IHM Mumbai, popularly known as ‘Dadar Catering College’, established in 1954, launched its Coffee Table Book featuring 70+ alumni on 29th April, 2025 at the iconic hotel Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. A Coffee Table Book titled ‘The Legends of IHM Mumbai’ was launched by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra – Shri. Shambhuraj Desai, along with celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, Principal of IHM Pusa – Mr. Kamal Kant Pant and Principal of IHM Mumbai – Dr. Nisheeth Srivastava, in the presence of who’s who of the hotel industry of Mumbai.
The book launch ceremony was attended by industry stalwarts such as: Mr. Shashank Warty (Ex Senior VP, IHCL), Mr. Mohan Kumar P K (Ex MD and CEO IHCL), Ms. Kanika Hasrat (Senior Regional Director Operations South-Asia, Hilton), Mr. Stephen Beale – Vice President Operations, Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Deepak Kumar (GM, Hilton Mumbai), Mr. Nischint Pathania (GM, The Lalit Mumbai), Mr. Sameer Sud (GM, Leela Mumbai), Mr. Bhagwan Balani (GM, ITC Maratha), Mr. Salil Fadnis (GM, Sahara Star), Mr. Rahul Makhija (GM, The Park Hotel), also attended by Michelin star Chef Mr. Manoj Vasaikar, Chef Paul Noronha (Executive Chef, ITC Maratha), Chef Sudhir Pai (VP, WICA), Entrepreneurs: Dr. Vitthal Kamat and Mr. Vishal Kamat, (Orchid Hotels), Ms. Kainaz Messman (Theobroma Patisserie India), Dr Nitin Nagrale (Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum) and few others were present to represent the entrepreneurial community.
“The launch of the Coffee Table Book was more than just an event. It was a celebration of memories, journeys, and legacies. The book covered 70 stories of 70 students in the past 70 years! To be featured among such legendary names, to have my story shared on those pages, and to feel the warmth and recognition of the industry stalwarts around me – it was overwhelming, humbling, and incredibly emotional. Whatever I am today is because of IHM Mumbai – the institution that shaped me, grounded me, and gave wings to my dreams. I owe it all to my mentors who held my hand, believed in me, and guided me every step of the way. Their influence and teachings continue to resonate in everything I do. As I turned the pages and read the write up on me, I felt a deep sense of pride, not just for the milestones achieved, but for the journey, the people, and the purpose that shaped it all,” said Dr Nitin Nagrale.
Talking about the experience, Chef Vikas Seth, Chef & Culinary Director – Embassy Leisure, said, “As an alumnus of the prestigious IHM Mumbai – Dadar Catering College. I have always taken immense pride in my journey as a chef. However, being inducted into the Hall of Legends feels nothing short of surreal. Holding this cherished book, “Legends of IHM, Mumbai” my heart overflows with gratitude for all the teachers, peers, and experiences that have shaped me both as a chef and as the person I am proud to be today. This honour is truly unparalleled, and receiving it at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, where my journey began, is undoubtedly the “icing on the cake.” I would like to take a moment to pay special tribute to Chef Vernon Coelho. He was instrumental in shaping my career. My sincere gratitude to Mr. Sanjeev Kacker and Dr. Jayant Kathe for their invaluable guidance during my time in college. My heartfelt gratitude to our current principal, Dr. Nisheeth Srivastava, and to former principal Mr. Shyam Dhargalkar, who led our institution during my college years. I was truly delighted to see and meet so many alumni and friends at the book launch!”
This star studded gathering shows the legacy of IHM Mumbai and also showcases its academic strength through its past and present faculty members such as Mr. S. L. Dhargalkar (Ex. Principal), Mr. A.K. Singh (Ex. Principal), Mr. Sanjeev Kacker, Ms. Aileen Sequeira, Mr. Jayant Kathe, Ms. Neelam Nadkar, Ms. Shilpa Madkar, Mr. Asit Kumar Mishra and Dr. Francis Thomas. The coffee table book has been published by IHM Mumbai in association with Bennett Coleman and Company Limited (BCCL).
