For the 50-odd employees of the Bindra Farm here, there is a special reason to rejoice the Olympic gold medal victory of ace shooter Abhinav Bindra.
Tucked away in the Doon Valley, the 9-acre farmhouse is now set to become a five-star hotel. Abhinav's father Dr AS Bindra has proposed to set up the hotel in the farmhouse, making his entry into the hospitality industry.
"The five-star hotel is a perfect gift from a father to celebrate the heroic achievement of his son," said an elated Swaran Singh, vice-president of High-Tech Group of Companies. Senior Bindra is the chairman-cum-managing director of the group, while his son Abhinav is one of the directors.
An investment of Rs 150-200 crore (Rs 1.5-2 billion) has been proposed in the new venture.
A detailed proposal regarding the five-star hotel has already been submitted to Chief Minister BC Khanduri. "As soon as we get approval, other modalities would also be completed," said Singh.
Since Monday, the Bindra Farm has been receiving phone calls from various banks enquiring about the status of the five-star hotel. The latest phone call came from ICICI Bank, which evinced interest in funding the new venture.
Interestingly, Abhinav was born at the Kalhan hospital in Dehra Dun, where till class five he studied in Riverdale School. Later he studied in the prestigious Doon School.
He got his initial training at the farmhouse, where his father constructed a shooting range for him. "Abhinav and his father have special attachment for Dehra Dun. They want to keep their memories alive through this five-star hotel," said Singh.
Celebrations are still continuing at the Bindra Farm. "We are feeling very proud of Abhinav's great achievement. In his victory, we are hopeful that we would also be absorbed in the new hotel," added other employees.
