Thursday, May 1, 2008

“ATITHI DEVO BHAV”

‘Atithi Devo Bhav’ is the concept prevailing in India since ancient times. India has to offer everything to a tourist for which he leaves his home. The soul touching cold & serene atmosphere of the Himalayan Range at the one end, while the heart throbbing sea shores surrounding the entire Indian land at the other. The heritage rich deserts to tell the stories of cultural richness of India at one end and dense lush green forest hosting a variety of wild life at the other. Indian curries and mouthwatering Mughalai cuisines are the world famous varieties of Indian food. In nutshell, India has everything of tourist attraction. To find more details on the subject, our correspondent met with Mr. D K Singh, Director of Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism-Agra & Shimla. Here are some excerpts of the talks with Mr. Singh.

Correspondent: - Mr. Singh, ATITHI DEVO BHAV is an ancient slogan of India, how is it relevant in the present context?
Mr. Singh: -The visit of a guest to the Indian families has been considered to be a matter of goodwill. It is an omen that the home where the guests keep on coming never faces crisis because the guest brings good-luck and prosperity to the family. Atithi Devo Bhav is not just a slogan but also a SANSKAR, which has been flowing through our blood since ages. With the passage of time the intrinsic nature of human being to explore new areas made him to go out for pleasure & knowledge, the ancient ATHITHI has now become the present TOURIST. Tourism has been established as the largest Industry in the modern times, which has become global now. Competition is the intrinsic evil of any Industry. Since Tourism has become a major contributor to a country’s economy, all the countries are now exploring this area and the countries which can meet the maximum expectations of a tourist at an economically priced package, is going to rule the arena. The movement of tourists has generated big demand for more Hotel rooms, skilled manpower and world-class service. Infra-structural development can be initiated by mobilizing fund but services are dependent on skilled manpower and manpower cannot be created overnight.

Correspondent: - How do you look at the future job prospects in respect to Hospitality Industry needs?
Mr. Singh: -The demand of manpower is always proportional to growth of the Industry. As per the G O I estimate, the foreign arrival in India is increased by 11% during 2004-05 and by 15 % during 2005-06. More than 50% are foreign business travelers. Besides this approximately 300 million domestic traverse the country each year and a growth of 10% to 15 % is expected in next few years. To cater the demand of infrastructures, most of the existing Hotel has started expansion plans. Approximately 51000 rooms are being added in the existing facilities of 5 star Hotels like Leela group, Taj group, The Chachan group, ITC, Capital, Ceebro, J W Marriot and others. Besides this 51 New Hotel Projects have been cleared by Union Tourism Department. All these facilities will be requiring skilled manpower to run the entire show. Thus huge job opportunities in the Hospitality Sector are in the offing.

Correspondent: - How do you project this growth in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?
Mr. Singh:-As per the survey undertaken by an International Travel Magazine in 2006, India has been ranked as 4th most favoured country for holidays. With upcoming Commonwealth games in 2010, an additional 8 million International tourists and approximately 3.6 million domestic tourists will be visiting the National Capital Region (NCR). India is expected to capture a total Hospitality Business to the tune of US $ 61 billion during 2007, which will grow further to 158.9 billion by 2017. This will contribute to GDP @ 2% in Hospitality and Tourism Industry and 5.4% in Hospitality and Tourism Economy.

Correspondent: -What is the basic training needs to be a successful Hospitality Personnel?
Mr. Singh: -You have to be at least one step ahead of what the rest are. This is the core value of our training system. We prepare our students in an environment, which not only provides subject knowledge, but also develops the capability of using the knowledge gained in the Institute. We are highly vigilant to take notice of the latest developments in the Industry, their basic needs and groom our students accordingly. The key to success in any field is the subject knowledge, application of the knowledge, creative aptitude, and do-die attitude. We at HIHT, are highly concerned about this and putting up all our best efforts to produce the best to convert them into responsible professionals who are dedicated to their jobs.

Correspondent: -What are the fields other than Hotels where the students can be placed after completion of this course?
Mr. Singh: -Call centers, Railway Catering Service, Cruise Liners, Corporate Canteens, Malls, Restaurants are the areas where there will always be a demand for trained people. Besides this, the entrepreneurial natured students can start their own venture also.

ONE MORE JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF HERITAGE INSTITUTE

Heritage Institute, Agra declared as the most Potential Hotel Management Institute in India.

