INTERNATIONAL CHEFS DAY CELEBRATIONS

The BGS Institute of Hotel Management (BGSIHM) witnessed an extraordinary celebration of culinary excellence on International Chefs Day, marked by the felicitation of distinguished chefs and an elaborate cake mixing ceremony led by the institution’s Principal, Chef Eabin Mathew. The event, held on October 22, 2024, was a grand reflection of the theme for International Chefs Day, “Growing Great Chefs,” which highlighted the importance of nurturing young culinary talent while paying tribute to the expertise and contributions of seasoned chefs.

Introduction

International Chefs Day is globally celebrated to recognize the achievements and contributions of Chefs to the culinary world. The theme this year, “Growing Great Chefs” emphasizes the role of mentorship and education in cultivating the next generation of culinary professionals. The celebrations at BGSIHM resonated with this theme, with a focus on bridging the gap between experienced chefs and aspiring young culinarians.

The event at BGSIHM was organized with meticulous planning and execution, involving faculty, students, and industry professionals. The day’s highlights included the felicitation of two highly acclaimed Chefs – Chef Vinod Bhatti – Range and Supply Leader, IKEA India Private Limited, Bangalore and Chef Dinkar Sardesai – Executive Chef, Hotel ITC Windsor Manor, Bangalore, and the symbolic cake mixing ceremony led by the Principal, symbolizing the institute’s focus on tradition, festivity, and culinary creativity.

Welcome and Opening Ceremony

The event commenced with a formal welcome address by the Principal of BGSIHM, who set the tone for the day’s celebrations. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of International Chefs Day as an opportunity to inspire future chefs. He reiterated the Institution’s commitment to fostering culinary excellence by offering students access to industry leaders, mentorship, and real-world experiences.

One of the key highlights of the day was the felicitation of two prominent chefs—Chef Vinod Bhatti and Chef Dinkar Sardesai—both of whom have made significant contributions to the culinary world. The institute honoured their achievements, presenting them with tokens of appreciation in recognition of their expertise, mentorship, and influence in shaping the culinary landscape.

The Cake Mixing Ceremony: A Tradition of Unity and Celebration

The Cake Mixing Ceremony, a symbolic tradition in the culinary world, was another significant event during the International Chefs Day celebrations at BGSIHM. This age-old practice marks the beginning of the festive season and is often associated with Christmas preparations, where fruits, nuts, and spices are mixed with spirits to create the base for festive cakes.

Led by the Principal Chef Eabin Mathew, the cake mixing ceremony brought together faculty members, students, and the two Guest Chefs in a joyful and collaborative activity. The Principal emphasized the significance of the ceremony as not just a culinary tradition, but a symbol of unity, teamwork, and celebration. He remarked, “Cake mixing is about more than just preparing for the festive season; it is a celebration of collaboration, where each ingredient contributes to the whole, much like how each individual contributes to the success of a team.”

Students and faculty alike participated in the ceremony, donning aprons and gloves as they enthusiastically mixed the ingredients under the guidance of the Guest Chefs. The atmosphere was festive, with lively music playing in the background and the scent of spices filling the air.

Conclusion

The International Chefs Day celebrations at BGSIHM were a resounding success, embodying the spirit of this year’s theme, “Growing Great Chefs.” Through the felicitation of Chef Vinod Bhatti and Chef Dinkar Sardesai, and the cake mixing ceremony the event not only honoured the achievements of renowned chefs but also inspired the next generation of culinary professionals.

The event highlighted the institute’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to learn from industry leaders, engage in hands-on experiences, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the culinary world. As the day drew to a close, the message was clear: the future of the culinary world is bright, and BGSIHM is at the forefront of nurturing the great chefs of tomorrow.