The Unintended Journey | Prof. RV Sooraj Found His Calling very strong in Teaching | He never wanted to be or even taken it as an option to reckon with | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Sometimes, life’s most fulfilling paths remain unknown to us for a much longer time. Later, we may stumble upon them unexpectedly. It is not very likely to happen that way when we consciously choose not to get there for various reasons. But, Prof. RV Sooraj turned to become a fascinating and a fantastic teacher.
For Prof. RV Sooraj, the accomplished Principal of Moti Mahal College of Hotel Management, teaching was never part of his grand plan. In fact, it was not even the last thing in his mind. A man of high ambition on professional fortunes, his dreams were first stuck on engineering, but later, firmly rerouted towards the fast paced world of hospitality management, not in the quiet halls of academia.
But as destiny would have it, a series of events turned his life in an entirely new direction, one that he hadn’t planned but would come to embrace with passion and purpose. This is the story about Prof. RV Sooraj, once a reluctant teacher, transformed into a great inspiration and leadership in the world of education.
“It was a sudden turnaround to choose hospitality as my career path for various reasons.” He said. He made few attempts to get into engineering. It didn’t happened for the larger good, as we see him passionately enjoying teaching in the professional hotel management streams. He is proficient in English language teaching as well. It had happened as an outcome of sheer coincidence and many antecedents in that way. He thank former Principal for assigning him teaching sessions back to back. Many times he didn’t get time even to get into the comforts of the Staffroom, but he had enjoyed those busyness.
The Early Dreams: A Career in Hospitality
RV Sooraj had the flair for leadership and an entrepreneurial mind set very much. Soon, He set his sights on carving out a name for himself in the hospitality industry. After graduating in hotel management, he quickly climbed the corporate ladder, excelling in various managerial roles at renowned hotel chains.
He was always fascinated by the energy of the hospitality world. The constant buzz, the challenges, and the opportunities to create memorable experiences for the guests were all fascinating for him. He cherished and did his duties with utmost involvement and engagement. The duty was time bound and he had plenty of time every day prior and after his duty time. That was a challenge to him.
Simplicity was one of his fundamental principles in life then which he continues to observe now also. But, simply siting was not an option for him. He took up two different programs, one in the morning prior to the job and one in the evening after the job. The second one was MA English which had helped him to teach English when he got a chance to fill the requirement in the college.
Sooraj R.V. – Principal
- Date of Birth: 30-05-1978
- Experience: 26 years in the hospitality industry, 18 years in teaching
- Education: Postgraduate in English Literature, Tourism, and Hotel Management
- Work Experience: Worked abroad for a few years
- Family:
- Wife: Rekha
- Daughter: Aditi
Life-Altering Midnight Collision
It was a fateful December night in 2000, near the Kallai mosque at Calicut, that Prof. RV Sooraj’s life took an unexpected turn. Returning home after a night movie, he was heavily struck by a police van. Witnesses rushed to the scene, and tension quickly escalated as the intoxicated state of the police driver became evident.
A crowd gathered, angered by the negligence, and confronted the police. What followed was chaos; more police were called, and the police opened lathi charge. By the next morning, the newspapers carried the news Sooraj’s photograph. Many mistakenly thought as he succumbed to the accident. While the clash made news headlines, the man at the centre of it has started to face a deep personal battle.
The Long Road to Recovery
The accident left Prof. Sooraj with severe injuries. A fractured hip and multiple other wounds were all more than a person can easily afford. Doctors declared surgery unviable, prescribing complete bed rest and cautioning against any form of vigorous activity. For weeks, he was confined to his home, struggling with both physical pain and the emotional toll of inactivity.
His career in hotel industry seemed impossible to resume under these precarious circumstances. Feeling the weight of isolation and uncertainty, RV Sooraj began contemplating his next steps. Amid this period of introspection, a spark ignited; an appreciation at the first instance of teaching; a passive realization that teaching, a profession he had never previously considered, could offer a way forward.
A Teacher by Circumstance, a Mentor by Choice
Determined to make use of his time, RV Sooraj embraced teaching as a temporary solution. The teaching profession allowed him to remain seated or stationary, accommodating his physical limitations. Yet, what began as a pragmatic choice soon became a passion. In the classroom, Sooraj discovered a new purpose. He could easily connect with students and sharing his industry expertise.
Over time, his commitment to teaching deepened, and he transitioned from Calicut to prestigious institutions like Munnar Catering College. The accident, which had initially seemed like an insurmountable setback, became the turning point that reshaped his life and career. From pain emerged a new calling, and RV Sooraj found fulfilment in nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Reflection: A Calling Found by Accident
Today, as he looks back on his journey, Prof. RV Sooraj often marvels at how life brought him to where he is. What began as an unintended detour turned into a fulfilling career, one that has touched countless lives and redefined his future in the hospitality education sector.
