Regency College Marks 31st Annual Awards with Industry Icons and Celebratory Honors

Regency College Marks 31st Annual Awards with Industry Icons and Celebratory Honors

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 28, 2025

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 Goa Welcomes Himanshu Taneja as General Manager

JW Marriott Goa Welcomes Himanshu Taneja as General Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 18, 2025

JW Marriott Goa has announced the appointment of Himanshu Taneja as its new General Manager, marking an exciting chapter for the luxury beachfront resort. Backed by over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Taneja is set to lead a dynamic leadership team focused on employee engagement, guest satisfaction, stakeholder relations, and revenue growth.

An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Trivandrum, Taneja began his career with The Leela Mumbai and went on to work with premier hotel groups such as Taj Hotels and The Oberoi Group before joining Marriott International in 2010.

His journey with Marriott has been both versatile and impactful. From serving as Executive Chef at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to becoming the Director of Culinary for South Asia, Taneja shaped Marriott’s food and beverage vision with trend-setting concepts. In 2023, he transitioned to a broader role as Senior Director of Operations for South and East India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, overseeing 48 hotels across the region.

Known for his strategic foresight, operational acumen, and people-first leadership, Taneja brings a unique blend of culinary expertise and business intelligence to his new role. His focus at JW Marriott Goa will include strengthening the resort’s positioning in the market, enhancing service standards, and fostering a culture of excellence.

As he takes the helm at this picturesque property, Taneja’s leadership is expected to bring fresh energy and continued innovation to the guest experience at JW Marriott Goa.


Lords Hotels & Resorts Appoints Prasad Bal as AVP – Revenue and Distribution

Lords Hotels & Resorts Appoints Prasad Bal as AVP – Revenue and Distribution

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 18, 2025

 Lords Hotels & Resorts has welcomed Prasad Bal as its new Associate Vice President – Revenue and Distribution, furthering its commitment to strengthening strategic leadership within the group.

With over ten years of industry experience, Bal brings in-depth knowledge of revenue strategy, market analysis, distribution management, and dynamic pricing models. His appointment is seen as a valuable step toward optimizing the brand’s revenue potential and driving future growth.

In his new role, Bal will oversee the optimization of distribution channels and implement proactive selling strategies and targeted action plans. His efforts will directly contribute to enhancing the brand’s reach and performance in an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.

Vikas Suri, Vice President Operations and Development, congratulated Bal, saying,

"We are thrilled to have Bal take on the role of AVP – Revenue and Distribution. His extensive experience in revenue management will be a great asset to the group. His appointment also reflects our commitment to attracting the best talent."

Sharing his excitement about the role, Prasad Bal said,

"Joining Lords Hotels & Resorts is an exciting opportunity to apply my expertise in revenue management. I look forward to contributing to the brand's continued growth and helping position Lords Hotels & Resorts as the leading mid-market hotel brand in India and beyond."

With this strategic appointment, Lords Hotels & Resorts continues to reinforce its position as a key player in the mid-market hospitality segment, driven by expert leadership and a future-focused vision.


Alila Fort Bishangarh Appoints Eklavya Kalra as Associate Director of Sales

Alila Fort Bishangarh Appoints Eklavya Kalra as Associate Director of Sales

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 17, 2025

Alila Fort Bishangarh, the iconic 235-year-old warrior fort turned luxury resort near Jaipur, has announced the appointment of Mr. Eklavya Kalra as Associate Director of Sales.

A seasoned hospitality professional, Eklavya brings over 12 years of experience in luxury sales and relationship management. An alumnus of IHM Lucknow, he has previously worked with renowned hospitality brands including Accor, IHG, Jaypee Hotels & Resorts, Radisson, and The Park, most recently serving at Novotel New Delhi City Centre.

Eklavya expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, stating,

“I am truly excited and grateful to be joining Hyatt. I’ve always admired Hyatt’s culture and approach to hospitality. It’s an honour to now be part of this incredible journey at Alila Fort Bishangarh.”

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Recognised for his optimism and thoughtful approach, Eklavya describes himself as self-motivated, detail-oriented, and deeply passionate about crafting exceptional guest experiences. While he considers himself introverted, he values meaningful human connections, a quality that aligns with Alila’s ethos of slow luxury and people-first hospitality.

Outside of work, Eklavya enjoys travelling, watching films, and listening to music — interests that reflect his curiosity and calm, introspective nature.

As he steps into this key leadership role, the team at Alila Fort Bishangarh extends a warm welcome and wishes him continued success in this exciting new chapter.

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