The 11th Edition of IIHM's YCO Local Round On Feb 4 In Bengaluru; Grand Finale Of YCO In Kolkata On Feb 8, 2025

* India is ready for the largest student chef competition in the world

* The Young Chef Olympiad-YCO, held by IIHM- International Hospitality Council brings together young chefs from 50 countries for a week-long competitive bonding over food in a spirit of solidarity and friendship; YCO founder Dr Suborno Bose will launch his pathbreaking book on AI in hospitality and tourism at this 11th edition of YCO

One of the most iconic and the largest congregation of student chefs from 50 countries will gather for a week, in different cities, to celebrate power of food to build bridges of solidarity and bring people and countries together.

The 11th edition of the Young Chef Olympiad, will be held under the aegis of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC) London. The Young Chef Olympians- student chefs from 50 nations will undertake two rounds of culinary challenges, to attempt to win, the coveted YCO 2025 Golden Toque. 

Speaking to journalists across India on a video conference before this global event, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of International Hospitality Council (IHC) and Founder YCO, and Chairman IIHM said “Through the course of 11 years, the Young Chef Olympiad has grown from strength to strength and has taken on many worthy causes starting from unity in diversity to the UN Sustainability Development Goals and to the promotion of Millets. This year we will secure the future of hospitality & hospitality education to make AI which we call Advanced Intelligence) help tourism and hospitality do more for people with enhanced human touch. The immersive experience of the Olympiad, will dismantle barriers and cultivate an environment where dialogue flourishes and friendship blossoms.” 

The competition rounds will start, at the IIHM campus kitchens, from Feb 3, in Goa, and from Feb 4 in Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. The top 10 Young Chef Olympians as per the scores of the two rounds, will compete in the Grand Finale of YCO 2025 in Kolkata on February 8, 2025.However there is also the plate trophy and the Dr Suborno Bose Culinary International Challenge prize up for grabs. Each trophy, in this global platform, is bound to embellish the careers of young chefs and validate their skills.  

But each of the Young Chef Olympians, along with their mentors, the judges, and the YCO organising team and student volunteers will be- quite literally, on the same plate of friendship, as each of them will go home a winner, in the cause of cementing friendships and unity through food.

There will be another winner in this year’s YCO. This winner will not compete but be the catalyst for phenomenal change in global hospitality education- A.I.  

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), has adopted a comprehensive framework to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into global hospitality education. This initiative prioritizes inclusivity, human-centric values, and sustainability, reflecting the industry’s evolving needs while preserving its essence.

Bengaluru round on Feb. 4th 2025: 

On Feb 4, 2025. Bengaluru will host students from Romania, Malaysia, South Africa, Namibia, Maldives, Bhutan, Equatorial Guinea, Switzerland, Northern Islands and Iran.

Judges in Bengaluru will be Chef Shaun Kenworthy, Chef/food concept consultant and strategist; Chef Mario Perera, Executive Chef at The Dorchester, London; Chef Enzo Oliveri, Celebrity Chef, Cavaliere OSI, President of Italian Chefs Federation UK, Director International Hospitality Council, Senior Judge Young Chef Olympiad, Hospitality Educator, Food promoter, Events/Exhibition Organiser. 

The Chief Adjudicator will be Chef Paul Jervis - head of school Westminster capital city of college. The Bengaluru event will be sponsored by Ariane Porcelain, Brigade Hospitality, Mc Cain Foods, Incredible India- Ministry of Tourism & Yuva Tourism Bangalore Chapter and Delphis.

“This year an additional elimination round was the Young Chef India round which saw participation from students from hotel management institutes across the country. We are proud that the winner of the YCI 2025 is Aliakbar Rampurawala from Bengaluru,” apprised Ms Sanchari Chowdhury, FIIHM, Director- IIHM Hotel School, Bangalore, Head- South India & Co-Director- IndiSmart Learning, while addressing the media. 

