Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) has achieved a significant milestone in academic and culinary excellence as Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma, Head of the Department of Hotel Management, was selected to curate a grand Rajasthani state dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The prestigious banquet was hosted by the Honourable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in honour of the visiting President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung.
The high-profile state dinner was attended by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and senior Union Ministers, transforming the occasion into a global showcase of Rajasthan’s rich culinary heritage.
Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma, in collaboration with Executive Chef of Rashtrapati Bhavan Chef Mukesh Kumar, designed an elaborate menu that functioned as a gastronomic journey across Rajasthan. The curated “Royal Platters” presented a refined fusion of traditional dishes from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, and Jaipur, blending royal culinary traditions with contemporary presentation techniques.
During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally appreciated the culinary experience and remarked, “It was a wonderful Rajasthani meal experience,” acknowledging the craftsmanship and authenticity of the traditional spread.
Deepti Umashankar, Secretary to the President of India, extended formal congratulations to Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma for representing Rajasthan’s culinary legacy on an international platform of high distinction. In addition, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor described the vegetarian spread as “exceptionally delicious,” praising the elevation of traditional flavours to global gourmet standards.
Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma expressed gratitude to Manipal University Jaipur for its continuous support and academic freedom, crediting the institution for enabling his professional growth and achievement. He stated that the opportunity to represent Rajasthan’s culinary traditions at such a prestigious venue marked a defining moment in his career and a culmination of years of dedicated research and passion for traditional cuisine.
He dedicated the achievement to his family and to Manipal University Jaipur, emphasizing that institutional encouragement played a crucial role in his success.
The university leadership, including Dr. Niti Nipun Sharma, President; Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar, Pro-President; Dr. Amit Soni, Registrar; Dr. Nitu Bhatnagar, Provost; and Dr. Brajesh Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts, congratulated Dr. Sharma and described his achievement as a historic moment. They highlighted that it reflects MUJ’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and global engagement.
Dr. Sharma’s accomplishment not only underscores his individual excellence but also reinforces Manipal University Jaipur’s growing stature as a center of global recognition and talent development. His success stands as a powerful inspiration for aspiring chefs and students, demonstrating how dedication, institutional support, and cultural pride can create impactful global achievements.
About The Author
Comment List