Welcoming Tomorrow’s Hospitality Leaders

The Batch of 2026–2029 Begins its Journey at IIHM

31 July 2026 marked the beginning of a new chapter for hundreds of young dreamers as the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) welcomed its newest batch of students for the academic session 2026–2029.

The induction programme was held simultaneously across all IIHM campuses in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa and Ahmedabad, where excited students, accompanied by their proud parents, stepped into college life for the very first time.

For many, it was their first step towards a future filled with opportunities, international careers and the dream of making a mark in the world of hospitality.

A Warm Welcome into the IIHM Family

At IIHM Kolkata, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and emotion from the early hours of the morning. Bright young faces, carrying hopes and aspirations, arrived with their parents to begin a life-changing journey.

Senior students from the second and third years welcomed the newcomers and guided them to the registration desks, making them feel comfortable from the very first moment. Every new student received a welcome kit containing their lapel pin, badge, stickers, class routine, scarf, tie, pocket square and other essentials.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was when the students wore their IIHM scarves and ties for the first time. Senior students helped them wear the uniform correctly, and within minutes, the newcomers proudly looked and felt like members of the IIHM family.

Learning What Hospitality Truly Means

The IIHM Kolkata induction session began with an inspiring address by Ms. Sanjuka Bose, Co-Founder – IIHM, Director – IIHM Kolkata, who welcomed the students and introduced them to the journey that lies ahead.

She explained that success is not achieved overnight. While many students admire the impressive placement packages earned by IIHM graduates, those achievements are the result of three years of dedication, discipline and continuous learning.

She encouraged students to maintain high grooming standards, attend classes regularly and focus seriously on their studies. Most importantly, she reminded them that hospitality is a people-centric profession built on empathy, kindness and respect.

Students were also encouraged to embrace modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, which has become an important part of hospitality education at IIHM. She assured them that throughout the next three years, IIHM would guide them in developing both technical knowledge and human values.

Her message was simple but powerful: IIHM can show the path to success, but students must walk that path with commitment and determination.

Creating Leaders, Not Just Professionals

The highlight of the induction was the inspiring address by Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman, IIHM Worldwide, who urged the new students to make the next three years the most important investment of their lives.

“These three years will shape the next sixty years of your future,” he said, reminding students that every successful hospitality professional begins with a strong foundation. He shared that for over 34 years, IIHM has remained committed to transforming young aspirants into confident global professionals.

Describing hospitality education as a serious profession that is both demanding and immensely rewarding, Dr. Bose encouraged students to embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm.

He emphasised that joining IIHM is not merely about earning a degree but about undergoing a complete personal and professional transformation. Students will develop communication skills, leadership qualities, global exposure, industry expertise and the confidence to excel anywhere in the world.

Speaking about the role of technology, Dr. Bose said that Artificial Intelligence is now an integral part of life and a core component of modern hospitality education. Through IIHM’s AI-enabled curriculum, students will gain capabilities that place them significantly ahead of their peers and prepare them for the rapidly evolving workplace.

He also stressed that while hospitality remains the foundation, the education students receive at IIHM equips them with transferable skills to build successful careers across multiple industries. 

Reinforcing IIHM’s philosophy of “High Tech, Higher Touch,” Dr. Bose said the future belongs to professionals who combine technological excellence with empathy, emotional intelligence and a genuine passion for serving people.

Parents Become Part of the Journey

At IIHM, induction is not only about welcoming students—it is also about welcoming parents into the IIHM family.

The institute believes that every successful student grows through the combined support of both parents and teachers.

Parents attended a special interactive session led by Mr. Sandip Mukherjee, Academic Advisor at IIHM and a hospitality veteran with decades of leadership experience, including serving as General Manager at several Taj International properties.

He spoke about the many career opportunities available to hospitality graduates today. Students are no longer limited to hotels alone. With the education and skills gained at IIHM, they can build successful careers in aviation, luxury retail, tourism, healthcare, cruise lines, event management, corporate organisations and many other global industries.

He also highlighted the importance of regular attendance and active classroom participation, explaining that every lecture, practical session and interaction contributes to a student’s long-term professional growth.

The message reassured parents that their children are entering an institution that will guide, mentor and support them throughout their journey.

Mr. Somrup Chanda, GM Fairfield by Marriott also addressed the new batch of IIHM students and discussed about the surge in demand in the hospitality industry for the coming years and how IIHM is bridging the gap between the academics and the industry

A Personal Support System for Every Student

Another unique feature introduced during the induction was the Group Tutor System.

Students and parents met their respective Group Tutors, who will mentor and support them throughout the programme.

At IIHM, Group Tutors are much more than academic guides. They act as college parents, helping students adjust to campus life, solve problems, build confidence and stay motivated whenever they need support.

This personal mentoring system reflects IIHM’s belief that every student deserves individual attention and care.

Becoming Part of Something Bigger

The induction also gave students and parents an opportunity to meet faculty members, placement coordinators and the entire IIHM team.

By the end of the day, the nervousness of the morning had turned into excitement and confidence. New friendships had begun, parents felt reassured, and students proudly raised the IIHM chant together, celebrating their first day as members of the IIHM family.

For them, this was much more than the start of a college programme. It was the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, personal growth and global opportunities.

A Future Full of Possibilities

Nearly 500 new students are expected to join IIHM Kolkata this year, with induction programmes being conducted in morning and afternoon sessions to warmly welcome every student.

Across all IIHM campuses, one message remains the same: every student is valued, every dream matters, and every journey begins with the right guidance.

As the Batch of 2026–2029 embarks on this exciting new chapter, IIHM stands ready to nurture not just skilled hospitality professionals, but compassionate, confident and globally minded leaders who will shape the future of the hospitality industry.

Their journey has just begun—and the world is waiting.