“Showcasing the multicultural culinary diversity of different countries, YCO 2025 will also bring together the student chefs and chef mentors for the “United World of Young Chefs”. There will be World Cuisine display by the 10 participating countries at Bangalore & Karnataka Food festival organized by IIHM Bangalore in partnership with Venue Partner Brigade Hospitality on 3rd February 2025.  We are expecting a foot fall of 500 - 700 pax to be present within the age demographic of 18-25 in the student crowd and a mixture of 25-60 in the form of parents, mentors and chefs from abroad,” added Ms Chowdhury.

A book by Dr Suborno Bose on the A to Z of AI in tourism and hospitality will be launched during the opening of the YCO in Goa. This is aptly called Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism and Hospitality 

“With YCO and AI Suborno Bose has changed the realm of hospitality education”, said Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Principal Judge and Mentor for YCO 2025

Intelligent hospitality, therefore will be a goal and a way of life of the Young Chef Olympians as they cook, compete, collaborate, but most importantly cement ties, in the largest grandstanding of culinary diplomacy in the world, achieved by young chefs. This impact will be felt beyond the kitchens in IIHM campuses, in the cities where two rounds of the Young Chef Olympiad will be held, culminating in the grand finale where the winner will be chosen. 

As in previous years Padma Shri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is the Principal Judge and Mentor for YCO 2025 while Prof David Foskett OBE, the legendary hospitality educator and author is Chairman of the Jury. The judging panel includes internationally acclaimed celebrity chef judges including Chief Judge Chef John Wood, a Michelin Star Chef and Founder of KitchenCUT . 

Members of the public will also get an opportunity to participate. There will be an online voting opened to vote for the best dessert in round 1 of the main competition, and for the most popular national dish in the United World of Young Chefs competition.

As the chefs of 50 countries including India’s very own, Aliakbar Rampurawala from Bengaluru, return from YCO; the fire of solidarity of the Young Chef Olympiad movement will burn in hospitality college campuses and beyond in these countries, thus making the YCO, a truly global movement- curated and chiseled under the visionary leadership of Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman IIHM and Founder YCO.

About Young Chef Olympiad (YCO):

Launched in the year 2015, Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) aims to give young student chefs from around the world a platform to showcase their skills and compete at the global level. Through the last five editions of the Olympiad, the world has seen culinary stars been born and dreams been celebrated on the global culinary stage.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Breaks Ground For Educational Infrastructure Development In Vijayapura

- Empowering over 2,500 rural students with enhanced learning environments by 2026

In a significant step towards fostering educational empowerment in rural Karnataka, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today marked a significant milestone with the successful ground-breaking ceremony for its comprehensive educational infrastructure development project in Vijayapura. The prestigious event was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Karnataka, Dr. M. B. Patil, alongside senior leaders from TKM, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs, and Mr. Roshan, General Manager.

This ambitious initiative is a testament to TKM’s unwavering commitment to community development through sustainable and inclusive education. The project is designed to significantly enhance the capacity and infrastructure of six key educational institutions across the Vijayapura district by 2026, creating a lasting impact on the educational journey of over 2,500 rural students. By focusing on holistic development, the initiative aims to provide these students with an enriched learning environment and the resources needed to thrive academically and personally.

The project scope includes the construction of 26 new classrooms, ensuring safe, spacious, and conducive learning spaces for students. In addition to infrastructure development, the initiative focuses on improving the overall capacity of these institutions, enabling them to accommodate more students while fostering an enhanced learning experience. The six targeted institutions benefiting from this initiative are:

Government Degree College, Mamadapura

Government PU College, Arjunagi

KPS Mamadapura

Government High School, Bolchikalakki

Government High School, Hebbalahatti (RMSA)

Government High School, Kanamuchanal

Beyond classrooms, the project is designed to address critical infrastructure needs by enhancing key facilities. This includes the construction of fully equipped kitchens to support mid-day meal programs, ensuring improved hygiene and sanitation through the provision of washrooms across all institutions, and distributing essential furniture to existing classrooms, with the initiative already underway and progressing steadily toward completion.

