He is a veteran in the travel trade, who has covered a significant journey from being an adventure enthusiast to becoming the Hony. Secretary of one of the biggest associations of India. Thus it would be right to say that Rajesh Mudgil, MD, Planet India Travels Pvt. Ltd. has led an interesting life. Hearing him share details of his journey, the tales of failures (less) and success (mostly) left us in little doubt on how he went one to become one of the most learned persons in the travel trade industry.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Given his legacy of work, his tall stature – both literally and metaphorically, one is always a little apprehensive in approaching him but his warm attitude and nature puts you immediately at ease – as what happened with me. Born and brought up in Delhi as the ‘middle’ child amongst five children, the art of “balancing” things came early in life to him. As most of the friends he used to hang out with were older than him in age, he was one person who was always ahead of his times with a far more mature outlook than many of his counterparts. Though he was always fascinated with “travel” industry, he joined NCCF (National Cooperative of Consumers Federation) in Mumbai as his first job, drawing a salary of Rs. 2500. However, he left it all and agreed to work in the “Tours Division” of Sita Travels in 1980 for a mere Rs. 500!
“I worked at the Sita Travels for a year and formed good relations with people in the travel trade during that time. I was the star performer at Sita,” he reminisces with a smile. The young Rajesh, who was still testing waters, worked with Krishna World Travels for 4 years. “I started the first camp in Bandhavgarh under Tiger Tops Mountain Travel which was a big brand in mid 80s. We started the first Elephant Polo at Chitwan National Park in Nepal – It used to be game of pony polo. I was also the first to start bullock carts in Khajuraho. The idea of transferring people from station to the venue in cards were mainly to offer them a new experience. A lot of people working in the travel trade today – senior guides etc were introduced by me to the industry.” He shares humbly enumerating the various ‘firsts’ to his credits.
His longest professional journey was with the Orient Express where he worked for 14 years. Thanks to his good relations with almost everyone in the industry – from Embassies to UN bodies, he has many interesting anecdotes on how he turned things around in a company, numerous times, overnight. Everything, every challenge, every profile was a learning experience for him and is responsible in making him what he is today. He used to represent Orient Express in IATO and it was only when he helped the association in resolving the long pending IATO – Guides Case, did he gain recognition in the eyes of its members. Rajesh Mudgil got inducted in the IATO EC in the year 2000 and went on to become Jt. Secretary and then Secretary. He served the association from 2000 to 2011 and after a gap, got re- elected in the EC in 2018.
“IATO is a very relevant association. However, we need good leadership with vision. We don’t do brand building, which is something we should focus on. IATO should be known internationally – Outbound Associations from other countries should interact and work with IATO members. We should also have an emergency response team. Our conventions too need to evolve. Business today is challenging and leadership should be more supportive,” he says, adding, “Right now we move as per government when in reality it should be the other way round. The government should help us increase business. The problem is we don’t question. We don’t voice our opinion in the ministry. IATO needs a leader who can do all this. IATO’s constitution needs to change and have pan India openings. We cannot be a Delhi-centric or North focused association. Basically ‘Soch Badalni Hai’!” he concludes.
