From Tuli to the casino tables: Temsukala Longkumer’s journey at Deltin Royale

Temsukala Longkumer, a 26-year-old from Tuli town, Mokokchung in Nagaland, has carved out a unique career path in the bustling casino industry of Goa, despite the challenges that often come with stepping into an unfamiliar and unconventional role. Working at Deltin Royale, India’s largest floating casino, Temsukala’s story is one of determination, adaptability, and breaking through boundaries.

“I decided to give it a try because it’s hard to find a job here in Nagaland,” Temsukala explained in an interview with MT. After completing her 12th standard, she took a leap of faith when she received a call from the Dimapur Emporium inviting her for an interview. Four years later, she’s thriving in a role that few from her community have pursued.

Currently, Temsukala works as a shadowing supervisor at Deltin Royale. The transition into the casino world, however, was not without its challenges. “The challenges I felt when I first entered the casino was dealing with people because not everyone was from our community and, moreover, I was kinda nervous to communicate with them but with the passage of time, everything went stable,” she shared.

A typical day at Deltin Royale for Temsukala includes something simple yet comforting: making herself a cup of tea at the casino’s cafeteria, a ritual that adds a sense of homeliness to her work environment. But it’s the moments of connection with guests that stand out as the most rewarding part of her job. She recalled with warmth the day a guest presented her with a gift, praising her honesty and dedication to her work. “It’s very rare to get compliments from guests here, so it was one of the most memorable days of my life,” Temsukala reflected.

Working in such a vibrant and dynamic workplace also means rubbing shoulders with celebrities and public figures. “The most exciting part of working in Deltin Royale is, I get to see my favorite celebrities—actors, cricketers, and even reality show contestants. If I were still in Nagaland, I would have only seen them on screen,” she laughed.

Back home, her family and friends have been supportive of her journey. “They were all okay with it because they know I don’t like being dependent on them for my needs,” she said, acknowledging the smoothness of her transition into this unconventional career.

Temsukala’s experience has inspired those around her, with friends and cousins now eager to pursue similar paths in the casino industry. “They’re even planning to take training to join Deltin Royale,” she added.

Despite the unconventional nature of her profession, Temsukala has not encountered negative cultural perceptions or stereotypes, thanks to her respectful approach to others.  “It depends on communication and being respectful to them. The people I’ve met here are not like that—they’ve been fair and respectful to me,” she remarked.

Her advice to others considering a similar career is straightforward: “If you just stay in Nagaland waiting for a government job, it might take too long. Working at Deltin Royale is like having a government job—you can take care of your siblings and parents with your salary and you can fulfil your needs and wants.”

Looking ahead, Temsukala is focused on continuing to learn and grow in her role. “Well, for now I will be here in Goa because I want to learn more skills but after a few years I’m planning to work abroad,” she said when asked about her future.

Temsukala Longkumer’s journey at Deltin Royale reflects not just personal growth but also the evolving perspectives on career choices. By stepping outside conventional career paths, she has not only built a fulfilling career but has also become a role model for others, showing that success can come from unexpected places. Her story shows the importance of embracing opportunities, adapting to new environments, and breaking barriers—qualities that will undoubtedly inspire others to follow their own unique paths, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

MT