Regency College of Culinary Arts & Hotel Management, one of India's premier hospitality institutions, celebrated its 31st Regency Annual Awards Ceremony on 24th May 2025 at the T-Hub Auditorium with grandeur and pride. The event was a spirited blend of celebration, recognition, and inspiration from some of the most esteemed names in the industry.

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest was the legendary Chef Manjit Singh Gill, President of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA). He was joined by distinguished Guests of Honor—Chef Vijaya Baskaran (General Secretary, IFCA), Mr. Eleazer Prakash (General Manager – Fairfield by Marriott), and Mr. Kumar Manish (Vice President – Royal Orchid Hotels). Together, they brought immense energy and pride to the celebration.

The event opened with a warm welcome by Ms. Uma Bala, Head of Department, followed by the felicitation of the dignitaries. Principal Mr. P. Ramesh Kumar Reddy presented the Annual Report, spotlighting the college’s ongoing innovations, academic accomplishments, and contributions to the hospitality sector.

Honoring Excellence: Regency Leadership Awards 2024–25

One of the major highlights was the Regency Leadership Awards, designed to honor individuals for their lasting impact on the hospitality industry.

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Chef Manjit Singh Gill was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to Indian culinary arts and his efforts in shaping the future of the hospitality landscape. In his keynote address, he urged students to embrace culinary sustainability and cultural preservation while becoming responsible global professionals.

Grand Regent Award (For Hotel Managers and Area Directors):

• Mr. Eleazer Prakash – GM, Fairfield by Marriott

• Chef Vijaya Baskaran – General Secretary, IFCA

• Chef Madhusudan Gupta – Treasurer, IFCA

• Chef Sudhir Sibal – Executive Board Member, IFCA

• Chef Nimish Bhatia – Indian Cuisine Project Lead, IFCA

• Chef Amey Marathe – Vice President, TCA / Board of Adviser, IFCA

Elite Regent Award (For Department Heads & HR Excellence):

• Mr. B. Hema Kumar – Head, HR, ITC Kakatiya

• Mr. Arunit Banerjee – Head, HR, ITC Kohenur

• Mr. Himanshu Barola – Strategic Adviser, IFCA

• Chef Reetika Gill – Founder, Eco Green

• Chef Sathiyaseelan – Sr. Zonal Manager, VRB Consumer Products Pvt. Ltd.

Star Regent Award (Outstanding Alumni Recognition):

• Mr. Kumar Manish – Vice President, Royal Orchid Hotels

• Mr. Syed Azhar Ullah – EAM, Lemon Tree Banjara Hills

• Mr. Y. Abhilash – Director, Ancient Stone Flames

• Mr. Ashok Manga – Executive Chef, Fairfield by Marriott

Student Achievements and Magazine Launch

Chairman Md. Fathe Khaleq commended the institution for building a rich legacy and continuing to inspire young professionals. The release of the college’s annual magazine ECHO, commemorating 31 years of excellence, was met with applause and appreciation.

Students were also awarded for excellence in various categories including merit, Industrial Exposure Training, hospitality skills, culinary arts, mixology, flower arrangement, and national-level competitions. Medals and certificates recognized their dedication and consistent performance.

In his concluding remarks, Principal Reddy emphasized the role of modern training methods and AI integration in transforming hospitality education. He proudly noted Regency’s impressive 98% placement rate and affirmed the college’s mission to stay future-ready.

“As hospitality evolves rapidly with digital and global influences, Regency remains committed to equipping students with the skills and mindset to lead and thrive in this exciting industry,” he said.

 JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa has announced the appointment of Sunil Kushwaha as its new Food & Beverage Manager, reaffirming the resort’s focus on elevating its culinary offerings and delivering world-class dining experiences.

With over a decade of experience in luxury food & beverage operations, Kushwaha brings a strong background in guest services and strategic leadership. He has previously worked with renowned hospitality brands including The Leela, Hilton, and Westin Hotels & Resorts, where he steadily built his career and developed a reputation for excellence in luxury hospitality.

 At The Leela Palace Bengaluru, his most recent role, Kushwaha successfully led high-profile events and curated exclusive dining experiences. His industry recognition includes being honoured as Manager of the Year (2020) at Hilton Chennai, highlighting his expertise in managing F&B operations and creating memorable guest interactions.

 Commenting on the appointment, Ronan Fearon, General Manager of JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Sunil Kushwaha to our leadership team. His extensive experience, dynamic leadership, and passion for creating exceptional dining experiences will undoubtedly elevate our culinary offerings. We look forward to the fresh energy and innovation he brings as we continue to deliver memorable moments for our guests.”

In his new role, Kushwaha will lead the F&B operations, curate innovative dining experiences, and implement industry-leading standards to enhance the resort’s culinary identity. His strengths in guest engagement, team leadership, and strategic planning are expected to play a vital role in shaping the resort’s food and beverage vision in the coming years.

Vacation time in Mumbai is all about making fun memories with your kids—and with the city’s variety of indoor attractions, there's never a dull moment. Whether you're trying to escape the summer heat or avoid the monsoon rains, here’s a list of six kid-friendly destinations in 2025 that promise loads of excitement, learning, and bonding time.

1. Pokiddo Junior, Lower Parel – Where Energy Meets Adventure

Located in Raghuvanshi Mills, Pokiddo Junior spans an impressive 14,000 sq. ft. of pure fun. Designed for children aged 2 to 12, it offers 10 different game zones—from trampolines and a princess room to motorboat racing and a giant ball pit. It’s the perfect place for energetic play and imaginative learning, all in a safe, air-conditioned setting.

2. KidZania, R City Mall, Ghatkopar – A Mini-City for Maximum Imagination

KidZania lets children roleplay over 100 real-world professions—from flying planes and cooking meals to being doctors or firefighters. The mini-city format helps kids learn essential life skills while having a blast.

3. Snow Kingdom, Phoenix MarketCity, Kurla – Sub-Zero Fun in the City

Snowball fights, ice slides, and snowfall indoors? Snow Kingdom offers a magical escape into winter with sub-zero temperatures set at -8°C. Kids (and adults!) can enjoy the full snow experience without leaving the city.

4. Nehru Planetarium, Worli – Explore the Cosmos

Turn your curious kids into budding astronauts with a visit to the Nehru Planetarium. With engaging shows on stars, planets, and galaxies, it's an educational treat for the whole family.

5. The Game Palacio, Jio World Drive, BKC – Luxe Gaming Meets Family Fun

If your family loves games, The Game Palacio is a must-visit. This premium gaming destination offers bowling alleys, VR zones, arcade games, and delicious food—all under one glamorous roof.

6. Happy Planet, Phoenix MarketCity, Kurla – Soft Play and Slides Galore

Designed for toddlers and young kids, Happy Planet offers soft play zones, climbing walls, and engaging activities in a safe and colorful environment. It’s ideal for some light-hearted fun after a day of shopping or cinema.

Plan. Play. Repeat!

From snow parks and roleplay cities to star-gazing and trampoline hopping, Mumbai offers no shortage of exciting indoor spaces to keep your kids engaged this vacation. So, pack your bags (and maybe a jacket for Snow Kingdom), and get ready for a season full of fun, laughter, and family adventures.