Fostering entrepreneurial spirit

Focusing on self-employment, Institute of Hotel Management, Hyderabad, is nurturing budding entrepreneurs in the tourism and hospitality industry, says the principal Sanjay K. Thakur.

Q What distinguishes IHM Hyderabad from other institutes? Established in 1972, the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHMCTAN), Hyderabad, is affiliated to National Council for Hotel Management, Noida, an apex body of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. IHMCTAN, Hyderabad functions as an autonomous body and is managed by the Board of Governors headed by the Secretary-Tourism, Government of Telangana. It is the first IHM to have a programme — Start-up IHM, where budding entrepreneurs are nurtured. Also, IHM, Hyderabad is the only institute in its category to have its own Rotary Club in association with Rotary Club of Hyderabad Central to develop leadership qualities in students. To develop showmanship, students are also trained in Yoga, music, dance, gymnasium and are actively involved in indoor and outdoor sports. Another feather in its cap is that this is the first central IHM to have English Language Laboratory by i-Lotus Linguaphone, a British company to improve and guide students for better communication skills necessary for the hospitality industry.

Q Could you list some of your most sought after courses? Some of the most popular courses offered at our institute are the three years’ Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Hotel Administration; Post Graduate Diploma in Accommodation Operations and Management (1.5 years); Craftsmanship Course in Food Production (1.5 years); Craftsmanship Course in Food & Beverage Service (six months) and HSRT Programmes.

Q At present, what challenges is the industry faced with? The travel and hospitality industry is moving in the right direction and will be a very strong source of employment. Tax structure, law and order, road facilities and wayside amenities like toilets and general cleanliness are major challenges which are stalling the tourism sector and hospitality industry. Also the industry needs to improve on its human resource policies and up the remuneration provided to the young professionals who join the industry and we hope to see positive response from 2017 going forward.