During his final year B.Com, James Stephen was asked to hand over a feasibility report. He chose a 5-star hotel to conduct the feasibility study and took it very seriously. He wanted to do something unique, and so he spent a lot of time researching, visiting many resorts, and meeting chartered accountants, senior members from hotels, and tourism officials. Armed with so much data, he created a concise report, which impressed everyone. He was tripped to be the first rank holder for this, but as luck would have it, college politics played up and he was given abysmal marks in the Viva. To his distress, his pet project was discarded. Seeing his son’s dilemma, Mr.Sebastian told him not to worry. He had been going to Velankanni for the last 25 years and was saddened to see the pathetic state of the hotels there. With the help of James’ Report and determination, he decided to create a beautiful hotel at Velankanni. Young James was beyond himself with joy and he immediately enrolled for a Hotel Management course in Switzerland. Going ahead, James plans to create a chain of smart hotels in developing cities and towns. He wants the local population to be benefitted and the economy was given a boost through his venture. He feels that Oragadam Industrial Area in Chennai has a lot of scope for further development. As his father had initially wanted him to be a doctor, James is also planning a hospital at Pallavaram in Chennai. All the best James! Inner man. His passion: “I want to introduce true hospitality in India after learning the legendary Swiss style. The seniors in the industry are hospitality conscious, while the youngsters have miles to go. It is my wish to inculcate true hospitality, and make the guest feel like God and not just a king or a queen.” His role model: M.S.Rai Bahadur Oberoi is his role model and through sheer hard work, coupled with intelligence and smart goals, he wants to exceed his role models, make a name for himself and impact society. His motto: ‘Emulate, Excel and Exceed’.