“Always strive to be the best in whatever you do! To be the best, you must continue to learn and improve your skills. You will be left behind the day you believe you know everything”, says Dr.(Chef) Sandilyan. P. R, Principal, RIHMCT, CGU’s hotel management school.
The Ranjita Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (RIHMCT) is one of Odisha’s major hospitality schools, delivering industry-relevant courses. To educate students for the workplace, the college, which is part of CV Raman Global University (CGU), focuses on outcome-based learning. The institution also provides students with training in order for them to compete in the WorldSkills competition and succeed. Apart from preparing an industry-ready workforce, the institute also encourages students to start their own ventures.
Team NSN interacted with Dr.(Chef) Sandilyan. P. R, Principal, RIHMCT to learn more about the institution’s skill development project and their training infrastructure to prepare students for the WorldSkills competition. Continue reading to learn more.
Q. How RIHMCT is preparing youth with skills and education for employability and entrepreneurship in the hospitality sector?
A: Our focus entirely lies in building the right skill set through world-class training and infrastructure. Apart from having WorldSkills standard training infrastructure, our experienced trainers make the learning experience impactful. All our labs are well equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. To train our students, we use cutting-edge technology such as complex software like OPERA.
Along with world-class training, we also provide good placement to the students. We have great partnerships with India’s largest hotel and restaurant brands, which actively recruit our students for various job categories. We not only help people find employment, but we also encourage them for entrepreneurship.
We encourage girl students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue a profession in the hospitality industry by funding their education through the SAFAL scheme.
Q. What are the courses that are being offered in the college?
A: Our college has both short-term and long-term courses. The courses that we are currently offering are-
- Three-year B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration
- P.G. Diploma in Accommodation Operation and Management
- Diploma in Food Production
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Service
- Diploma in Front – Office Operation
- Diploma in Housekeeping
All our courses are affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology(NCHMCT) and we follow the eligibility criteria and guidelines by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology(NCHMCT) for the enrollment of our courses.
Students and parents are more than happy to pick RIHMCT over any other college because of our industry-aligned training and placement histories. We focus on soft skill development as well as technical skill development, including communication seminars, mock interviews, and other programmes.
Q. How was the performance of the students in the recently held India Skills regional competitions? How are you preparing the students for the WorldSkills competitions?
A: The performance of our students was outstanding as our university will participate in 21 skills in the IndiaSkills competition. RIHMCT students are participating in all the 5 skills under the hospitality sector such as Cooking, Confectionery, Bakery, Restaurant Service and Hotel Reception.
To provide the students with the relevant skills, we have upgraded our labs and training infrastructures to WorldSkills standards. We haven’t left any stones unturned for their training. Apart from providing best-in-class training on our campus, we are also sending them to get training from experts. Our students went to the International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA) Delhi to get trained under expert trainers. We are also planning to send our students to Manipal University for a week-long training.
Q. Please tell us more about your journey as a chef and the principal of Ranjita Hotel Management College.
A: I have joined in September 2021. I have 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector where I have worked both in the industries as well as academia. Being an Alumni of IHM Kolkata, I started my professional journey in 1995 as an Operational Management Trainee in Taj Hotels. Along with gaining experience, I have also completed my higher education as I did my Master, Mphil and Doctorate in 2017. Because of the wide range of experience and exposure, I am able to bring in real-life experience to the classroom which is helping the students to relate more. I believe in continuous learning and encourage our students to do the same.
Q. How do you ensure the upskilling and reskilling of the trainers?
A: Most of our faculty members are experts from industries with relevant experience in the field. They continuously upgrade themselves as per the industry requirements. To keep all our trainers updated, we send them for Training of Trainer (ToT) programs organized by the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC). We also organize seminars and workshops for our trainers and have undertaken numerous ToT programs. Since there’s continuous skill upgradation, all our trainers are able to deliver their best.
Also read: How CV Raman Global University (CGU) is catalysing entrepreneurship in India through incubation centres https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/how-cv-raman-global-university-cgu-is-catalysing-entrepreneurship-in-india-through-incubation-centres/
Q. What is your message to students on taking responsibility for their own skill development?
A: Today, technology is disrupting the entire world. And it is providing a platform for the students to explore many things. All the data, all the information they want to learn are at their fingertips. However, students must learn to balance and invest their time in improving themselves rather than wasting their time on mindless scrolling. They should invest a few hours every day to upgrade their skills which will help them excel in whatever they do.
