The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Bound for London Gatwick, the flight was carrying 242 passengers, with initial reports confirming over 100 fatalities and many more injured after the aircraft descended into a residential and hostel zone near Meghani Nagar.

Mrs. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of THSC and Former President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), extended heartfelt condolences to the families impacted.

“This tragedy has not only shaken communities but also cast a shadow over the spirit of travel and exploration that unites us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, the brave rescue workers, and the medical staff tirelessly working on the ground. We stand in solidarity and commit to supporting relief and rehabilitation efforts in any way we can,” she said.

Reflecting on the wider implications of such disasters, Mrs. Mayal stressed the importance of safety and preparedness within the travel and hospitality industry.

“Incidents like these serve as stark reminders that safety is the foundation of a resilient tourism sector,” she noted.
“When tragedy strikes, it disrupts not just lives but also the confidence of travelers, the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism, and the overall image of a destination.”

THSC reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing crisis management across the industry and announced that it is actively exploring the integration of emergency response modules into its certification programs, equipping hospitality professionals with the skills needed to respond effectively during such unforeseen events.

“The Ahmedabad crash is a solemn reminder of the interdependence between safety, preparedness, and public trust in travel,” added Mrs. Mayal.

As the nation comes to terms with the loss, THSC stands united with all affected and will continue to advocate for stronger safety measures, staff training, and cross-sector coordination to uphold the highest standards of traveller security and confidence.

Sodexo, a global leader in sustainable food services and workplace experiences, has officially partnered with Medanta Hospital, Indore, to enhance the overall dining experience for patients and visitors. This collaboration is part of Medanta’s broader commitment to providing patient-centric, high-quality healthcare where nutrition and wellness play a central role in recovery and comfort.

Drawing on its deep expertise in healthcare nutrition and culinary innovation, Sodexo will now manage all food service operations at Medanta Indore. This includes customised, nutrition-forward meal programs designed in collaboration with the hospital’s medical teams, ensuring they meet diverse dietary requirements and support better health outcomes.

A dedicated team of professional chefs, nutritionists, and service experts will work together to deliver meals that are not only balanced and safe but also crafted to aid healing. Speaking on the occasion, Sharad Misra, Chief Operating Officer, Health & Care Segment, Sodexo India, shared:

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centric food services that align with Medanta’s healthcare excellence. From balanced meals and seamless digital ordering to modern visitor dining spaces, our focus is on promoting recovery and well-being through thoughtful, reliable food experiences.”

Dr. Sanjay Geed, Medical Director, Medanta Hospital, Indore, added:

“At Medanta, we believe healing is holistic. The right nutrition is essential for faster recovery and patient comfort. Sodexo’s expertise in healthcare dining enables us to provide customised meals that complement our clinical care. We’re confident this collaboration will raise the bar for patient experience and integrated care.”

Introducing So’Eze: A Digital Shift in Hospital Dining

A key highlight of the partnership is the rollout of Sodexo’s So’Eze app—a user-friendly digital platform that allows patients and visitors to browse menus, place meal orders, and receive updates in real time, enhancing convenience and efficiency across the hospital.

What’s on the Menu?

The Sodexo-Medanta experience includes a variety of tailored services:

• Aarogyum – Specialised in-patient meals designed for recovery and tailored nutrition.
  

• YOO Café – A relaxed dining space for visitors offering a healthy and comforting menu.
  

• Food Carts – Mobile units across the hospital that offer grab-and-go meal options.
  

• Health Check Lounge Services – Custom meals for those undergoing preventive health check-ups.
  

This long-term partnership is a step forward in redefining the hospital food landscape—blending Sodexo’s operational and culinary excellence with Medanta’s clinical reputation. Over time, Sodexo aims to continue innovating in the food service space, helping Medanta deliver an integrated and holistic healing environment focused on comfort, nutrition, and recovery.

The Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) has officially announced the opening of admissions for the Academic Year 2025-2026, inviting applications for its Culinary Arts and Bakery & Pastry Arts programs. These courses are designed for aspiring chefs and baking enthusiasts looking to sharpen their skills and build a successful career in the food and hospitality industry.

IBCA offers hands-on learning experiences under expert guidance and has strong connections with top hotels and restaurants for training and placement. Final placements are conducted through selection trials and interviews at the end of each course.

The following programs are available for enrolment:

• 18 Months Advanced Diploma in Culinary (Level 3)
  

• 18 Months Advanced Diploma in Pastry (Level 3)
  

• 12 Months Diploma in Culinary Arts (Level 2)
  

• 12 Months Diploma in Pastry Arts (Level 2)
  

• 6 Months Certificate Course in Pastry (Level 1)
  

• 3 Months Certificate Course in Culinary
  

• 3 Months Certificate Course in Pastry
  

• Hobby Courses in Culinary and Pastry
  

Interested candidates must complete the online application form available on the institute’s official website. Admission requirements will follow guidelines as per the norms of relevant education regulatory bodies.

Eligible applicants are those who have passed or are appearing for the 10+2 qualifying examination from recognized boards like AISSCE, CBSE, ICSE, IB, or equivalents.

Recognized both nationally and internationally, IBCA is accredited with City & Guilds (London), Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (UK), Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), and National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC), India.

Last Date to Apply: 15th July 2025
Website: https://www.chefibpa.com/

Whether you're looking to pursue a professional career or simply indulge in a culinary passion, IBCA offers the ideal foundation to turn your interest into expertise.