By Mewati Sitaram
Apeejay Institute of Hospitality, Navi Mumbai organised 15th batch hospitality graduate. A spectacular ceremony held at The Park Navi Mumbai on 26th March 2024. Chief Guest for the ceremony was Ms. Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd. Dr. Harsha Mehta, Governing Council Member; Principal Dr. Bhuvan G.M. were the dignitaries on the dias. The special invitees were parents of final year students, AIH alumni, Media, Hotel General Managers, Human Resources and Training Managers, Team from The Park Navi Mumbai and the Management Committee members.
The programme commenced at 12 pm. Dr. Laxmi Todiwan, was the Master of Ceremonies. She welcomed the guests and thanked everyone present for joining AIH on its special day in celebrating the graduates. The program was crisp and formal, Vice Principal Mr. Shirish Bokde ensured the smooth conduct of the entire programme offering logistic and tech support. Principal Dr. Bhuvan G.M presented the annual report; that took the audience through all the activities and events of the academic year 2023- 24.
It was time then to confer the Jit Paul Gold Medal and the Surrendra Paul Gold Medal instituted in memory of the founders Mr. Jit Paul and Mr. Surrendra Paul. The gold medals are real gold, 24 carats, 15 gms each. Ms. Priya Paul awarded gold medals to the winners. Jit Paul Gold medal is awarded to the graduating student who is an all-rounder with the best attitude and values; Ms. Shalmali Kulkarni won this award, whereas Ms. Urmila Sharma was the winner of the Surrendra Paul Gold medal awarded to the graduating student for academic excellence.
Chief Guest Ms. Priya Paul, in her keynote address congratulated the graduating batch and expressed her delight on the achievements of AIH saying that it was a wonderful day to reach and that she was particularly proud that this was the 15th graduating class out of AIH.
She added that AIH was conceived as an institution whose vision was to build Leadership Through Knowledge. To create a constant learning environment where students got to develop their ideas whether to work in a corporate setup, have a startup or get into entrepreneurship. Ms. Paul emphasized that the Hospitality and Tourism industry was growing rapidly and had tremendous opportunities.
One should be open to continuous learning; the new graduates should use their skills and education to reach their highest potential. They must find and follow their passions. They must have the right attitude, temper, personality traits and be extremely committed. The audience loved her talk; specifically, the advice that she had for the young graduates.
Also present at the event were Ms. Sujata Guin Sr. VP and CHRO, Apeejay Surrendra Park hotels Ltd, Mr. Yazad Marfatia, Corporate Director & Head of Sales and Marketing, ASPHL. Mr. Rahul Makhija, General Manager, The Park Navi Mumbai and Mr. Subhabrata Roy, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Navi Mumbai.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