Competition Success Review is the most popular magazine of India, which provides career information to the young aspirants. The magazine conducted a survey of Hotel Management Institutes in India and short-listed 38 best Hotel management Institutes of India to help its readers to plan their career. It has published the results of the survey in its latest issue of September 2007. As per the results of the survey, only the Institutes have been found to be the MOST POTENTIAL HOTEL MANAGEMENT INSTITUTES and out of these two, one is Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism, Agra. Mr. D K Singh, Director of Heritage Institute has expressed that this survey has put an extra load of responsibilities on our shoulders. Besides the encouragement we have received from this survey, now we have to put more efforts t deep this benchmark to grow further, we are committed to put our best for this cause of serving the humanity and the Hospitality Industry.

FREE EDUCATION FOR WEAKER SECTION

Nalanda – the land for the origin and development of Education where students not only from India but from abroad also have come and fulfilled their dreams – from such a land rose two youths Mr. Abhay Kumar Nagar and Mr. Raj Aryan, whose dream was to give free education to the weaker section of the society in order to serve humanity. And this dream has taken a real shape in the form of the establishment of an Educational Institute named Shikchalaya at Nalanda. This organization would be run by Nalanda Competitive Society imparting free education to the poor.

This Shikchalaya was inaugurated by Mr. Santosh Kumar Singh, Director Marketing Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism Agra & Shimla. The students of Tiny Tots Nalanda presented a colourful cultural program. The chief guest of the program was District Magistrate (Nalanda). Mr. Anand Kishore MLA (Nalanda) Mr. Shravan Kuamr and Mr. Santosh Kumar Singh, Director Marketing Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism Agra & Shimla. On the occasion the Vice President of Nalanda Competitive Society Mr. Raj Aryan welcomed the guests. He said that he and his friend Bhai Abhay Kumar Nagar have been highly devoted towards the field of Education from the very beginning, and after discussions with several other people we decided to form a Society which would work in the direction of providing free education to the poor. At the beginning phase the Society will provide free education upto class XIII and soon it will go for higher classes also.

On the occasion the DM Nalanda Mr. Anand Kishore congratulated the founders of the society and said that he hope that this society will work for the betterment of the weaker section of the society with its full zeal and strength.

The MLA Mr. Shravan Kumar added that the task taken by these people is great. Director Marketing Mr. S K Singh of HIHT said that HIHT has a tradition of providing economical education to the weaker section, and keeping this in mind HIHT is providing Hotel Management course at a very low cost in comparison to other Institutes of Northern India. The Hospitality Industry has ample opportunities for employment; hence by providing such professional courses at such a low cost has opened doors of employment for the weaker section.

At the end of the program the DM Mr. Anand Kishore and Mr. S K Singh of HIHT Agra and Shimla distributed prizes to the participants of the cultural program. President of the organization Mr. Abhay Kumar Nagar gave vote of thanks to all the guests and said that the Vice President of HIHT Mr. D K Singh has been always a source of inspiration for his team as he is such a hard working and foresighted person. It was a blessing to the organization that HIHT has cooperated with them in this field to make their dream come true.

THE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION OF HIHT COMPLETED WITH REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS AT HIHT

India’s Top Potential Hotel Management Institute- Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism conducted All India Entrance Examination successfully for its two educational Institutes at Agra and Shimla. The examinations were held at Patna, Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, Chandigrah and Shimla on 17, 19, 20, 22, 24 and 25 Jan 2008 respectively. About 2500-3000 students appeared for the examination. The participants were full of enthusiasm and high in spirits. Mr. D.K Singh, The Director of the Institute while addressing the candidates said that there are enormous opportunities of employment in Hospitality Industry in the coming Future.

This is the only profession which is an integral part of the human excellence. It offers an environment of healthy interaction with people from all over the world. He further said that HIHT offers a conductive atmosphere to the students in the Institute. In his opinion to inculcate interest among the students towards Modern technology advancements in the field of Hospitality. Our Institute provides excellent infrastructure that include modern laboratories and highly experienced faculty that no other Institute has. That is why our Institute was adjudged as India’s Top Potential Hotel Management Institutes in India by a magazine none other than Competition Success Review in its Sep2007 issue. Mr. Singh also replied to the queries and apprehensions of the participants. At the end he advised students to think deeply and seriously before taking any decision regarding their carrier. This exercise has given a finishing touch.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Jain said that the contribution of JAWANS and KISAANS in serving the Country and society at large is unparallel to any other field and the society cannot repay for their services in terms of money.

