Dedicated hotel worker felicitated in Karntaka's Lokapur

BAGALKOT: Lokanna Banti, 55, is a labourer in a hotel for 39 years. Though two owners were changed and hotel premises were shifted twice in this long period, he has been working at the same hotel in Lokapur, Bagalkot district. He was felicitated by a cyclists group on Monday.
Dr Santosh Shettar and Dr Ravikumar Kariyappanavar, convenors, Havyasi Cycle Savarara Sangha, Lokapur, told TOI that his co-convenors were looking for a genuine labourer for felicitation and found Banti at Vrundavan Hotel. "When we invited him for felicitation, he said he is available only in the afternoon. He is usually busy in the morning and evening hours due to rush in the hotel," he added.
Hotel owner Sunil Shekhar Shetty shared that a major challenge for hotel industry is scarcity of labourers. "Normally, labourers stay for 1-2 years and move ahead. However, Lokanna Banti is a rare and dedicated labourer who has been with us for 39 years. His brother Basu was also with us for 29 years but he passed away due to some health issues a decade ago. My maternal uncle Sadashiv Shetty used to be the proprietor of this hotel when Banti brothers joined. After the death my uncle, we are looking after the hotel from past 4-5 years. We have been seeing Banti from a dozen of years now. He takes leave only for genuine reasons and is a dedicated worker," he mentioned.
Karunakar Shetty, hotel manager, said that Banti has a good rapport with customers too. "No matter the rush, he attends to customers with a smile on his face and talks to them in a cordial manner. Many of our customers ask for him as soon as their arrive. His simplicity and dedication are his strengths," he commented.
Banti said the hotel was functioning from a private building when he joined and it was shifted to a town panchayat complex about 20 years ago. "Previous and current owners have looked after us with care. I started working here for Rs 28 per month and now I am earning about Rs 12,000 a month. I could take care of my four children. Elder daughter is married now while both my sons are working in local firms. Another daughter is pursuing college education," he shared.While Shetty said he will not remove him from hotel service until he wants to work, Banti said he will not quit the hotel until he can work.