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How Deep is Deep…………………..
By Ruhi Khan
I first met Deep in the rather elegant lobby of the Radisson SAS Portman Hotel
during a meeting with the Editor of Asian Outlook. Since I wasn’t actively
participating
in
their discussion, it gave me a chance to sit back and observe this young man.
It was mentioned that we were to meet some charity workers doing an event in
London
for
Bombay
Street
Children later that evening.
Suddenly Deep was electrified with an enthusiasm you rarely see in corporate
sales managers.
He was all eager to join the charity and be of any help in the event.
He even offered to negotiate a deal with the Hotel to host the dinner.
This was when I realized how resourceful Deep could be to just about anyone.
Deep Dhir, the corporate sales manager at Radisson SAS Portman is indeed an
Asian in his heart.
But he has lived in
London
since he was a child due to medical reasons which involved prolonged
treatment in the country.
However Deep regularly visits
India
and loves to blend with the cultural aspects of his home country.
Deeps childhood years have been quite different than most boys his age.
He went to a catholic school in an English area.
Difference in ethnic backgrounds and Deeps hip problems threw some hurdle in
his path.
“Hurdles make you stronger.
You come out as a better person and look at people for what they are and
not what they have” believes
Deep after a couple of decades experiences.
At School
of
Oriental
and African Studies (SOAS), University of
London,
Deep graduated in Politics with Law. According to Deep, “The best thing
about SOAS is we can explore British law, Indian law, African law and even
Chinese law.
I always had a healthy interest in politics.
And SOAS gave me an option to do different countries.”
As a young boy of 16-17, Deep had a keen interest in Politics.
The things that fascinate him about politics are the “ability to understand”
and “sense of power a person has.
He found it was always intellectually stimulating and would spend many hours
thinking about political ideologies and “why we think the way we do”
Indeed, Deep is quite fond of the Conservative Party and beliefs in its
ideals and policies.
He is particularly fond of the Tory’s “work hard and not tax everything that
you earn” policy.
Deep loves the Hotel and confesses that he “enjoys selling”.
“It is an art”, he explains.
However he insists that he is always open to new challenges.
“Life is all about risks.
We take risk everyday –some are small ones and on others your life probably
depends.”
I asked him to mention offhand any experience of an extreme risk taking
measure.
Within a couple of minutes, Deep sighed and confessed how he pulled out a
dinner for Ian Duncan Smith.
“It was a frightening challenge initially.
You convince the Hotel to spend huge sums of money for an event that does
not even promise to be a success to recover the money invested.
However the Management gave me a go ahead signal and in the end it turned
out to be a fabulous success and I received many a congratulations.”
But the most important thing according to Deep is, “you have to sometimes be
cheeky and smart and take risks and maybe turn the doubtful idea into an
incredible experience.”
Deep has another laurel in his cap.
He can dance Salsa and has even taught Salsa.
He deserves a pat on his back for his persistence and his “never give up”
attitude.
It is quite admirable that even with prolonged hip problems he does not
feel let down but has is motivated enough to explore this hobby.
Deep even meditates once a week.
He
believes in the divine principle of “look inside you.
Nobody can help you but you can help yourself.”
Deep says that his work itself is another hobby.
“I love meeting people, talking to them and looking at their perspectives.
It give me a throw”, confesses a smiling Deep.
Deep is also involved in various charities and other social development
events.
He is part of the Rotary Club of London
and Hope Charity.
“Giving just money is not enough.
You need to physically be there”, says Deep.
Lately he helped host an event for the Artistic
Young Children organized by Hope Charity at the hotel.
He has also facilitated the meetings of the Rotary group in the hotel.
I was rather inquisitive to know Deep’s views on the Asian Community in
UK.
He promptly replied that the Asian Community here has managed to turn the
word “Asian” into main stream.
“Passivity is changing to Asians actually taking a stand in society today.”
Deep has helped organize many events: marriages, birthdays, cocktails, ball
dance etc.
I asked him when he is planning to get his marriage planned.
“As soon as I get that someone I’m looking for, I’d tie the knot.”
says a blushing Deep.
If I could offhand cite some problems most people face when organizing an
event, it would be mainly the language problem accompanied by cultural
barriers and not knowing exactly who to approach.
Here is where I think Deep fits in just fine.
He is well versed in many languages.
He can put one at ease and is always open to discuss things.
I’m sure he’d definitely help either himself or recommend the right person
for the job.
“When someone trusts you, you build friendship. My clients are my friends”, says Deep Dhir with a smile of satisfaction that his work brings.