HIHT students presented patriotic songs and expressed their views. Other staff members- Mr. Suman Sharma, Mr. Awadhesh Pal and Ms. Shilpa also shared their thoughts and motivated the students and said that the role played by our students not only bring fame to the institute but also to the country and their own family.

HIHT getting the membership of FH&RA

Once, the capital of medieval India, and now the basis of international recognition of India, the city of Taj ie; Agra has so far boasted of providing the conventional education and higher education in industrial and medical field. Going against the current stream of conventional education, Heritage Institute of Hotel and Tourism is providing definite career assurance through its job oriented course since last few years and in this short of time, due to its immaculate high standards, the renowned standards institution at national and international level – Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India, after vouching the good work done by HIHT, has awarded the membership as a symbol of excellence in the educational field. HIHT is the proud member as it is the first educational organization, not only in Agra but in the entire western part of the country to be awarded with this membership.

On the occasion of HIHT getting the membership of FH&RA, the Group President Mr.P.K.Rawat informed that according to a survey, it is estimated that during the year, a growth of 3.9% in the field of tourism economy is expected, which during the coming decade will increase to the rate of 4.3%. Beside this, during 2007, in the Travel and Tourism Industry, 231222000 jobs are expected which is 8.3% of the total employment.

The V.P./ Director Mr. D.K.Singh, while addressing the press conference, told that the membership of FH&RI is a milestone for HIHT. The students of HIHT, who were so far known in the hospitality industry of India and south Asian countries, will now have secure and respectable future even on the international platform, due to the membership of FH&RA and HRANI.

After analyzing point wise the high standard of education and industrial vision prevailing in the honorable, although not so distant past of HIHT, Punjab Technical University not only gave its affiliation to the institute, but also recognizes HIHT as extension center of its ideals and vision.

After a close scrutiny of HIHT’s educational programmes, teaching methodology and sustained standards, the foremost institution of India, FH&RA deeply analyzed for a year and then decided to give its membership to HIHT. This honour is ONLY given to HIHT in not only the city of Agra but in the entire educational scenario of western India.

The pillar post of Agra’s tourism and the member of managing committee of FH&RA, Mr.Arun Dang handed over the certificate of membership to the group president Mr.P.K.Rawat and Vice President / Director Mr. D.K.Singh. Mr. Dang informed the press that in the view of countless possibilities developing in the hotel and tourism industry, there will always be a need of skilled and trained employees in the world of hospitality, and HIHT will be playing the lead role in providing the manpower. He further told the press that in the short span since its inception, HIHT has done enormous and commendable work in the field of hotel management education and no doubt that it is a matter of pride for the entire educational world and general public of Agra and western India.

On an ending note, group vice president / director Mr.D.K.Singh expressed his thanks to the press.

SOCIAL SERVICE AWARENESS CREATED BY HIHT IN AGRA

HIHT has always shown its concern and has contributed its share to social cause and for betterment of the society. Our participation as one of the sponsors of SAAWA Fair (Welfare of Mentally under Developed Children) is the recent example of our gesture followed by the adoption of the Mall Road, Pratappura Crossing for beautification and maintenance, which was inaugurated on 14.02.2008 by Agra District Magistrate Shri. Mukesh Meshram. The students of HIHT took oath to keep the city clean and beautiful by lighting the torch.

On this occasion our DM Shri. Mukesh Meshram said that M.G. Road is the heart beat of Agra city and it connects the most important locations of Agra viz, Aerodrome, Agra Cantt Station to Taj Mahal and Taj Nagri, therefore, it has to be maintained as the most presentable site of Agra. Heritage Institute has set an example by adoption and beautification of this crossing. If the other organizations also come forward to contribute their share for such great cause, the Agra will become the most desirable tourist destination.

The other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Station Commander Brigadier N.S. Ghai, Shri. Suresh Nagar, CEO Agra Cantt. And ADM Agra Dharmendra Singh. All the students and the staff of Team HIHT were also present.

Mr. P.K. Rawat, the Group President assured the DM Mr. Mukesh Meshram to stand by him in any call of need for the development of the city. The Group Vice President Mr. D.K. Singh thanked the DM and the Station Commander for the valuable time they have given for this social cause. He also thanked all the dignitaries to grace the occasion by their presence.