The strategic execution of the project began with the supply of furniture to existing classrooms, and construction activities have been initiated at the Government Degree College, Mamadapura, and Government High School, Kanamuchanal. The remaining institutions are slated for development in the upcoming financial year. With completion targeted by 2026, this transformative initiative is set to become a model for public-private collaboration in the education sector, inspiring similar efforts across the state and beyond.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. M. B. Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Karnataka, expressed his appreciation for TKM’s proactive role in community development, “Quality education is the cornerstone of sustainable growth and societal transformation. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure in Vijayapura is commendable. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of students but also lays the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for the region. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this project will have on thousands of young minds.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs - Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe in the power of education to drive meaningful change. Our initiative in Vijayapura is part of our larger vision to create sustainable communities by bridging educational gaps. By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and essential facilities, we aim to empower students to unlock their full potential. We are grateful for the support from the Government of Karnataka and remain committed to completing this project by 2026, impacting thousands of young lives positively.”

This project aligns with TKM’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, focusing on education, environment, and community development. By addressing critical infrastructure challenges such as inadequate classrooms, poor sanitation, and lack of proper kitchen facilities, TKM is fostering an environment where students can pursue their education without basic hindrances.

Cyient Laying The Groundwork For A Recovery Ahead

Information Technology   

REDUCE

TARGET PRICE (Rs) : 1,700

Cyient management hosted a follow-up call post-Q3FY25 earnings call after the stock fell 23% on Friday. Key takeaways: i) Karthikeyan Natarajan, the outgoing CEO, will continue as an employee and advisor at least till the end of Q4FY25, and aid in the transition process. ii) Krishna Bodanapu will be at the helm only till a new candidate is onboarded, latest by the declaration of Q4FY25 results. iii) From a business perspective, the operating metrics are strong – deal wins in Q3FY25 (also large deals) and robust pipeline are both at an all-time high. This, coupled with improving client spends, should support medium-term growth. iv) Q4 should see moderate growth (in CC terms), with FY26 expected to see growth on both, the revenue and margin fronts. We await further improvement in operational execution and clarity on the management change before turning positive on the stock. We retain REDUCE.

On a steady footing operationally

In Q3FY25, Cyient reported its highest-ever order intake of USD312.3mn, including 13 large deals. Pipeline was also at an all-time high. Going ahead, focus remains on: i) proposition clarity and differentiation, ii) move from relationship-based selling to value-based selling, and iii) rewarding incremental revenue growth (rather than status quo), with a strong performance management system. Also, the company now has a strong large-deal team. Coupled with improving client spends, the company should report an improved performance in FY26. Cyient has also made significant investments in technology over the last few years which it endeavors to translate into revenue.

Pickup in revenue and margins in FY26

The management expects moderate sequential growth in Q4 (in CC), impacted by currency headwinds. However, orders won in Q3FY25 will not fully execute in Q4, thus limiting an upside. FY26 should see revenue growth after a decline in FY25, coupled with margin expansion. Such growth will be spread through the year, unlike in FY25, where growth was more back-ended. Margin expansion will be led by three key factors: i) revenue growth, ii) second phase of a comprehensive cost optimization plan (Phase 1 in FY24), which can aid a 100-150bps margin expansion; operating costs and SG&A can be optimized, and iii) enhanced offshoring.

Transition process under way

After resignation of Karthikeyan Natarajan, the Board is evaluating both, internal and external candidates, for the position of CEO, for which a large job consultancy firm has been appointed. This process should be completed mostly by the end of Q4FY25 (certainly by the declaration of Q4FY25 results). During this interim period, Krishna Bodanapu will remain in-charge of the company, with the outgoing CEO aiding in this transition. The appointment of the new CEO should not result in any wholesale changes, but build on top of the existing base that has been established over years.

