The atmosphere was electric and full of competitiveness among the participants. The event steered students towards team work, leadership, planning with overall management skills as well as showcasing artistic ability. On 11th October, 2017, Chef Subroto Goswami, Executive Chef and Culinary Area Champion North & West, Intercontinental Hotels Group, the Chief Guest of the opening ceremony was delighted to be amongst upcoming hoteliers and budding chefs. He addressed the gathering by mentioning that the role of chefs is changing and we must maintain the pace to meet the demands of changing times. The challenge the industry is facing is of well-travelled customer who is health conscious. He also stated that health has grown into is a critical factor amongst the Indians as India is becoming diabetic center of the world.
The main concern today is ensuring sustainability of food. He concluded by mentioning, “Working as a Chef comes with a responsibility and the skill of cooking is God’s gift. So continue your passion of cooking by learning new culinary skills and take up challenges.” Dr. Bhupesh, Director, BCIHMCT during his welcome speech mentioned that BCIHMCT is an institution which has been famed to always take the road less traveled. While giving pure academics the due importance it deserves, BCIHMCT has always endeavoured to provide the students from Hospitality fraternity with that little extra something which makes this Institute so unique and so sought after. Also, he encouraged the participants to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to showcase best of their talent and spirit of Hospitality.The various competitions held during the three day Mega Event were R-Pure Regional Indian Culinary Contest, Zone Barwizard Bar Challenge, Sattvik Future Chef Contest, Food Service India Barbeque Cooking Competition, Taj Hospitality Brain Twister, Ananda Festive Culinary Challenge, Milkmaid Dress The Cake in 90 Minutes Challenge, IHG Academy’s - “Manage The Damage –Leadership Challenge”, Godrej Cartini International Culinary Challenge, Make In India Business Start-up Competition, Kareer Krafter’s Floral Decoration & Towel Origami competition, Chandiwala Fruit & Vegetable Carving Competition. For the first time in the history of Chandiwala Hospitality Ensemble, the secondary school students participated in “Sattvik Future Chef Contest,” Make in India Business Startup Competition (supported by Startup India) and IHG Academy’s “Manage the Damage - Leadership Challenge” were also new events introduced this year for the development of leadership and entrepreneurial skills in the future hoteliers.
The valedictory function of the 16th Chandiwala Hospitality Ensemble was held on 13th October, 2017 followed by a theme dinner, “Agnihom- Food for Soul” to recognize the divinity of food from ancient India, a manifestation of one of the five Mahabhutas (the great elements) which represent the flame provided by the Ritual Altar and Food. Food for body is unveiled as nourishment for the soul. The evening witnessed a plethora of events which included Award Presentation to the winning teams, Cultural extravaganza by the students of BCIHMCT. Ms. Seema Anand, Associate Vice President Human Resources, Northern Region, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, the Chief Guest for the Closing Ceremony was delighted to be amongst students from the Hotel Management Colleges in India. She mentioned, “As students and entrants to the Hotel Industry you must have a positive attitude, openness of mind to explore opportunities & ideas and must prove yourself in the beginning of your career to creating a niche.
To be successful one must be humble and respect every individual and build your own brand. Since the hospitality Industry is here to stay and is changing for good in India, it would be an excellent place to work.” Ms. Anand also mentioned that she looks forward to seeing some of those in the gathering to be working for The Taj Group of Hotels. Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, Director, BCIHMCT, during the closing ceremony congratulated all the students for participating. He said, “Everyone was winner for him, even if they have won a prize or not. It was a collective show of talents for budding hoteliers and this event has taught you what you are good at, and you must keep improving that.” Dr. Bhupesh was glad with the competitive spirit of all the participants and overall outcome of this event. According to him the beauty of this event is the conglomeration of like-minded learners and challenges faced by them that catapult the students towards success. Mr. Bhuwan Mohan, Secretary, Banarsidas Chandiwala Sewa Smarak Trust Society, mentioned how the Institute had come into being almost two decades back, the kind of ideology that existed and the challenges faced in the initial planning phase.
He advised the upcoming hoteliers to focus on the Indian cuisine as it is the best and most vast cuisine in the world and that we must know our roots first. Also, he encouraged the students to become Job Creator than to be a Job seeker. CHE Championship Trophy-2017 was awarded to the team with highest marks overall during the event, which was scored by BCIHMCT. But BCIHMCT being the host college, CHE Championship Trophy-2017 was awarded to School of Hospitality, Auro University, Surat the second best in the Championship Table.
Eclat Hospitality Award which consisted of a trophy and cash prize of Rs. 5000/- was given by Ms. Harpreet from Eclat Hospitality to Shubham Ghaste from AISSMS-Pune, the most outstanding participant during the 3 day event. The various competitions during the event were judged by 35 experts from Hotels including renowned and experienced Chefs and Managers, also the Make in India contest included Successful Startup Entrepreneur Mr. Bishwajit Mandal, Founder and Director at Southy, Mr. Douglas Peter, Executive Director, Michelle Adrian and Mr. Raunaq Singhani and Ms. Jasleen Lamba represented the Department of Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India. Chandiwala Hospitality Ensemble was Sponsored by R-Pure Agro products, Zone by Solar Sales, Nestle Professional India, Food Service India(A VKL food solutions enterprise), Ananda Dairy Products, Cartini by Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., Kareer Krafters India Pvt Ltd, Eclat Hospitality, 2mCOCOA, Rich Gravis, Unifab, Allied Metals, Sattvik Food Council (World’s first vegetarian Food Compliance).
The event was supported by Printekways Graphics, IHG (Inter Continental Hotel Group), Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (Govt. of India), and the Media partners were Hospitality Biz, Hotel and Restaurant Network, Hotel Connect, Processed Food Industry Magazine, HospegMag, The Hotel Times and Chefs Arena who all had made possible organizing this mega Hospitality Event. Their support has contributed to raising the overall standard of the 16th Edition of Chandiwala Hospitality Ens