PRESS NOTE: Book Release

“The opening of Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism at Shimla is a welcome venture for the residents of Himachal Pradesh because the Himachal youth now need not to go out of the state to get professional education” – This is the feeling of the state Chief Minister Mr. Veer Bhadra Singh on the occasion of the release of the book “ECONOMICS IN HOTEL AND HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT” authored by Mr. D K Singh, the director of Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism. The chief minister also pointed out that Hotel Management Education is the highly aspired career in present time as the Tourism Boom is on the rise and India has turned out to be the most sought out tourism destination. Till now, the Himachal youth had to move out to get professional education in Hospitality, with the opening of Heritage Institute, the students now have an opportunity to get this education within the state.

Mr. D K Singh, the director of Heritage Institute told that a lot of tourists are expected to visit India in the light of forthcoming common wealth games & cricket world cup. To accommodate this inflow of tourists, the corporate world has already started developing infrastructure, which will manage this show. The answer is the MANPOWER. There is going to be a big demand supply gap in this area. Heritage Institute is committed to fill in the gap and introduce the youth to this fast growing world of job opportunities. We are educating and developing the youth in all the major departments of Hospitality Industry. Besides our technical curriculum, we are grooming our students in other aspects of the Industry so that they are readily absorbed by the Industry. We try not to give knowledge only but we give culture too. We have state of art laboratories, cool and serene classrooms, large library and highly qualified faculty.

At the end, Mr. D K Singh, chairman of the Institute thanked the chief minister, guests and other dignitaries present on the occasion.

Heritage students equipped with laptops

Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism organized a Seminar in Hotel Amar dated 22/12/07 on “Contribution of Tourism in the prosperity of India” related to the most motivated topic of the possibility in Tourism. Mr. Siddarth, the Training Manager of Taj Group of Hotels and Mr. Ajay, the Security Manager of Hotel Taj View, Dr. Vijendra Singh the Commandant of 15 PAC Vahini and Mr. Gaurav Dixit, the Training manager of Max New York Life of Gorakhpur expressed their valuable thoughts on this topic.

Mr. Siddhant addressed the students and said that technical knowledge is backbone of professionalism. Heritage Institute has given a golden opportunity to its students to be in pace with today’s world of technological advancement by distributing free laptops. He said that wherever tourist goes, he always carries prosperity with him and in exchange, he wants good service which can only provided by human beings and for good service, discipline is mandatory. Discussing about datas provided by WTO (World Trade Organization), he said that in 1998 approximately 65 crore tourists from all over the World visited various destinations and this approximation is now expected to be around 75 crore. In 1998, tourists spent 45 thousand crore dollar which would be round 90 thousands crore in present scenario. According to other data, Tourism industry is a fast growing industry and it contributes at the rate of 8% in the total world Export. This gives us a provoking thought that how big chance of business should we look for as our share. India has no derth of attractions of tourist interest. The only thing that we need is right direction and right set of mind. The prosperity will follow.

Mr. D K Singh, Vice President of HIHT said – entire tourism rests on the three pillars. These are - infrastructure, facilities, and good service. Wherever these three areas are fully developed, tourists are attracted to visit those areas.

Now besides those employees having feeling of hospitality are included, it would greater. I, therefore, share my experience with you that if you are well trained you will mutely invite tourist towards a great Country again and gain it is definite that your work would help in brining prosperity in India.

Mr. Vijendra Singh Commandant 15 PAC expressed his vies about the service Industry and the importance of tourist security. He said that it is human nature that when a person is away from his home place, he should feel himself to be in a place which is safe & sound. So it’s the moral duty of all Indians to provide them a sense of security while they are in India to assure them to visit India again which will ultimately bring prosperity.

Mr. Manas Ranjan from Times of India said that Agra is one of the places in the world which attracts countless tourists every year. On world tourism map India is known because of Taj. Besides this whenever a tourist comes to India his aim is not only to visit India but he also comes in contact with the products of our country. That means by the visit of tourists, we open scope for export of many products which ultimately brings prosperity.

Mr. Gaurav Dixit, training manager of Max Newyork Life expressed that people forget what you say or do to them but they always remember how you made them feel. If the basic amenities are easily available to a tourist, he can spare more time for other activities. Almost all type of amenities is available in India today which is attracting a lot of tourists. When a person stays away from his home and gets the comfort of his own home, he enjoys his stay and becomes our ambassador, and all this can be achieved by the dedicated work force who understands the needs of the tourists.