Golden Jubilee Celebration Of Tarangini Arts Foundation

Tarangini Arts Foundation proudly announces the grand celebration of its Golden Jubilee with a magnificent musical event, Meera Tarangini, to be held on 2nd February 2025 at the prestigious Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, Vyalikaval, Gayathri Devi Park. The evening promises to be a soulful journey through the timeless Meera bhajans, brought to life by a spectacular 50-member instrumental musical ensemble.

The ensemble is a harmonious blend of 35 veena artists, 10 vocalists, and 5 percussionists, weaving a rich tapestry of music that pays homage to the divine compositions of Meera Bai. This extraordinary production is conceptualized by none other than the renowned veena maestro Suma Sudhindran, whose vision and artistry have inspired generations of musicians.

Adding to the evening’s brilliance are celebrated artists Anooru Ananthakrishna, BC Manjunath, and Suchethana Rangaswamy and Group, who will grace the stage with their exceptional talent and passion. Joining them is Mrs. Anuradha Madhusudan, a renowned veena artist, accompanied by her disciples, who will add depth and vibrancy to this beautiful presentation.

Join us as we celebrate 50 glorious years of Tarangini Arts Foundation’s dedication to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical music. This milestone event is not just a concert but a tribute to the spirit of devotion, artistry, and cultural legacy.

Event: Meera Tarangini

Date: 2nd February 2025Time: 6:00 PM                                                                                                      

Venue: Chowdaiah Memorial Hall, Gayathri Devi Park Extension, Vyalikaval,  Bangalore

Entry is Free 

Ajit Prabhu Foundation And GSB Scholarship League Celebrate 9th Annual Scholarship Event

Ajit Prabhu Foundation of Prabhu Family Charitable Trust (PFCT) along with GSB Scholarship League (GSBL) recently hosted their 9th annual Scholarship event at the TV Raman Pai Convention Center in Kodialbail, Mangaluru to offer academic scholarships to engineering students. The scholarship program, initiated by Mr. Ajit Prabhu, Co-Founder & CEO of Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, aims to alleviate the financial burdens of exceptional students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without financial hindrance.

Mrs Gita Pai, Chairperson of GSBL said “For the academic year of 2024 and the 9th edition of the scholarship program, 83 students received scholarships from the Ajit Prabhu Foundation. Since its inception, the program has cumulatively awarded 754 scholarships to 332 students.” 

Mrs Poonam Ajay Prabhu, Trustee of PFCT, said “Ajit Prabhu Foundation not only provides scholarships but also offers valuable career opportunities. We are also proud to have extended job offers from Quest Global to 12 students who are in their third and fourth year of college.”

On this occasion, Dr. Avinash Prabhu, Member of the PFCT addressed the student saying, “Time is our greatest asset, let’s invest it wisely. Remain humble, stay curious and never stop learning. Amidst all the hustle, always remember to nurture your family and friends, for they are the pillars that support thorough life’s journey.”

Mr Suresh V, the other Trustee of PFCT, added “This initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to empower young talent and create a brighter future for aspiring youngsters.”

The event was attended by PFCT Trustees Mrs. Poonam Ajay Prabhu, Mr. Suresh V, Smt. Shalini Aravind Prabhu, Mr. Avinash Prabhu, and Mrs. Gita Pai, Chairperson of GSBL.  

About Ajit Prabhu Foundation

The Ajit Prabhu Foundation was established in 2016 and thus far has sponsored higher education of over 575 deserving and capable students in numerous fields of study, especially Engineering. More information can be found at www.ajitprabhufoundation.org

About Prabhu Family Charitable Trust

The Prabhu Family Charitable Trust (PFCT) is dedicated to fostering a positive impact on society. Committed to improving the lives of underprivileged communities through various philanthropic endeavours, PFCT is keen to uplift the society through philanthropy in education, empowerment, and environmental preservation. More information can be found at www.prabhufamilycharitabletrust.org

About Ajit Prabhu

Ajit Prabhu is chairman and CEO of Quest Global, a product development and production engineering company that enables Fortune 500 companies to transform their markets.

