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IICA Celebrates Its 41st Convocation, Strengthening Industry Partnerships to Shape the Future of Culinary Talent

New Delhi : The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi, one of India’s established institutions for professional culinary and patisserie education, celebrated its 41st Convocation, marking the graduation of students from its Culinary and Bakery programmes. Over the past 21 years, IICA has trained and prepared aspiring culinary professionals for careers across the hospitality industry, with more than 4,000 students graduating from the institute to date.

 

Through its industry-led approach to education, IICA aims to equip students with the technical knowledge, practical experience and professional discipline required to build successful careers in India and overseas. The ceremony brought together hospitality professionals, chefs, and educators to celebrate the graduating batch’s achievements and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the culinary profession.

The convocation marked another chapter in IICA’s 21-year journey in culinary and pastry education. The programme included diploma distribution, awards recognising culinary and professional achievement, addresses by industry leaders, a conversation between hospitality commentators and a panel discussion on the professional realities facing the next generation of chefs.

The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Chef Rupreet Jassi, Executive Director, IICA, followed by the Chief Guest and Keynote Address delivered by Mr. Kulbhushan Kachru, Chairman, Radisson Hotel Group, Southeast Asia, and President, Hotel Association of India. The programme also included a conversation about the evolution of the hospitality industry, the changing expectations from culinary professionals, and the importance of industry-ready education between Mr. Sourish Bhattacharyya and Mr. Virender S. Datta, Founder & Chairman, IICA, culminating in the launch of the 8th edition of IICA’s magazine, IICAonics.

The diploma distribution was followed by the presentation of the awards. The Culinary Legend Award was presented to Chef Davinder Kumar, while the Divyajyoti Academy Excellence Award was presented to Tarun from the January 2025 batch of Pastry & Hospitality Management (PHM) and Nikhil Sharma from the July 2025 batch of PHM. The Vivek Singh Datta Academy Excellence Award was presented to Bhaya Chopra from the January 2024 batch of Culinary & Hospitality Management (CHM) and Akashdeep Nandi from the July 2024 batch of CHM. The Mr. Tikku Outstanding Alumni Achiever of the Year Award was presented to Chef Ved Gautam, a Culinary alumnus, Batch of 2015, and currently Brand Chef at FES, and Chef Yashasvi A. Gambhir, a Bakery alumnus, Batch of 2015, and currently Head of R&D at Burma Burma. Mr. Rishabh Jain of Hospitable Couch was also honoured for his contribution to the hospitality industry through podcast conversations with leading chefs and hospitality professionals, creating a platform for industry insights, professional experiences and knowledge exchange.

Mr. Kulbhushan Kachru, Chairman, Radisson Hotel Group, Southeast Asia, and President, Hotel Association of India, said, “Talent may get you noticed, but your character, attitude and consistency will take you forward. IICA has built a strong reputation in the industry, with its graduates being among the top choices for hospitality employers. India currently has around 225,000 branded hotel rooms, and the industry is working towards one million rooms by 2030. This growth will require not just skilled professionals, but future leaders and entrepreneurs. My advice to the graduating students is to stay curious, remain humble, focus on gaining experience rather than chasing titles, and never be afraid to start from the bottom. Remember, we don’t simply prepare food; we create experiences, memories, and connections.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Chef Virender S. Datta, Founder & Chairman, IICA, said, “Every convocation is a reminder of why we began this journey and the responsibility we carry towards the students who place their trust in us. The culinary profession demands much more than technical skill. It calls for discipline, resilience, curiosity, and the ability to keep learning. As our students graduate today, we hope they carry these values into their professional lives and continue to grow through every experience.”

Padma Shri Dr. Pushpesh Pant, Indian Academician, Food Historian & Critic, said, “A chef is not just a chef; someone like VS Datta is a magician who can conjure up things and realise your dreams. What I have learnt from his life, without being either an aspiring chef or a hotelier, is that there are lessons for life. His journey makes you realise that you set your own goals and raise your plans higher. As you go around in life and face challenges, there will always be moments when life treats you differently, and what matters is how you cope with misfortune and draw your own lessons from it.”

The ceremony included an address by Mr. Varun Khosla, Managing Director, DSS Group, a hospitality organisation with international operations that creates professional opportunities for chefs across global markets. The programme also included addresses by Padma Shri Dr. Pushpesh Pant, Indian Academician, Food Historian & Critic; Chef Davinder Kumar, President, Indian Culinary Forum, Vice President, Food & Beverage, and Executive Chef, Le Méridien, New Delhi; and Dr. Rajesh Pankaj, Senior Director – Education & Skills, FICCI.

Distinguished embassy representatives in attendance included Ms. Basak Onsal Demir, Counsellor for Culture and Tourism, Embassy of Turkey; Mr. Roy Positigo, Trade Specialist, Peru in India; and Mr. Jose Galvez Agurto, Senior Trade, Tourism & Investment Commissioner, Embassy of Peru. Faraz Hassan, COO, Origami, was also present at the ceremony.

A key highlight of the convocation was the panel discussion titled “Tempering the Future: Cultivating Resilience and Realism in India’s Next-Gen Chefs.” Moderated by Mr. Arjun Singh Datta, the discussion brought together Chef Sachin Kaushal, Chef de Cuisine, The Claridges, New Delhi; Chef Depinder Tiwari, Director – Culinary & Dining, QLA; Chef Gokhan Kesen, 8th Generation Ottoman Empire Chef and Consultant – Turkish Cuisine; and Chef Yashasvi A. Gambhir, Head of R&D, Burma Burma.

The panel examined the qualities required to build a lasting career in the culinary profession, including resilience, discipline, adaptability and an understanding of the realities of professional kitchens. Drawing from their experience in hotel operations, restaurant entrepreneurship and culinary research, the panellists discussed how young chefs can approach the industry with ambition while developing a realistic understanding of its demands.

IICA also highlighted its recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with DSS Group, under which the institute will provide culinary training to chefs associated with the group. The partnership will focus on preparing chefs for professional opportunities overseas and strengthening the connection between culinary education, international hospitality operations and industry requirements.

The event was supported by KAI India and Livpure as the Gifting Partners, and Mister Tikku as the Rewarding Excellence Partner. Their support reflected IICA’s continued engagement with industry stakeholders and its efforts to support excellence in culinary education.

Under the leadership of Chef Virender S. Datta, a hospitality veteran with over five decades of experience, and Mr. Arjun S. Datta, who has been instrumental in driving IICA’s international growth and strategic expansion, the institute has continued to develop its professional culinary education offering.

Founded in 2005, IICA offers programmes in Culinary and Patisserie Arts that combine international culinary standards with India’s diverse food traditions. Recognised by the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of India, the institute’s affiliations with City & Guilds, UK; the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), Paris; and BSI Learning Australia support international learning and career pathways for students.

In 2025, IICA was honoured with the FICCI Higher Education Excellence Award for “Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship (Private)” and was named Best Culinary Institute in India at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards.

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Daily Astro

19-09-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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19-09-2026