Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Bengaluru is identified among the premier hospitality institutions in India. V R Venkatadri, principal of the institute shares insights about the changing industry trends and how his institute contributes to the hospitality sector By Mohit Rathod
The Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Bengaluru is ranked among the premier hospitality institutes in India, and is synonymous with quality hospitality education. From its beginning as a food craft institute in 1969 offering short-term courses, the college was rechristened to its present name in 1983. The institute commenced offering the three-year degree course in hotel and hospitality administration. V R Venkatadri , principal, IHM Bengaluru says, “Quality education is about what and how people learn. Its relevance to today’s world and global challenges, and its influence on people’s choices is significant. Many now agree that quality education for sustainable development reinforces peoples’ sense of responsibility as global citizens and prepares them better for the world they will inherit. IHM Bengaluru, to a considerable extent, has achieved this and is thriving hard to exceed.”
Changing trends
The private sector’s need for skilled workforce to support green and sustainable enterprises at the local level has influenced technical and vocational education, and training as well as capacity-building. Venkatadri affirms that IHM Bengaluru had moved forward to achieve this and is proud to say that the institute has contributed to a great extent. He states, “Private sector demands for skilled workers in the hospitality and service industries. The contribution of IHM Bengaluru can be seen from students trained under our skill development programmes.”
As a principal, Venkatadri’s vision for the institute is to be a respected and sought-after educational institution engaged in equipping individuals capable of taking the industry to newer heights.
Speaking on what differentiates IHM Bengaluru from other IHMs in the country, he informs, “In terms of infrastructure, reputation, industry experienced faculty, academic input, industry interaction, placement, and students care; students have extensive opportunities for hands on experience through our attached hotel named Executive Development Centre.”
Venkatadri believes that the most commonly cited primary motivation for enrolling in a hotel management programme is the desire to enter a new field of work. He explains, “80 per cent of the current students come with a clear goal or objective in their mind, whereas some are influenced by TV shows. Students prefer this course for the numerous placement opportunities ranging from hotels to cruise liners to service industries. While 60 per cent prefer the hotel and catering industry, others join related industries like the retail sector.”
Encouraging talent
IHM Bengaluru encourages students to show their inherent talent not only in skill-related areas, but also helps in ascertaining their hidden talents. Many students have participated in national level competitions and have won accolades. Venkatadri elaborates, “To name a few, our student Saurabh Agrawal participated as our country’s representative in the World Skill Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and our students recently won the CAD 3000 prize money at Pulse Food Innovation Competition, Jaipur. IHM Bengaluru believes that when teachers have an open mind about how they can fully contribute to the quality of their classroom and their entire institute, and how to motivate students, then they can creatively find a multitude of ways to have bigger impacts on more and more people.”
IHM Bengaluru has its training and placement cell looked after by a dedicated team of faculty and staff who constantly monitor and train students not only on technical knowledge and skill, but also on the development of soft skills and personality. A minimum of 40 companies conduct placement interviews at this campus.
The institute is also involved with skill development initiative of the Government of India. On an average 600 students are trained every year, free of cost, under Ministry of Tourism’s ‘Hunar Se Rozgar Tak’ initiative. Venkatadri adds, “As a part of corporate social responsibility (CSR), we train youth in developing their skills in hospitality related subjects like cookery, bakery, housekeeping, F&B service, etc. We also help the trainees in securing employment. Similarly, we train people involved in hospitality services and working in unorganised sectors so as to bridge the gap.” IHM Bengaluru has conducted such training for the Indian Army; employees of IRCTC and Indian Railways; office of the AG, Income Tax & Central Excise and food outlets.