BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA | 28 OCTOBER 2026
IHM Taratala Kolkata had the distinct honour of welcoming Shri Bhuvanesh Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, on 26 October 2026, as part of an initiative undertaken in accordance with the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “One Day, One University.” The initiative encourages visits to educational institutions, spending time with students and interacting with the academic community to understand their aspirations and experiences firsthand. The visit was a moment of immense pride for the Institute, providing an opportunity to showcase its academic excellence, industry-oriented training, cultural ethos and commitment to professional hospitality education.
The union Secretary was accorded a warm and traditional Bengali welcome, marked by the ceremonial presentation of a traditional kulo (winnowing tray), accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the shankha (conch shell), the rhythmic beats of the dhak (traditional Bengali drum) and the vibrant uludhwani (traditional celebratory ululation). These age-old customs created a festive atmosphere, reflecting Bengal’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava—the guest is equivalent to God. The welcome was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp in front of an artistic installation of Maa Durga, symbolising an auspicious beginning. A detailed presentation on the Institute subsequently highlighted its legacy, academic programmes, infrastructure, training methodologies, industry collaborations and contribution to hospitality and tourism education.
As a gesture of appreciation for Bengal’s indigenous artistic traditions, the union tourism Secretary was presented with a Dokra Durga idol, representing the region’s celebrated traditional metal-casting handicraft form. The presentation reflected the Institute’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage alongside contemporary professional education. A major highlight of the visit was the formal inauguration of the Institute’s new state-of-the-art show kitchen. He was given a demonstration of the facility, designed to enhance practical learning, culinary demonstrations and industry-oriented skill development. The inauguration reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to continuously upgrading its training infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality industry.
The visit also celebrated Bengal’s culinary heritage through a specially curated traditional Bengali lunch. Featuring the region’s distinctive culinary traditions, the meal showcased the Institute’s culinary expertise and its ability to deliver an authentic and memorable hospitality experience. Shri Kumar subsequently interacted with the faculty members and staff, appreciating their collective efforts in maintaining the Institute’s academic and operational standards. He also engaged with the students, in keeping with the spirit of the “One Day, One University” initiative, emphasising the importance of professional discipline, practical competence, commitment to learning and confidence in their chosen careers.
During the interaction, Shri Bhuvanesh Kumar expressed his admiration for the Institute’s cleanliness, operational efficiency, service delivery and the professionalism demonstrated by its faculty members, staff and students. In a particularly encouraging acknowledgement, he remarked that IHM Taratala Kolkata is, in his experience by far, one of the best Institute of Hotel Management, under Ministry of Tourism, Government of India he had visited. His appreciation was a moment of immense pride for the entire IHM community. Addressing the students, he reassured them that they were in the best of hands at IHM Taratala Kolkata and expressed his confidence that each of them would do well in their professional careers. His words served as a source of motivation, reinforcing their confidence in the education and training they receive at the Institute. The visit was more than a formal engagement; it was a meaningful recognition of the Institute’s collective commitment to excellence, professional integrity and student development. It also highlighted the importance of integrating cultural awareness, practical training and the Indian tradition of gracious hospitality into professional education.
Guided by its enduring motto, “Service Before Self,” IHM Taratala Kolkata remains committed to nurturing future hospitality leaders through quality education, industry-oriented training and professional excellence. The Hon’ble Secretary’s visit and encouraging remarks have further inspired the Institute’s students, faculty members and staff to uphold these standards and continue contributing to the growth of India’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
Principal, Mr. Raja Sadhukhan, expressed his sincere gratitude to the union Secretary for graciously taking time out of his busy schedule to visit the Institute and interact with its Faculty Members, staff and students. Mr. Sadhukhan further congratulated and thanked all the HODs, the AAO, faculty members, staff and students for their energy, dedicated efforts, teamwork and professionalism, which collectively contributed to the successful conduct of the visit. He acknowledged their commitment and coordinated efforts in presenting the Institute’s best practices and upholding its standards of hospitality and institutional excellence.
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