The rising talents of the hotel sector connected at the prestigious Mega Culinary Competition, CHANDIWALA HOSPITALITY ENSEMBLE 2023 on November 01, 2023 in a dazzling exhibition of culinary elegance and hospitality expertise. This year's event, held at the prestigious Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, highlighted the persistent energy and amazing expertise of the next generation of hoteliers.

"22nd Chandiwala Hospitality Ensemble, 2023" was inaugurated with a record crowd of hospitality students, industry experts, trade media, and faculty members. The event began with an inaugural ceremony attended by notable Chief Guests, Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee, General Manager, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla, and Mr. Arun.K. Agarwal, Hospitality and Customer Experience Consultant, Hibiscus Consult. Mr. A. K. Singh, former principal of IHM Mumbai and current director of the FHRAI Institute of Hospitality, also attended the event. Mr. Ashok Gupta, Treasurer of SBCSSTS also graced the occasion.

Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee, General Manager, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla along with other eminent dignitaries including Mr. R.K. Bhandari, Principal BCIHMCT, and Chef Prem Ram, CHE Event Coordinator and Joint Secretary, Indian Culinary Forum, inaugurated the event with a lamp lighting ceremony, which was followed by Ganesh Vandana.

Mr. R.K. Bhandari, Principal BCIHMCT, in this opening address, welcomed the dignitaries for the inaugural ceremony and mentioned that, while giving pure academics the due importance it deserves, BCIHMCT has always provided the students from the hospitality fraternity with the opportunity to showcase their talents and spirit of hospitality by organising such events.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee emphasised that programmes like these ensure students are prepared to confront the industry and life ahead. He encouraged the participating teams to put in their best efforts during the three-day mega event of hospitality, referring to the budding hospitality professionals as the hotel industry's assets.

Mr. Arun.K. Agarwal, Hospitality and Customer Experience Consultant at Hibiscus Consult, discussed recent trends in the hospitality industry and how they have positively impacted the sector. He stated that he believes that competition does not require you to come in first place; it is all about learning and experience. He advised young and aspiring hospitality professionals to pursue a career in hospitality because it is a sector fulfilling the needs of the society. His goal as an experienced industrialist is to educate young people about the hotel industry. He expressed his gratitude for the hospitality industry, adding, "We are a thread with different beings but all one." In addition, his organisation assists clients in starting new hotels and restaurant chains and doing facility design for hotels and restaurants, as well as doing workshops for managers and supervisors to help them be more productive in their work areas.

Dr. Chef Prem Ram praised the institution for organizing the ensemble and appreciated Shri Banarsidas Chandiwala Sewa Smarak Trust Society, as well as sponsors, media partners, and participating institutes, for their support of the Hospitality Ensemble. He spoke on the concept of recycling and how to create public awareness about the importance of recycling every resource available in their daily lives. In addition, we have kept the concept of "Purnavartan," which literally means recycling and is an age-old ritual that our country has practiced since ancient times. The ancient knowledge of recycling found in our early texts has been utilized for centuries with the goal of reusing and recycling every component of our daily lives, achieving the goal of zero-waste management or waste minimization in all parts of our lives and lifestyle. He informed the youth about CHE, stating that it is a forum where expert chefs can demonstrate their skills and support. As a fascinating leader, he influenced the younger generation by stating, " Instead of questioning your abilities, work on them and even those who point fingers will applaud.

Mr. Ashok Gupta, delivered the idea of being joyous and encouraging students to compete with your full potential. He gave the mantra of “Learn Like A Student, Observe Like An Observer” stating that “Your Most Annoying Customer Is Your Greatest Source Of Learning”

In his concluding remarks, Chef Ranjoit Kundu (HOD, Patisserie) thanked the respected sponsors for keeping belief in Chandiwala Hospitality Ensemble over the years.

During the three days, the Chefs and Managers representing different departments of Hotels in Delhi-NCR will judge the various competitions such as Zone Bar-wizard Bar Challenge (a cocktail mix-&-straight competition), 2023, Pansari Regional Indian Cuisine Challenge, 2023, Nestle Culinary Challenge, 2023, Karamat Biryani Culinary Challenge, 2023, Tramontina Fruit & Vegetable Carving, 2023, Crowne Plaza “Manage The Damage” Contest, 2023, Taj Hospitality Brain Twister, 2023 and Veeba “Quick Treat” Culinary Challenge, 2023.

The event was reported by Mr. Peeyush Srivastav, Media Coordinator & HOD, BCIHMCT, New Delhi