ALUMNI OF DCC

My journey at IHM, Mumbai shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined... When I first walked through the doors of the Institute, I was just a curious student who just wanted to learn about cooking and hospitality....But what I found was even more. Those classrooms and kitchens not only were my training ground but also my second home. From working in busy kitchens to completing the assignments, every moment taught me patience, empathy, and the ability to adapt and grow. Those endless practicals, team projects and interactions with the faculty and classmates gave me confidence to face any challenges that came my way. After graduating, I carried those learnings with me and joined my father's travel company. The value of service and attention to detail that I learned at the Institute now lies at the heart of my business. As I help people discover new places and create memories, I often think back to my days at the Institute and about the people who believed in me... They remind me that true hospitality is making others feel seen and valued and is helping me to give better service to my clients.

I am proud to be an alumnus. The institute didn’t just prepare me for a job—it prepared me for life. I enrolled in IHM Mumbai in 1997 with a clear aim & thought of bringing joy and happiness to peoples faces which in turn gave peace to my soul and spirit. My time at the institute was nothing short of transformational. The rigorous academic environment, nurturing faculty, and vibrant student community laid the foundation for who I am today—both personally and professionally. I would like to mention the names of my mentors / guides of each department – Dr. Francis Thomas, Mr. Sanjeev K, Mr. Jayant K, Mr. Asit M., Chef Iyer, Chef Jason, Chef Maitreyee, Chef Neelam, Chef Joytsna, Mrs. Sequeira, Mrs. Jason. I avidly recall late-night outdoor caterings, college festivals & industry exposure that sparked curiosity, and the unwavering support of mentors who believed in my potential even when I doubted myself. Those formative years instilled in me resilience, a thirst for continuous learning, and the importance of ethical leadership. During my time at IHM, I had the honour and pleasure of interacting with many future business leaders of Hospitality Industry and am proud to be associated with them. I ventured into the world of operations and finance management because I was deeply impacted by Dr. Francis Thomas. Every aspect of my life has been disciplined by IHM. The institute helped me in carving a small niche for myself in the corporate world. The sense of social responsibility coupled with hard work and sincerity was the Mantra instilled in me during my years at IHM. To current students: My best wishes and message for the future of this revered institute is to be Honest, Sincere and attentive in every aspect of your life. The friendships, challenges, and lessons you gain here will echo throughout your life.

I began my journey in 1982 at the IHM Mumbai, and spent the next eight years honing my craft across diverse roles in the hotel industry. My expertise in F&B Services became the bedrock of my transition into academics and training. Returning to my alma mater as an educator, I joined the F&B Service Department, eventually rising to Head of Department. Alongside teaching, I pursued a parallel academic path—earning a PGDBM and MMS from Bharati Vidyapeeth and culminating in a PhD in Commerce & Management in 2019. I have designed and delivered specialized training programs for institutions such as Bharat Petroleum (Churchgate), RCF Guesthouse (Chembur), INS Hamla (Malad), and the Western and Central Railways. I am certified in Direct Trainer Skills RU-DTS under the Government of India’s prestigious “Trainer Development Project” in collaboration with Thames Valley University, UK. I served as Adjunct Professor at the Maharashtra State Skills University, where I continued to mentor the next generation of hospitality professionals.

When I entered the gate of IHM Mumbai I was startled with excitement looking at the sauve, emaculate and disciplined students juniors and seniors at the campus which made great impact on me,The dedication, commitment and Passion of the teachers especially chef Coelho, Mr Gomes, Mr Kackker and Mr Francis Thomas towards imparting knowledge and grooming us made a great impact and always ignited me to excel in life. My professional path started with a short stint with Taj Mahal hotel and palaces and later on moved to Taj flight kitchen. Later I landed at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai one of the premier Research Institute across the world. I handled it's Guest house and Catering operations with great detail and efficiency, Beyond operations I expertly handle VVIP visitors across government and corporate sectors. IHM Mumbai Shaped me in bringing out the excellence in me and the passion to serve with immense pleasure . Today I Head the catering operations at TIFR Mumbai.

The seed was sown in my grandfather’s hotel in Kashmir...lost during the insurgency, but never forgotten. Years later, IHM Mumbai gave that legacy direction and discipline, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey in hospitality. The institute’s structured discipline echoed my martial arts training, while its culture nurtured curiosity and a deep respect for the craft. Learning the fundamentals from passionate teachers was a joy, and the friendships and mentorships I formed there remain strong even today. Post-IHM, I held leadership roles at Olive, RKHS (now Sodexo), and Taj’s Birdy’s. I went on to found Sun Catering Services and later, Sweet Solace Cookies. My consulting journey included working with celebrated names like Swati Snacks and Izumi. I’ve authored India’s first book on restaurant startup, now in its 4th edition with Jaico titled "Beyond the Menu". I’ve written for Forbes India and DNA Money, and spoken at IIM- Ahmedabad, the Bangalore Biz LitFest, and the Indian Chamber of Commerce. The support of senior alumni early on, inspired me to pay it forward in the years that followed. That enduring sense of community, along with the values IHM instilled, continue to guide me to this day.

Graduating from IHM in 2000, I was a wide-eyed 21-year-old, eager to take on the world. Equipped with a solid foundation in hotel operations, I was set on beginning my career in the industry. However, fate had other plans — my journey began at Barista, a newly launched coffee chain making its entry into the market. Just six months later, driven by my passion and the desire to work in a hotel — the very reason I pursued Hotel Management — I joined The Oberoi, Mumbai. Fast forward 25 years, and I now serve as Director of Operations at Compass Group New Zealand, sitting on the Executive Leadership Team and overseeing multiple sectors across this beautiful country. The education and values I gained at IHM have consistently guided me, shaping a career I’m proud of. I fondly recall the friendships, lessons, and collaborations that played a pivotal role in my journey. That early knowledge gave me the confidence to be dependable, self-assured, and to make meaningful contributions wherever I worked. Looking back, I cherish those formative classroom years and how far they’ve taken me. While life rarely unfolds as planned, building a career in hospitality has been deeply fulfilling — and the journey is far from over.