New Dehi, April 30, 2019: The Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel management & Catering technology formerly known as Food Craft Institute was established in the year 1969, at Nagpur with a view to impart Vocational Skills in Cookery, Bakery and Food Processing.
It was shifted to Pune in the year 1974, while continuing to offer one year craftsmanship courses. Over the past five decades, the Institute has grown progressively from strength to strength and built a reputation in providing quality education in hospitality and tourism with various programmes under its banner, right from post 10th level to post graduate level.
This year, the institute is proudly celebrating its golden jubilee. As a run up to the grand finale which was celebrated on 29th March 2019, the Institute had several events conducted throughout the year from June 2018 onwards.
To celebrate this special occasion, institute celebrated this long and fruitful journey in a unique manner on 29th March 2019. As a mark of appreciation they invited 50 Caterers / Restaurants / Cafes / Hotels /eateries which have been part of our city’s culinary heritage for over fifty years or more. Some of the stalwarts who graced the occasion and were felicitated were proprietors of Dorabjee’s,, Poona Guest House, Ritz Hotel, Bedekar Misal, Kaware Ice-cream, Anna Shri Ganesh Bhel, Hotel Shreyas, Pune Boarding House which is the oldest,at 94 years, with the third generation having now taken over represented by Mr. Upardikar
The chief guests for the function were Mr. Rajendra Kelshikar, Director Inn-venue Hospitality Services, Dr. Nandanwar, Joint Director Technical Education, Regional Office Pune. Mr. Krishna Gopal President TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India – Western India).
In addition to the above luminaries, other invitees include ex-principals, retired faculty members and supportingstaff who have played a major role in laying the foundation of the Institution. Some of the illustrious alumni who have consistently contributed to the Institute were also present.
The Principal, Dr. Anita Moodliar addressed the gathering and recalled how the institute started in a small area in the premises of the College of Engineering, Pune, and has grown in stature to reach where it is today. She said that institute has played a major role in collaborating with the industry and a strong Industry –Institute link has been there right since the inception of the Institute. She also mentioned that many of our alumni are today well placed all over the world and are also very successful entrepreneurs.
Mr.V.Gangolli, the institute’s longest serving principal, could not be present, however, her message for this special day was read out.
Mr. Kelshikar spoke about how the hotel industry has evolved in the past 50 years with the pace of change being rapid especially in past 4 years and home delivery options having changed the landscape of the hotel Industry.
Some of the Awardees spoke about their small beginnings over 50 years ago and their journey since then.
Mr. Chitale of Shreyas Hotel recalled that theirs was the only well equipped hotel in Pune when they started and how their loyal customers like the homely feel of their hotel. Kaware Ice-cream started as makers of homemade pot ice-cream producing only 5 to 10 kg per day and now have a large plant supplying around 10,000 litres ice-cream to different parts of India. Mr. Sarpotdar of Poona Guest house spoke about the contribution of the Institute to the industry.
All the Awardees appreciated the efforts put in by the students and faculty in organizing the event and the dinner that followed. They unanimously felt that this was the first time that they were being recognized for their contribution to Pune’s hospitality industry since so many decades.
The event was also well received and appreciated by all present including hospitality professionals of the larger hotels and restaurants.
Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)
