Mrs. Aileen Sequeira, a remarkable personality in the hospitality education. She was teaching us Accommodations, she extended her role beyond the academics, taking on the responsibility of being the girls’ hostel warden. Mrs. Sequeira’s commitment to her duty was truly exceptional, evident in her late-night inspections after 9 pm, ensuring the safety and well being of all hostellite girls. What set her apart was not only her professional dedication but the genuine care she bestowed upon the students. Mrs. Sequeira’s warm and ever-present smile became a symbol of comfort for those going through ..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 creation of 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’s gener ..read more

As we usher in another International Women’s Day, it is with great enthusiasm and a sense of collective purpose that we come together to celebrate the incredible achievements, resilience, and strength of women around the world. Today is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder to reflect on the progress made, honor the women who paved the way, and renew our commitment to creating a future where every woman’s potential knows no bounds. This International Women’s Day holds a special place in our hearts as it prompts us to consider the transformative power of inclusion. As we navigate thr ..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 trust this letter finds you in good spirits. 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 bet ..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

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. This theme is based on the United Nations 67th Commission on the status of women priority theme ‘Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls’. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion help create an environment where everyone is respected and valued regardless of their gender, age, ethnicity, caste, religion, sexual orientation, or any other factor. With the culture of acceptance ..read more