Ajit has been recognized for his business acumen, including: 2017 T.I.E. Global Entrepreneur of the Year, 2014 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2014 SICCI Outstanding Entrepreneur. Ajit is a RAeS fellow and IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Ajit holds a MS in biomedical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he is a Livingston W. Houston Society Patrons member for lifetime giving and a School of Engineering advisory council member; a MS in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University, where he is a department of mechanical engineering hall of fame member, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Karnataka University.

About Quest Global

Founded in 1997, Quest Global is one of the world’s leading engineering research and development (ER&D) services companies. Quest Global believes engineering has the unique opportunity to solve the problems of today that stand in the way of tomorrow. As a global organization headquartered in Singapore, the team at Quest Global lives and works in 18 countries, with 78 global delivery centers and offices, driven by 20,000+ extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day. Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging deep industry knowledge and digital expertise. By bringing together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals and their areas of expertise, Quest Global can solve problems better and faster at an optimal cost. This multi-dimensional approach enables solutions for most critical and large-scale challenges across the aerospace & defence, automotive, energy, hi-tech, med-tech & healthcare, rail, communications, and semiconductor industries. 

Taneira’s First Brand Film Shines With Usha Uthup And Mrunal Thakur, Celebrating Craftsmanship And Legacy

* Empowers consumers to make informed choices with trust, transparency and Timeless Elegance in every drape

Taneira, a TATA product has unveiled its first-ever brand campaign, a strategic initiative designed to reinforce its core promises of Trust, Authenticity, Purity, Craftsmanship, Diverse Indian Weaves Under One Roof. The campaign features the legendary Usha Uthup, well-known for her deep love for sarees, alongside the graceful Mrunal Thakur. Together, they bring alive the brand’s dedication to preserving and promoting the textile heritage of the country while empowering consumers to make informed choices. The campaign highlights the timeless elegance of handwoven sarees and the stories they carry, reaffirming Taneira as the ultimate destination for those seeking sarees unequivocally rich in both tradition and trend.

The film unfolds within a vibrant Taneira store, where Mrunal Thakur is seen draping a stunning pure silk saree and seeking the ‘expert’ opinion of Usha Uthup. What follows is an interaction laced with playful exchanges that are a slice of everyday life and resonates with every ardent saree shopper. Their conversation adds a touch of charm while addressing common concerns that many consumers have, from choosing the right fabric to gauging the authenticity of a saree. Through a series of delightful moments, the film underscores the unique qualities of Taneira Sarees, such as pure silk credentials, proudly certified with the Silk Mark tag, to their intricately handwoven designs crafted by master artisans from across the country. It brings to life the enduring allure of these pieces while reassuring consumers that Taneira offers transparency, authenticity, and craftsmanship they can trust.

Sharing her thoughts on this campaign, singer Usha Uthup expressed, “For me, sarees are not just a part of my attire, they are a part of my personal identity. Taneira’s commitment to preserving the art of saree weaving while embracing contemporary design interpretations mirrors my own values of celebrating cultural legacy and individual expression. It is truly special to be involved with a brand that celebrates the timeless beauty of sarees, while making them accessible to women who value both style and meaning in their wardrobe.”

The narrative revolves around a stunning Kanjeevaram saree, featuring an 'Elephant design' and a resplendent Korvai border woven with the finest Pure Zari, showcasing Taneira's ability to bring unique yet timeless designs to life through unmatched craftsmanship of India's weaving traditions.

Uthup added, “This partnership feels like a natural extension of my long-standing love for sarees and my passion to support artisans whose craft deserves to be cherished and shared with the world”.

