The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Hyderabad (IHM-Hyderabad), a premier Central Government institute under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony for the academic year 2025–26 at its campus in DD Colony, Vidyanagar. The event brought together students, faculty, and industry leaders to celebrate academic excellence, strong placement results, and overall student achievements.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Sri Pradyumna Krishna Dasa, Spiritual Leader (ISKCON); Mr. Deep Preet Bindra, General Manager, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace; Mr. Gaurav K. Kumra, VP & GM, Trident Hyderabad; Mr. Ajit Singh Garcha, Area GM, The Park Hyderabad; Mr. Baranirathan Chidambar, VP Operations, Green Park Hotels; Mr. Vishal Srivastava, General Manager, Vivanta Hyderabad; Mr. Nagesh Pampati, Chairman, TAAI Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Chapter; Mr. Krupakar Ravipati, Assistant Director, India Tourism and Mr. Sanjay Thakur, Principal, IHM-Hyderabad.

The programme began with a traditional Ganesh Vandana followed by the National Anthem. In his welcome address, Principal Mr. Sanjay Thakur highlighted the institute’s continued focus on building skilled and industry-ready hospitality professionals. One of the key moments of the event was the unveiling of the annual college magazine CACKLE, which showcased the institute’s achievements and creative work over the past year.

Faculty and administrative staff were also recognised for their contribution to the institute’s growth, reflecting their role in maintaining strong academic and operational standards.

Placement performance stood out as a major highlight this year. Around 40 students secured Management Trainee roles with leading hotel chains, while more than 150 students were placed across sectors such as QSRs, FMCG, retail, co-working spaces, airport outlets, corporate catering, and facility management. Several final-year students are also moving towards international placements, showing the institute’s strong industry connections.

Student achievements were celebrated across multiple areas. Academic toppers and sportspersons were honoured at the Yamuna Ranga Rao Trophy Inter-College Sports Meet. Creative talent was recognised through the Inter-Collegiate Flower Arrangement Competition, while students who performed well in state and national culinary competitions like India Skills and Everest Better Kitchen were also felicitated.

Among the academic award winners, Preeti Chouhan (Alumnus 2025) secured first rank in the final year and topped in F&B Service and Accommodation Operations. Hedaoo Rushil Avinash (Alumnus 2025) was recognised as the second topper of the final year. Rahil Sharma (Batch 2026) was awarded topper of the second year B.Sc., while Nalla Bipin Teja (Batch 2026) secured the second position. Meghana Bhutada (Batch 2026) was recognised as topper in the vegetarian course. In the first year category, Sattwikee Ray (Batch 2027) secured the top position, followed by Akshit Baliyan (Batch 2027) as second topper. Kovvuri Pavani (Alumnus 2025) and Amaresh Samal (Alumnus 2025) were honoured as the first and second toppers respectively in the Craftsmanship Certificate Course in Food Production & Patisserie.

The event also featured insightful addresses from the invited guests, offering students guidance and industry perspectives as they prepare for their careers.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Rachna Agashe, HoD, followed by a rendition of Vande Mataram. Guests were then served a specially curated lunch prepared by the institute’s chefs. A note of thanks was extended to EazyDiner for supporting the event as sponsor.