New Delhi (15.02.2026): The historic halls of The Ashok Hotel witnessed a rare blend of nostalgia and high-level administrative wit last Friday as the institution celebrated its 70th anniversary alongside the Diamond Jubilee of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The event, attended by a phalanx of Union Ministers and top-tier bureaucrats, served as a platform to signal a new era of "resilience" for the public sector hospitality giant.
The ‘DIPAM’ Humor: A Tense Past Recalled
The tone of the evening was set by Dr Arunish Chawla (IAS: 1992: BH), Secretary, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). In a display of self-deprecating wit that drew ripples of laughter, Chawla remarked that it was a "bold move" for ITDC MD to invite the DIPAM Secretary—the man often associated with divestment—to such an auspicious celebration.
Masterclass in Administrative Humour:
Picking up the thread, Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, added to the levity, noting with a sense of relief that "ITDC is now safe." Recalling his 1975 stint as a volunteer at the hotel where he earned ₹200, Paul pivoted to the future, urging ITDC to pioneer the "Medical Wellness Tourism" segment.
Strategic Synergy: Branding ‘Incredible India’
Tourism Secretary Shrivats Krishna (IAS: 1994: KN), in the most aspirational and inspirational inaugural note, highlighted the symbolic coincidence of the event occurring alongside the inauguration of ‘Sewa Teerth’ (the new PMO complex). He redefined the "I" in ITDC as representing both the "Executing Arm" of the hospitality sector and the spirit of "Incredible India," reminding the audience that The Ashok was the original Brand Ambassador for Indian hospitality in the 1960s.
A Pat On The Back: ITDC for Excellence
The administrative health of the corporation was underscored by K. Moses Chalai (IAS: 1990: MN), Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He revealed that ITDC’s performance rating in the DPE MoU has leaped from "Good" to "Excellent" this year, signalling a robust recovery and untapped potential.
Blast of Wit: Oram’s ‘Food for Thought’ Stole the Show
While the evening was packed with high-ranking secretaries and strategic talk, it was Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, who delivered the biggest "blast of wit," transforming a formal gathering into a room full of laughter.
In a rare moment of candidness that disarmed the power-packed audience, Oram opened his address by saying , "I heard today that we would be treated to an opulence of delicious food—and I must confess, this was one of my primary aspirations for joining the evening."
His poised humility and innocent delivery sparked several minutes of laughter, momentarily shifting the focus from the hotel's "Excellent" performance ratings to the simple, universal joy of a celebratory feast. The Minister’s ability to blend such humour with his subsequent announcement of a landmark MoU for tribal youth training served as a reminder of his unique standing in the cabinet—as a leader who remains grounded despite the grandeur of the venue.
The Boondi Model: Leadership with Heart
Reflecting on the philosophy of service, ITDC MD Mugdha Sinha shared a poignant lesson from her days as Boondi Collector: "He who works for the post becomes 'former' (bhootpurva), but he who works with the heart becomes 'incredible' (abhootpurva)."
The Guardian Figure from Shekhawati:
Closing the session, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat lauded the MD’s conviction in inviting the very departments—DIPAM, DPE, and NITI Aayog—that once held the keys to the hotel's privatization. This "conviction," he noted, is central to reclaiming the glory of The Ashok and scaling new heights in India’s tourism narrative.
A Resounding Finale by BSF Band:
As the double celebrations of The Ashok and ITDC reached their crescendo the performance by the Border Security Force (BSF) Band, left an indelible mark on the gathering. The evening transitioned from insightful administrative discourse to a powerful display of national pride. The band’s stirring rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ didn't just mark the end of the ceremony; it transformed the atmosphere of the historic hall. The precision of the brass and the evocative melody of the national song resonated through the venue, evoking a palpable sense of patriotism that left the audience visibly moved.
(By Rakesh Ranjan)
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