Secularism in Indian Hotel Industry

As per Webster’s Dictionary – “Secularism is indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations”. Unfortunately, Indian politicians have given another definition of the same by their covert, overt and implied actions. They have their own vested interest for doing the same.

For average Indians, ‘secularism’ means tolerance of others’ religious affairs. In practical sense, it connotes taking part in others’ religious festivals like Holi, Deepavali, Christmas. Id, etc. etc. We all have seen politicians holding their food plates and posing for the television to show how secular they are in attending the ‘Iftar’ or ‘Holi Milan’ parties.  It is the hoteliers, who adhere to the meaning of ‘secularism’ to the truest and strictest sense.

When the entire world is celebrating its festivals, one may find a Hindu is working on Holi/Deepavali/Durga Puja; a Muslim is keeping fast during the Ramadan month, often not getting a chance to offer daily five times prayer; instead of attending the mass during Easter, a Christian is slogging in the hotel since dawn to evening.

I am not suggesting that these indifference or exclusion of religious activities are voluntary; but over the ages, the hotel employees have been taught compulsively to become indifferent towards religious festivities and focus towards customer needs. In fact, those lucky few, who get a leave on a festival, may jolly well buy a lottery ticket as the odds for winning the raffle on such lucky day will be far less.

During my thirty four years of professional career, I am yet to come across a dispute between the hotel employees, which is based on religion or caste or creed. The reward for such exclusion of religious festivities is sweet packets on Deepavali, generous tips from the inebriated customers, and few bottles of spirits on the New Year eve.

Are the politicians listening? We, hoteliers might give you people a lesson or two on secularism.