(Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bangalore, joins Founder Dr. Suborno Bose to unveil a new chapter of ‘TransformAItion’—driven by High Tech & anchored in Higher Touch)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
BENGALURU | 16 MARCH 2026
The Bengaluru campus of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) became the vibrant epicenter of celebrations for the institution’s 33rd Foundation Day on Saturday. The event was marked by a powerful tribute to the people who define IIHM’s legacy—its global alumni network.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director of IIHM Bangalore, remarked, ”Our Bengaluru campus has always been a cradle for innovation and excellence. Seeing our alumni return from across the globe to inspire the current batch is a testament to the lifelong bond we nurture here. At IIHM Bangalore, we aren’t just teaching hospitality; we are shaping the future leaders who will balance the efficiency of technology with the warmth of the human touch.”
The institution today represents a vibrant global community of over 30,000 alumni, students, faculty members, and hospitality professionals. The highlight of the two-day celebrations was the IIHM Alumni Leadership Conclave, a unique global conversation where alumni working across the world joined students and faculty to reflect on their journeys from IIHM classrooms to leadership roles in the hospitality industry.From luxury hotels in London and Japan to hospitality enterprises in Canada, Dubai, Australia, and New Zealand, alumni shared insights, experiences, and advice with the next generation—reinforcing the enduring bond between the institution and its global community.
In his Foundation Day address, IIHM Founder and Chairman Dr. Suborno Bose reminded the gathering that an institution’s true strength lies in its alumni. “IIHM today stands on the achievements of thousands of alumni across the world. Wherever you go—from Singapore to San Francisco—you will find IIHM graduates flourishing and leading the hospitality industry,” he said.
Alumni Journeys: From Classrooms to Global Leadership:The conclave brought together international alumni whose careers reflect the global reach of the institution. Alok Dixit, General Manager at the Marriott in London’s Grosvenor Square, spoke about the values that shaped his journey. “Hospitality is one of the most beautiful industries because it brings together people from every discipline. But success ultimately comes down to discipline and integrity,” he noted.From Japan, Vikas Kumar, Assistant Director of Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Nikko, emphasized the human element. “Guests return not just because of the property, but because of the people. It is the way we make them feel that creates guests for life,” he said.
The Future: AI with Emotional Intelligence:Harsh Gurnani, Cluster Revenue Manager at Hilton in Japan, noted that the future of hospitality will combine artificial intelligence with human emotional intelligence. He praised IIHM for introducing students early to the role of AI through initiatives like NamAIste – HospitalityGPT, a generative AI knowledge platform.Debottam Chakravarti, a hospitality academic in New Zealand, shared the importance of humility: “I started my career as a cleaner in the UK. Every step in the journey matters. Respect every job, learn it deeply, and keep moving forward.”Bhavik Jani, teaching in Australia, and Alpa Pandorya, Senior Bartender at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai, both echoed the sentiment that empathy remains the core skill of the trade, regardless of technological shifts.Recognizing Excellence:To honor these journeys, Dr. Suborno Bose announced two prestigious awards:The IIHM Outstanding Alumni Leadership Award: Celebrating those in positions of global influence.The IIHM Recognition of Excellence in Hospitality Award: Honoring professionals whose work inspires the next generation.
Vision 2026: High Tech, Higher Touch
Dr. Bose declared 2026 as the year of “TransformAItion” at IIHM. While technology improves efficiency, the core philosophy remains “High Tech, Higher Touch.”In a giant stride toward building future leaders, Dr. Bose also announced the IIHM Future Leaders Programme. The first batch of inductees, chosen from mid-level faculty and staff, will be groomed to lead the institution into its next decade of global excellence.
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