If a hotel were a living being, its walls breathing stories, its corridors pulsing with quiet energy, then the General Manager would be its heart. At Novotel New Delhi City Centre, that heart beats with steady warmth and quiet strength, embodied in one remarkable man: Saumitra Chaturvedi. Some people build careers with meticulous plans. Others find their calling by happy accident. Chaturvedi humbly calls himself an accidental hotelier, Yet his journey reads more like a story of fate, talent, and a deep love for people. Having worked with some of the most prestigious hospitality brands for the likes of Taj Hotels, The Leela, Hyatt, and Radisson, he has spent over two decades strategizing seamless guest experiences, building efficient teams, and learning the inner workings of hotelier life from the ground up. What struck me most wasnt just his experience though impressive, but how deeply he reflects on the why behind what he does. He shared how the hospitality industry is ever-evolving. From traditional room keys to sleek key cards, from manual systems to tech-driven operations, the world of hotels keeps changing. But through all these upgrades, one thing remains unchanged, the human connection. In every decision, interaction, and moment of challenge, he leads not with authority, but with empathy, also where his favourite word comes in, The Heartist inspired by Accors People first, always initiative.  A heartist is more than a hotel professional. Its someone who blends heart and artistry, serving not just guests, but colleagues and oneself, with sensitivity and soul. This philosophy has shaped how he manages stress, especially in an industry where long hours and high stakes can strain team dynamics. When tensions arise between departments, he doesnt rush to control or correct. He pauses, listens, talks it out, always reminding others not to take things personally. For the younger generation stepping into hospitality, his advice is golden: Dont carry emotional baggage. Be open. Be kind. Be curious During our conversation, I saw a rare mix of humility and self-awareness. He reflected on how far hospitality has come—from room keys to smart apps, from formalities to personalisation—but also how the essence remains unchanged: making people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. Its not something that can be trained; it has to be lived. Chaturvedi doesnt just preach us this but he also lives it. He has led by example throughout his time at Accor, where he steadily rose from Director of Food & Beverage to General Manager. In 2018, he completed the International Hospitality Management Program (IHMP), a prestigious leadership course designed to shape the future heads of global hotels. Even now, he continues to learn every day, believing that humility is a strength and growth is a lifelong commitment. His love for cricket brought a beautiful metaphor into our conversation. For him, cricket isnt just a game, its a way of life. It teaches teamwork, timing, patience, and sportsmanship, qualities essential not just on the pitch but in running a hotel, leading people, and managing crises with calmness. Before we ended the light hearted conversation, he invited me to stay with the hotel and experience its hospitality, on my very next trip to New Delhi. Those words meant more than he might ever know. Because in todays world, the one thing we all crave is genuine human connection, someone who truly sees you and makes you feel at home. Chaturvedi is not just a hotelier. Not just a GM. He is a heartist, and for me, the one Ill never forget.

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