The Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai, has undergone a remarkable evolution since its inception in 1963. Over the span of several decades, it has ascended to become a distinguished stronghold of hospitality education, earning accolades both on the domestic and global stages. Notably, marking its 60th anniversary, the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Chennai recently hosted a resplendent Diamond Jubilee celebration. This momentous occasion saw the convergence of preeminent culinary leaders and celebrated chefs, hailing from various corners of India and the world.
The daylight affair held at the IHM Chennai campus brimmed with excitement as Dr. K. Manivasan IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu – overseeing Tourism, Culture & Religious Endowments Department – graced the occasion as the esteemed Chief Guest. Adding to the honor, Shri D. Venkatesan, Regional Director of India Tourism for the South, West, and Central Regions, adorned the event as the Guest of Honour.
A significant highlight of the event was the inauguration of an additional Girls Hostel, made possible through a generous grant from the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of India. This new facility enhances the campus’s infrastructure and accommodations.
Amidst the luminous gathering, members of the IHMCAA (Institute of Hotel Management Chennai Alumni Association) and other dignitaries representing the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India, and the National Council for Hotel Management, joined in releasing the official souvenir magazine. The occasion also included the felicitation of numerous individuals, adding an extra layer of distinction to the event’s festivities.
Cosmos, a renowned entity under the ownership of EssEmm Corporation, has firmly established its reputation for excellence within the hospitality and food processing sector. In a gesture of magnanimity, Cosmos generously contributed state-of-the-art commercial kitchen equipment valued at INR 10 lakhs to the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Chennai. This gracious contribution serves to enhance the institute’s capabilities and directly benefits its aspiring students.
Speaking at the event, Dr.K. Manivasan IAS, Principal Secretary to the Govt.of Tamil Nadu, said “This Institute, which has produced some of the finest chefs and hospitality industry professionals that India has seen, began with one building in Taramani with barely 60 students and has now grown to accommodate nearly 1000 students from across the country on its campus. This Institute is not only recognized across the country but across the world in the fields of academics, administration and more.”
During its formative years, IHM Chennai was commonly identified as the Madras Catering College, a nomenclature that affectionately bestowed the students with the nickname ‘MadCats’. In a recent initiative, numerous of these MadCats united to formally establish the IHM Chennai Alumni Association. This collective endeavor aimed to partake in the jubilant festivities commemorating their beloved alma mater’s Diamond Jubilee.
Malepati Chakravarthy, a 1977 alumnus, now President of the IHMCAA said, “IHM Chennai alumni are in senior positions within the hospitality industry around the world as CEOs, COOs, Vice Presidents, Executive Chefs and General Managers. They fly the flag of our institute high and we are extremely pleased to be able to conduct these celebrations, for the next generation to be inspired by the legacy of our college.”
S. Bipin Kumar, who graduated in 1988, took charge as Secretary of the Alumni Association in 2022. He added, “Some of our MadCats have even gone on to become internationally renowned, with Michelin stars and other leading global hotelier awards to their name.”
Parimala. R, the Principal in-charge of IHM Chennai, is also an Alumnus, who graduated in 1993 and began working at the Institute within a few years. Parimala said, “Today as I look back upon my 30-year association with this campus, I feel a sense of both pride and nostalgia. I am glad that together with the Alumni Association, we have been able to put together a grand celebration that is worthy of the milestone.”
The evening proceedings featured a splendid gala dinner, graciously hosted by the Alumni Association, which welcomed more than 400 alumni in attendance.
The Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition in Chennai operates as an autonomous entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and was founded in 1963. The institute offers a diverse range of career-focused programs, including a 2-year Post Graduate program in M.Sc. Hospitality Administration, a flagship 3-year Degree program in B.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration, conferred by Jawaharlal Nehru University, a 1½ year Diploma course covering Food Production, Bakery & Confectionery, and another 1½ year Craft course encompassing Food Production & Patisserie, F&B Service, and additional courses.
Through the institute’s meticulously organized campus placement programs, a 100% job placement assurance is extended to all students within various sectors of the service industry. Currently, we proudly hold the 13th position globally in the “Best Hotel Management Institutes of the World” category for the year 2023, as recognized by CEO World Magazine, USA.
