Karambir wasn’t supposed to be his name.
There’s a running joke at the Indian Hotels Group. If Karambir Kang was in a plane and saw a corporate conference below, he’d say “Jump!” It’s an inside joke. The kind you only get well after you’ve spent years with a person. They all crack up.
Even before the attacks, there was something about the Taj. People just didn’t leave. Portly old waiters didn’t get replaced by young, better looking ones. Women went on maternal leave and came back. Employees got offered better jobs and chose to stay. Kang has been there for 19 years.
And every year he worked harder, often going home just to sleep. There probably wasn’t much time for girls. In the early 1990s, when Kang was still in sales, the women he talked to mostly consisted of the other girls in the department.
(This story appears in the 08 January, 2010 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
The best article. A true role model for thr Indians. His life highlights the significance and value of responsibility. First, I appreciate his father for giving him courage to face the attack. He was responsible not only to himself and his family but also towards the society. He was extremely sincere towards his duties. If he happens to glance at this post, I want to tell him not to be embarrassed. Please don\'t think about the past. Saluting you, brave Indian Your respectfully, Siram
on Mar 1, 2014First I salute karambir\'s father who gave him mental strength for facing the attack. If karambir happens to glance at this post, please don\'t be embarrassed. Hats off Mr Karambir Singh Khan, the brave general manager of Taj mahal palace and towers.
on Mar 1, 2014The best article. A very touching story of karambir Singh khan. His a true role model for Indians. I pray to give hime mental strength. His life highlights the significance and value of responsibility in life. He was responsible not only to himself and his family but also towards the society. He is truly sincere towards his duties and responsibilities. I salute you for your brave deeds.
on Mar 1, 2014Its one of the most inspiring at the same time touching article I have read... I salute Mr. Karambir
on Jul 26, 2013Kang a Living Angel on Earth...
on Mar 31, 2013can only pray to god to give kang the mental strength to be able to come over the tragedy.
on Nov 26, 2012Wow, that is what we think first...but just keep yourself in his place. It shivers you internally. Too dificult task. One needs LION HEART. Even I could feel his pain deeply. But there is also surprising thing that your father was retired Major, and he couldn\'t save his own family. It is like Doctor\'s family died of sickness. And Death comes from Pakistan...unpredictible. What happens when happens and it happens.....why anyone goes through such pain....It is almighty who knows what is stored in our destiny. My Condolsences to him and his family. Wish I could help him. Can you give me his email id or phone no.
on Oct 11, 2012What can I say? The finest - We Indians should be proud of this hero My eyes swelled with tears reading this article Hats off to his wonderful parents too - who brought up the son We can only pay homage to the wonderful wife and the 2 wonderful sons
on Jan 4, 2010Hts off to you Mr.Kang. I have no words to say.
on Jan 2, 2010Mr Kang,<br /> I am speechless after reading this article, i would want to meet to you one day and salute you. May god be with you always.<br /> Srinivas
on Jan 2, 2010Well done son. We are proud of you, and yours who made you what you are.
on Jan 1, 2010I salute you sir for your brave efforts at the most critical time of your life. You will always be a role model for me.
on Dec 31, 2009speechless..Article must be read by those who indulge in terrorist activities.
on Dec 30, 2009Well written. It made a very interesting read. The respect for Mr. Kang has only grown after reading this story.
on Dec 30, 2009Awesome guy. Hats off.
on Dec 30, 2009It takes a lot of courage for a man to be in a place where he has lost his family, we salute You Sir.
on Dec 29, 2009To me it is just a normal story of a normal guy. Just written using a poetic and flowery language. Okay, he might be a little better than the average John, but that's all. I don't see any greatness in this person. If there is something substantial, I would like to know. Because there were three top cops who were killed. There were so many who faught on the day of the terrorist attacks. Things is: even if he is a great man, the story written here is way off track. Taking your drunk friends home is the duty of every sober person. And this story talks about so many other silly things. Maybe the man if really great, but this story just made him look average.
on Jan 13, 2010Dear Anonymous, The purpose of the story IS to show an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. A man who grew up inculcated with a sense of a duty, and on a particular day when it was put to the test, demonstrated that.
on Jan 13, 2010