Dr. Chef Sourabh Sharma, HoD of Hotel Management, and Dr. Brajesh Kumar, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts at Manipal University Jaipur, welcomed the distinguished guests and participants to the inaugural ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Pro-President Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar described food as a comprehensive philosophy that engages all five senses, or Panchendriya, to offer complete satisfaction. He emphasized that food serves as a powerful carrier of culture, connecting people across diverse geographies and generations.
Renowned culinary expert Manjit Singh Gill set the technical context for the conclave, advocating for greater recognition of Indian cuisine as a representation of the country’s distinct cultural identity. Celebrity chef Ajay Chopra, widely known for his association with MasterChef India, delivered a focused address on the importance of food tourism and sustainability. Chopra highlighted that the systematic transfer of culinary knowledge to future generations remains the primary key to sustaining the industry.
The conclave assembled an impressive lineup of eminent chefs from India and abroad, including Vijaya Baskaran, Vimal Dhar, Sabyasachi Gorai, Ashish Bhasin, Akshraj Jodha, Nand Lal Sharma, Rajeev Goyal, TC Gokhan Kesen, Amey Marathe, Ravikant Pathak, Abhiru Biswas, Bharat Alagh, Sumanta Chakrabarti, Sangeeta Dhar, and Manjit Singh Ratoo. Keynote sessions and expert panel discussions focused on the nuances of culinary tourism, sustainability, and the economic potential of regional cuisines. Two engaging panel discussions specifically explored the socio-economic impact of culinary tourism and examined the modern influence of social media on culinary authenticity.
The event incorporated an interactive dimension through a culinary quiz that saw enthusiastic participation from students, fostering direct engagement and learning. The conclave concluded with the formal felicitation of contributors, a vote of thanks, and a networking session designed to encourage strategic collaboration between academia and the hospitality industry. With active participation from students, faculty, and industry professionals, the event emerged as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and inspiration for aspiring hospitality professionals.
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