Hello everyone, I am thrilled to announce the release of my  book, Illuminating Her Way: Indian Women in Hospitality. This book is a celebration of the remarkable journeys of women who are reshaping India’s hospitality industry with their resilience and leadership. Illuminating Her Way shares the stories of extraordinary women—from hotel managers to chefs, entrepreneurs to innovators. Their experiences not only inspire but also offer practical lessons on overcoming challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field. Why You Should Read This Book Inspiring Stories: Discover how these wome ..read more

I had the pleasure of meeting Naina during the unprecedented times of the pandemic when the world was practicing physical distancing, but the need for social connections became more essential than ever. In that challenging period, Naina, the founder of Bangalore Escapades, emerged as a guiding light. Her collaboration with an online community called “Travel Heels” exemplified her commitment to bringing women together, offering support both professionally and personally. It was heartening to witness her warm and approachable nature, always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need. Naina ..read more

I saw her work as the Co founder of Hozpitality Group. I won an award in their second Indian Hospitality Excellence Award, it was held online as we were just stepping out of the pandemic. Before that, I had read some of her articles and snippets from her book, and I really admired her. We connected on social media, and it gave me a peek into her life and work. I found that we both come from Uttarakhand, creating a special connection because it’s the land my parents are from, even though I haven’t lived there myself. Here’s a dynamic lady whose journey started from a science enthusiast in Dehra ..read more

I connected with Ms. Subhra Banerjee in 2019, right in the midst of the pandemic. She turned out to be one of the highlights of my time during lockdown. It was a time of uncertainty for all of us, and connecting with like-minded people became a silver lining. Ms. Banerjee, working in the Ed tech domain with extensive experience across various verticals of the hospitality industry, was one such person. We spoke on the phone, discussing our work and discovering many commonalities, especially our shared passion. She excels in the Ed tech field and works with precision. I learned a great deal from ..read more

The Platinum Jubilee celebration of IHM Mumbai on February 17, 2024, was not just a commemorative event; it was a deeply personal and nostalgic journey for me. Having embarked on my hospitality education in 1994 and graduating in 1997, IHM Mumbai holds a special place in my heart, and this celebration was a cherished opportunity to relive the magic of those formative years. As I entered the hall, the air was buzzing with excitement. It was more than a celebration; it was a reunion with professors, college staff, batchmates, seniors, juniors, and even students whom I once had the privilege of t ..read more

After watching her interview, my admiration for Ms. Poonam Dedhia grew as I witnessed her dedicated efforts in preserving traditional recipes and revitalising the culinary heritage of Kutch and Kathiyawad. Inspired by her commitment, I reached out to connect with her and invited her to share her story on IWH. She is a skilled chef from Mumbai who turned her love for cooking into a thriving business since 2012. Starting as a TV show contestant on “Zee Marathi” and “Food Food,” she gained recognition and confidence in the culinary world, even sharing the screen with Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. P ..read more

Life as the spouse of a seafarer is an adventure in itself, filled with the excitement of distant ports, ocean breezes, and the constant ebb and flow of arrivals and departures. However, the transient nature of the seafaring profession often leaves little room for exploring the shores of one’s spouse’s professional life. This was the case for me until a golden opportunity arose – a chance to visit the OSM Thome office in Mumbai, my husband Capt. Rajesh Todiwan’s reporting office. My husband sails the seas as a part of his job, bringing stories of faraway lands and diverse cultures. He knows my ..read more

This is an open letter to the Alumni of IHM Mumbai. I am excited to share with you the latest developments from the planning session of our 70th-year Platinum Jubilee celebrations, an event that promises to be a grand reunion of the IHM Mumbai family. I recently had the distinct privilege of attending the planning meeting, where alumni from various batches gathered to contribute their insights and ideas. The inclusivity of the forum was heartening, and it was a genuine honor to witness the enthusiasm from our diverse community. The camaraderie between super seniors, juniors, and everyone in be ..read more

As we just bid farewell to 2023, a year of triumphs and transformations, the essence of gratitude lingers. Completing a Ph.D., navigating challenges, and cherishing moments with loved ones – each experience etched a chapter in the book of life. Grateful for the blessings received from the universe, family, and work, the echoes of 2023 serve as a guiding melody for the journey ahead. In gratitude always! Looking forward to an equally meaningful 2024! It’s essential to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the myriad experiences that have shaped us: Triumphing Over Challenges: Facing challen ..read more

Has someone told you, “You don’t look your age!” Whether it’s intended as a compliment or not, this statement reflects a misguided belief; in reality it is actually ageist. It implies that looking younger is a desirable standard, while neglecting the beauty and accomplishments that come with aging. Ageism is a prevalent issue and it’s important that nobody feels the need to appear younger than they are just to be accepted by others. Stereotypes, ageism, and the lack of authentic representation of women have distorted our perception of what age should look like. However, there is no right or wr ..read more