Speaking on the launch of the campaign, Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO, Taneira, said “At Taneira, our goal is to offer authenticity with transparency, all at a price that reflects value, while telling the stories of the hands that painstakingly bring each piece to life. We are dedicated to celebrating the seamless blend of heritage and modernity, and this campaign embodies that vision by bringing to life the rich legacy of Indian textiles at the heart of what Taneira represents. It has been an honor to collaborate with a legend like Usha Uthup and the very gracious Mrunal Thakur to tell this story and inspire a deeper connection with the artistry behind every Taneira saree”.

Speaking about the association, actress Mrunal Thakur said, “It has been my pleasure to be a part of this campaign with Taneira and a living legend, Usha Uthup Ma’am. Over the past year, my collaborations with Taneira have been truly enriching. Not only have I been privileged to experience their differentiated designs, but also the diverse crafts they embody. Every collaboration has deepened my appreciation for the sarees and stories they tell. This campaign perfectly captures that journey and feels incredibly meaningful as it aligns with my own fashion philosophy”.

Puneet Kapoor, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy South - "Taneira set out to showcase its value propositions to both new saree enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs. We asked ourselves some tough questions: Can a brand withstand the scrutiny of the most knowledgeable customers—those who might know as much, if not more, about sarees than we do? While Mrunal has long been the elegant face of Taneira, the real triumph was bringing on the iconic Usha Uthup, the undisputed goddess of sarees in India. This dynamic duo infused our story with charm, entertainment, and emotion, offering a compelling spin on the essence of our value propositions."

The campaign is live now.

Akshayakalpa Organic Recycles Over 40,000 Kg Of Plastic Waste Through ‘Give Back The Milk Pack’ Initiative

~ Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad witness a milestone in environmental responsibility as the brand recycles over 40,000 kg of milk packs ~

This Republic day, Akshayakalpa Organic, India's first certified organic dairy company and producer of the country’s most popular organic milk has announced about the success of its sustainability initiative, 'Give Back?the Milk Pack'. Reflecting the spirit of responsibility and nation-building that Republic Day embodies, this innovative initiative encourages consumers to bring back their used milk packets for responsible recycling, sparking a significant revolution in the battle against plastic pollution. After its resounding success in Bengaluru, the program has expanded to other major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Chennai, further underscoring the brand's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.

Since the inception of this initiative in 2022, Akshayakalpa Organic has recycled more than 40000?kg of plastic in total across Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad highlighting that when people come together for a common cause, small actions can create a big impact. This recycling program introduced by the brand urges consumers to follow three easy steps — rinse the pack for 30 seconds, hang it to dry, and once it dries then return it by placing it in a delivery bag. The consumers thus also play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future for their generations to come through this simple?process.

Speaking on the completion of this milestone, Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder of Akshayakalpa Organic stated, “We are excited to share that through our 'Give Back the Milk Pack' program, we have recycled over 40,000 kg of plastic waste in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. This accomplishment shows the powerful change communities can create when they unite for a shared goal. It reminds us of our dedication to sustainability and how small efforts can lead to big environmental gains. We thank our consumers who have joined us in making this initiative a success and making this planet a better place to live. This is merely the start, and we look forward to continuing our journey toward bigger achievements towards sustainability.”

In addition to the 'Give Back the Milk Pack' initiative, Akshayakalpa Organic is deeply committed to fostering a culture of sustainability through various community engagement programs and educational initiatives. These include lake cleaning drives and neighborhood cleanliness drives across major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, which empower consumers to make eco-friendly choices. By inviting communities to actively participate in these efforts, Akshayakalpa emphasizes that every small action contributes to a larger positive impact on the environment, driving meaningful change for a sustainable future. The brand is also pioneering eco-conscious packaging solutions, such as paperboard packaging for its dairy products and sustainable leaf-based packaging for vegetables. These measures significantly reduce plastic use and reflect Akshayakalpa's broader mission of promoting self-sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through these initiatives, Akshayakalpa addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution while inspiring collective action for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.