.

For the newcomers who are joining the hospitality sector, Mahinder’s message is that they should not be discouraged by the negative things that are said about this industry, such as that it has exceptionally long working hours and there is too much hard work involved. He says that it is true that working hours in this field are a bit longer, but we shall remember that working in hotels and resorts is very interesting. You meet so many new people every day, and you shall keep an open mind and face all challenges.

In this field, he says, you shall keep learning new things. His advice for the newcomers is to not set your own parameters but rather go with the flow. He cautions that in this field, each day is different, each guest is different, and it comes down to how you treat each guest and handle each situation.

Mahinder says that people desirous of joining the hospitality sector must learn the basics of the trade as beginners. You should try to get an IHM degree; although it is not necessary to have a hotel management degree, you can enter the field even without it. What is important is that you keep learning—through books or through mentors who are veterans of the trade and who can teach you many things.

Mahinder thinks that if he were given a chance to go back in time, he would have spent more time reading and getting some more education. He, however, is of the opinion that experience is more important than education. He would have loved to do a lot of reading. He would get more educated to be in a better place than today.

Mahinder adores having social gatherings with his loved ones. He enjoys watching movies. He occasionally watches what the younger generation watches with his son and enjoys it because it is different. He occasionally cooks to rejuvenate himself.