Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy was the chief guest at the celebrations

To commemorate 60 glorious years of existence and renew its commitment to never-ending transmission of knowledge from generation to generation, the Institute of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition (IHM), Pusa, New Delhi organised its Diamond Jubilee Celebration, UDAAN on September 21. Among the premier hotel management institutes in India, IHM Pusa comes under the umbrella of National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Noida, which was set up by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The institute has been providing inclusionary education and professional experience in the field of hospitality for the last six decades and has bagged the top spot in best colleges for hotel management in the country by leading publications of India. 

The Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of North-Eastern Region of India G Kishan Reddy was the chief guest on this momentous occasion. Arvind Singh, IAS, Secretary Tourism, Government of India; KB Kachru, Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia Region at Radisson Hotel Group, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Indian Hotels Company Limited and Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor took part in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Reddy elucidated on the aspects of IHM Pusa and how the institution has witnessed its alumni succeed globally. He explained how the sector has bounced back and has been the golden gun for the country’s economy. Reddy also enumerated the misnomers associated with Revenge Tourism and how it has affected the industry along with many individuals who have been affected by the aftermath. The Tourism Minister also emphasised on the values of Atithi Devo Bhava and how the virtues of discipline, determination and punctuality have been amalgamated with Hunar Se Rozgaar and combined with the culture of the phenomena we call India. He concluded by saying that the students of IHM Pusa are the frontrunners of tomorrow and would facilitate the Amrit Kaal ie the dawn of the 21st century. 

In his address, Singh expressed his gratitude towards the National Council for making him experience the grandeur of IHM Pusa and how the institution has seen progress in all walks of life. He iterated the boom in the Indian economy, adding its harbingers were youth population, rapid urbanisation and growth of the middle-class.

During his speech, Chhatwal reflected on his journey at his alma mater and enlightened the gathering about the contribution of hotels to the greater scheme of the hospitality and tourism sector. He shared his experience from Asian Games and other management events where the institute helped guide the team’s management. Speaking on the importance of the industry, he shared how even through the pandemic, the hospitality industry has prevailed adding the maximum margin to the GDP of the country has been contributed the hospitality industry. He also highlighted the job creation opportunities that the hospitality industry is sure to offer for years to come.

At the event, IHM PUSA @60 - Essence of Hospitality and Life Skills, compiled by notable alumni was also launched by the Minister of Tourism. The event was gracefully concluded with the vote of thanks by IHM Pusa Principal Kamal Kant Pant.