As per the promise of providing free laptop to the students, the promise was fulfilled by distributing 300 laptops to students. Mr. D K Singh the group vice president said that HIHT is committed to equip its students with latest technology prevailing in the Industry. HIHT is the first Hotel Management Institute in India who promised a free laptop to all its students’ and we have fulfilled our promise today.

The Vice Principal Mr. Kshitiz Sharma with overflowing emotions addressed the students that the various aspects discussed in this seminar will bring enormous insight in them. You should now be committed to put your best foot forward to be part of economical development of the country.

At the end, the group president Mr. P K Rawat expressed his thanks to all guests and speakers. He asked the students to make learning as their natural habit. My blessings are always with you.

Press Release

Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism is celebrating its 2nd Annual Cultural Event “Sparsh 2007” on 15th December 2007 from 6:00pm at “SUR SADAN”, Agra. Mr. Dilip Kumar Singh, the Group Vice President, informed the correspondents at a press conference that ths cultural event is being organized jointly by the students of HIHT’s Agra and Shimla branches. The entire program is designed by the students and is being organized by them under the motto “By the students, of the students and for the Community”. The students coming from different parts of the country will be presenting a blend of cultural richness of our states. Mr. Singh also informed the press that the outstanding students from different fields will be awarded at the function such as the best student of the year, best sportsperson of the year and the winners of other activities during the year. Mr. Singh told that Heritage Institute is highly aware of its social responsibilities and as a gesture of our appreciation the Institute will honour the persons at this function who have contributed for the cause of society’s welfare. The program will be followed by a sumptuous dinner. Entry by invitation cards.

IMMENSE POSSIBILITIES IN HOTEL INDUSTRY

To analyze the increasing possibilities in Hospitality Industry, Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism, Agra; has conducted a seminar in its campus on 13th July 07. HR Manager of Hotel Trident Hilton, Agra Mr. Manish Rishi participated in the seminar as chief orator. He told the students that Hospitality Sector is the fastest growing sector in today’s scenario, which is contributing as a catalyst in increasing the feel of Globalization. This sector is marching towards the growth with immense speed up to the International standards. The usage of machine cannot satisfy the guest service. This sector is close to the human sentiments and feelings and reflects the image of the country and act as a brand ambassador of the nation. So the hotelier is also a brand ambassador of the tradition and culture of the country.

Further, Mr. Manish Rishi said that as the tourism sector is expanding Internationally, all the support facilities associated with the Industry is expanding as well. The feeling of Hospitality “Atithi Devo Bhav” is essentially required to provide good services, good food, good accommodation and hospitality. Money can purchase better quality accommodation but it cannot purchase good human skills for providing Hospitality. So in future, there will be always demand for skilled professional and good hotels.

Further he added that with statistical facts one could prove any thing. But the fact does not need any proof. This is proved by the tremendous increased flow in tourists visiting Taj Mahal after its selection in the Seven Wonders of the World.

Mr. Manish Rishi answered the student’s queries and the students were spell bound by his speech. At the end Vice Principal of Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism, Mr. Hemant Kumar Singh thanked Mr. Manish Rishi for giving his precious presence in the Seminar.

WORLD HERITAGE DAY – HIHT WAY

To mark to World Heritage Day, Heritage Institute of Hotel & Tourism kept its tradition to exhibits its commitment to do the best for the welfare of Hospitality Sector of the country. The students of Heritage Institute welcomed the tourists from all corners of the world by offering the traditional welcome of Tilak and fresh flower garlands at Agra Fort and Taj Mahal on two consecutive days. The students of HIHT also requested the visitors to give their comments and their feelings about their stay in India on a 100 meters long cloth banner. The tourists were very happy and touched by the traditional welcome given by the students of HIHT on the World Heritage Day, in world Heritage city and at the World Heritage Monument like Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Some of the tourists enquired about the traditional Tilak and its importance, which the students of HIHT explained and satisfy their queries.
Mr. D.K. Singh, Vice President and Director of HIHT expressed his thanks to the authorities for their whole hearted cooperation for making the programme a grand success. He also said that HIHT is committed to give their best in contribution of their share for serving the nation. We are aware of our responsibilities and this programme of celebrating World Heritage Day by the students of HIHT is a step towards fulfillment of the same.
Mr. P.K. Rawat, the President of the Institute, Mr. S.K. Singh, Director Marketing, all the staff and the Director of Raavi Events Mr. Manish were present during the celebrations.