“Teaching wasn’t something I chose,” he says with a smile. “It chose me. And for that, I will always be grateful.”
Prof. Sooraj’s story is a testimony to the idea that sometimes, the paths we resist the most are the ones that lead us to our true purpose. His journey from a reluctant guest lecturer to a dedicated teacher and visionary leader is very inspiring. Life’s greatest rewards often come from embracing the unexpected.
Let us relook Once Again!
Teaching was nowhere on the radar. “To be honest, I thought of teaching as a static profession, with no respect whatsoever it supposed to fetch.”
“I went in thinking it was a one-time thing,” he says. “I wasn’t prepared for how deeply it would affect me.” Standing in front of a room full of eager young faces, sharing his experiences, and watching students light up with understanding was a revelation. He saw the immense potential in shaping young minds, in preparing them for the challenges of the industry he knew so well.
“That lecture changed something in me,” he reflects. “I realized that I wasn’t just sharing knowledge; I was passing on a legacy, and that felt deeply meaningful.”
A Reluctant Shift
Despite this newfound realization, Sooraj wasn’t ready to give up his corporate career. It took several more years, and a series of chance invitations to teach and mentor, for him to consider a permanent shift to academia.
The final push came during a particularly challenging phase in his life. Burned out from the relentless demands of the hospitality industry and searching for a deeper sense of purpose, he decided to take a sabbatical. During this time, he was offered a full-time teaching position at Moti Mahal College. “At first, I thought of it as a temporary detour,” he admits. “I told myself I’d try it out for a year and then go back to the industry. But something about the experience kept me there.”
Discovering a Passion for Teaching
What Prof. Sooraj initially saw as a detour soon became his true calling. As he immersed himself in the world of education, he discovered the joy of mentoring young minds and the satisfaction of watching his students thrive.
“Teaching wasn’t just about delivering lectures,” he explains. “It was about guiding students, helping them discover their potential, and watching them grow into confident professionals. That was a reward I had never experienced in my corporate career.”
His industry experience brought a unique perspective to the classroom. He was instrumental in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. His students didn’t just learn theories; they learned how to think, adapt, and lead.
As the Principal of Moti Mahal College of Hotel Management, Prof. Sooraj has been instrumental in redefining hospitality education, blending traditional values with modern industry requirements to create a holistic learning experience for students.
A Legacy of Academic and Professional Excellence
Prof. RV Sooraj’s journey is one of dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. With a strong academic background and years of hands-on industry experience, he brings a rare combination of theoretical knowledge and practical insights to his role as Principal. His leadership at Motimahal College is characterized by a commitment to nurturing talent and empowering students with skills that meet global standards.
Moti Mahal College has become a centre of excellence in hospitality education. Prof. Sooraj has consistently emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academia and the industry.
Transforming Students into Industry-Ready Professionals
One of Prof. Sooraj’s core beliefs is that education should not only impart knowledge but also instill confidence and professionalism in students. He has championed a unique approach that combines classroom teaching with real-world exposure. From internships at five-star properties to workshops with industry veterans, students are equipped to face the challenges of the hospitality industry head-on.
The college’s placement records stand as a testament to Prof. Sooraj’s dedication. Alumni of Moti Mahal College have gone on to build successful careers in premier hotel chains, cruise liners, and other segments of the hospitality industry. His guidance ensures that every student is not just a graduate but a polished professional ready to excel.
Pioneering Innovations in Hospitality Education
Prof. Sooraj has been at the forefront of integrating technology and innovation into hospitality education. With the ever-changing dynamics of the industry, these initiatives have kept Moti Mahal College ahead of the curve, making it a preferred destination for aspiring hospitality professionals.
In addition, he has spearheaded initiatives that focus on the overall personality development of students. Soft skills training, language proficiency workshops, and cultural sensitivity sessions are regular features at the college national conference food festival, ensuring that students are not only skilled but also empathetic and adaptable.
A Vision for the Future
Prof. Sooraj’s vision goes beyond the confines of Moti Mahal College. He dreams of transforming the hospitality education landscape by making it globally competitive while retaining its unique cultural ethos. Through his work, he inspires not only his students but also his peers and the larger academic community to aim higher and think bigger.
Moti Mahal College of Hotel Management continues to thrive under his leadership. He remains a tireless advocate for quality education, innovation, and professional excellence.
