Chitkara School of Hospitality bids goodbye to the outgoing batch of 2014-17

“The hour of departure has arrived.” -Socrates

Happiness is when you have no assignments or exams to worry about and when your greatest challenge is certainly not to reach the class at sharp 9 am during the rush hour. But what if it is all over for good? What next?
The 31st of March may have been just another regular day for any regular student but not for these sixty-six outgoing students of Chitkara School of Hospitality (CSH) 2014-17 for whom a valedictory function was held at the Rajpura campus.

The function was organized by the current students of CSH under the co-ordination of Ms Dimpy Bhat at Plato Hall.

Ms Pooja Grover, HR Head Sukhvilas Oberoi, Chandigarh was the guest of honour for the event and she was accompanied by Wing Commander RS Gill, Director CM Bhan, the faculty members of the department, outgoing students and the incumbent second and fourth-semester students of the Chitkara School of Hospitality.

The event finally kicked off with Wing Commander RS Gill and Director CM Bhan presenting a bouquet to the chief guest Ms Pooja Grover and with the lamp lighting ceremony. Following the lighting ceremony, a group of CSH students gave a very soothing and a gentle singing performance on Saraswati Vandana.

The Director of Chitkara School of Hospitality, Mr CM Bhan then addressed the event and in his address, he said, “Every time a batch leaves, they leave out the footprints as well. We remember those footprints and we will remember you too.” He further added that the students will now leave as brand ambassadors of the university and they should devote their time and effort in making the university proud.

Videos were shown where the faculty members are seen giving the necessary words of advice, well wishes and farewell to the outgoing students. A video was also dedicated to reminiscing their past three years of life in Chitkara University.

The guest of honour for the event, Ms Pooja Grover also gave a discourse at the event. She shed some light on how the future of the hotels will be, the challenges that they will face and how they can cope up with. She also shared her magic mantra which is to keep in touch with the jolly fellow mates who have been there for the past three years and ‘DON’T LOSE YOURSELF.’ She also stressed on how the times have changed from considering looks as a core attribute to passion and attitude in the field of hospitality.

Wing Commander RS Gill also addressed the event where he conveyed his message of happiness and congratulations to the outgoing batch and had also wished them good luck for the times to come.

Ms Harleen Sandhu from the Chitkara Alumni Network (CAN) also briefed the students that were they ever going to face troubles or is in need of suggestion or is up for some interactions, they can always contact CAN

Awards in fifteen different categories were awarded to the deserving candidates from the outgoing students. Mansi was awarded as the Lady of the Batch whereas Rupender entitled as the Gentleman of the Batch 2014-17.

Certificates were also given to the students who had achieved the food safety standards in catering. And the students who had organised the whole event and had a certain role to play were also presented the certification of appreciation.

Had it not been for the performances by the students, the whole event would have had a very solemn touch. The diverse performances by the students, which included singing, dancing and the best of all, the Bhangra for which the Punjab is known for, had livened up the mood.

Finally, the event came to an end with the vote of thanks by the Deputy Dean Mr Amit Vashishth. The crowd then dispersed and the whole event wrapped with a scrumptious, appetizing lunch for all the students and the faculty members.

It may be their last day in the college but it certainly would not be the last time we are hearing about them.
All the best and wish you all the happiness in the world!

CONTRIBUTED BY RIGDROL TASHI TOBJOR AND TSHERING CHODEN WANGMO