Arun Kumar Singh, Principal of India’s first and premier hotel management institute IHMCTAN, Mumbai has retired on 31st December 2020, after an illustrious teaching career spanning over three and half decades. He is known and respected throughout India for his enthusiasm and commitment to hospitality education and professional development. IHM Mumbai, already a popular and prestigious hospitality institute, during his tenure here, he made its capabilities known throughout the hospitality industry. He joined IHM Mumbai as principal in 2013 taking reins from his predecessor Rajkumar Saxena.
Arun Singh got his start in hospitality in 1981, when he enrolled in IHM Lucknow. Soon after completing his three year diploma in 1984, he joined Hotel Clarks Awadh, Lucknow, as F & B Expert. He was keen on becoming an educator. When the right opportunity arose, he switched over and joined IHM Jaipur as lecturer and never looked back thereafter. He became a successful educator in his life. His educator’s experience includes Lecturer at IHM Jaipur from 1987 – 1996, founder Principal at State Institute of Hotel Management, Jodhpur, an organisation of Government of Rajasthan from 1996 – 2004, he joined IHM Lucknow in 2004 to 2013. He joined IHM Mumbai in 2013.
During his entire tenure as educator, he encouraged students so much and motivated them to be winners in all the fields. He used to say “Few things in life ought to be taken with absolute seriousness. Education is one of them. If you pursue knowledge, you pursue a future; there is nothing more honorable than that. Remember to live life every day. It is the balance you create between work, school, family, and yourself that is the most important goal. He always asked each student what it was they were going to do over a period of time just for themselves. There were over 1200 students in IHM Mumbai every year, he could remember the names of students even if they visited his office once.
Padmashri Awardee Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said “A multi-faceted personality, Professor Singh was not only an institution-builder, but also an institution himself. I am well aware that he was ever willing to devote extra time to help his students and took on the role of friend, philosopher and guide. He set high standards in learning, teaching and administration. His admirers and well wishers will always remember him as one who stood by doing and creating new avenues. I wish him Good luck and tons of best wishes. God bless you in whatever you do. This is my heartiest wish to Prof. Singh”.
Chef Satish Arora, Grand Master Celebrity Chef, speaking to Mumbai Messenger from London said “Principal Arun Singh has made a big mark in the hospitality world and I’m sure he will continue to mentor many who will want to seek his guidance. His passion for hospitality education, his drive to find solutions in challenging situations and most importantly, his dealings with students and people”.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
