Event Round Up

Steps to reach the stars

How to reach beyond the horizon with advice from the experts in the industry, and more, was offered at a seminar to hospitality students aspiring to make it big in the industry

Atharva College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology hosted a seminar called 'Beyond the Horizon' on September 29, 2007. It was held to create awareness about the impact of globalisation as well as the prevailing trends affecting the hospitality industry today. It also felicitated some of the well-known personalities from the hospitality industry. Along with Atharva students, the seminar was also attended by students from other colleges like Naval Institute of Technology, Bharati Vidyapeeth and Frankfinn Institute for Airhostesses.

The seminar began with a welcome speech by Sudeshna Roy, the vice-principal of Atharva college. While stressing on the advantages of globalisation in India, she said, "Globalisation is proving very useful for the Indian work force and the demand for good staff has increased tremendously. The pay-scales have also increased drastically and working conditions have improved with foreign management groups in India."

K V Simon, vice president, American Hotel & Lodging Association, South West Asia, in his speech, highlighted the struggle and competition in the hospitality industry, citing his own experiences as an example.

Due to the financial benefits it offers, most students are attracted to a career in cruise liners. Accordingly, the next speaker, Chef Vijay Pandey, who is the sous chef with the Royal Caribbean cruise liners, enlightened students about the career opportunities and scope that cruise liners had to offer.

The seminar then continued with Sunil Mehra, founder of training consultancy firm, Life Goals India, advising students in the field of service sector training. With over fifteen years of experience in the field of service sector training, Mehra imparted some golden words of advice to students. He discussed the expectation of the HR department at the time of recruitment, and also how to meet and exceed guest expectations.

Later, Mubarak Ali, principal of Naval Institute of Technology took over and discussed the changing role of hospitality training institutions in India. Ali, who has over thirty years of experience, has been associated with many government organisations for the betterment of hospitality education.

The seminar concluded with a speech by Prakash Aranha, training manager of Taj Lands End who spoke about the requirements needed by students aspiring to get into the Taj. Overall, the seminar was useful and informative, and giving students a chance to interact face-to-face with renowned personalities of the hospitality industry was just an added bonus for them.