Page 63 - CIJ May 2025- Digital Edition

DIFFERENT STROKES

Competitive sport is educational about
the qualities needed to succeed in life,

from self-discipline to coping with the
pressure to perform and bouncing back
from failure.”

Mervyn Fernandis

“You represent Indian Airlines. career, but in aviation, it is the most overseeing operations with many
People are watching you on the critical aspect. I studied several hostesses under me. One had to be
aircraft. Uniforms had to be neat manuals.” careful — being too firm could be
— even in training — because When asked if hygiene was a misunderstood. In hockey, we were
professionalism begins there. We part of training, he responded, aggressive in camps — in how we
trained them to be polite yet firm, walked, talked, interacted. It was
to speak and carry themselves well “Absolutely. During observation tough to change that mindset.”
in the corridors and training centre. flights, I would deliberately drop His transformation was gradual
In sports, you lose at times but a fork or tissue in the aisle to see — from an inside-forward who lit
bounce back. The same applies to if the crew noticed and acted. The up India’s attack until 1988 and the
flight crew: anyone can have a bad workspace had to be clean. Trays IA team until 1992, to IA hockey
day, but the next day must be better, were to be cleared carefully. We even coach and national selector for the
to ensure good flying experience trained them in proper behaviour 1996 Bangkok Asian Games. “Sport
for passengers. That was my aim at hotels — not to be loud or draw builds character. Competitive sport
as Principal — just as it was when unnecessary attention.” develops personality. Even if you are
representing India in hockey.” Reflecting on his transition from not at the world level, sport teaches
Emphasizing the importance sport to aviation management after you resilience. After the 1982 Asian
of SOPs (Standard Operating his 1992 retirement, Mervyn said: “It Games final, when Pakistan beat
Procedures) for flight crews, Mervyn was not easy. We, as sportspersons, India 7-1 in New Delhi, there was
said safety was the top priority: had not undergone formal training public outrage. But within a month,
“Safety was not central to my hockey to lead departments. Suddenly, I was at the Esanda Cup in Melbourne, we

Inflight services crew trainees with Mervyn Fernandis, Principal of Cabin Crew Training School, Hyderabad

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