Mr. Ravi Puri is the Founder and Managing Director at the Institute of Hotel Management and Culinary Studies. He has done MBA in Hospitality Management. He holds work experience of 20 years in the field of Hospitality, Education and Training. He has been awarded at Jaipur Ratna Samman Samaroh, 2019 for his commendable efforts and contribution. He started his career as a part of India's first Butler's opening team in Taj, Rambagh Palace and has several years of international work experience as an Event Manager with the best business houses. He is also the pioneer of the Bar Tending Academy and has excelled as a Freelance Trainer in many five-star category hotels.

IHMCS, Jaipur

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“This sector is limitless in terms of opportunities, experience and learning”

Truly speaking, I find myself quite apt for the current education profile as I am not someone who comes from an academic or entrepreneurial background. I have witnessed this world as a student, as a hotelier, as a trainer and now witnessing it as a leader. The value of human relations and connections, emphasis on skill development, drive to create new experiences, opportunities to challenge oneself every day, are key features that have kept me interacting with the education sector for so long.

What is your leadership philosophy? 

“I believe in working together to achieve defined goals”

I believe in giving ownership to my team members, which leads to accountability for that person and enables them to take decisions freely. I motivate my team to contribute with passion for whatever tasks are assigned to them. Lastly, when my teammates commit any mistakes, I encourage them to learn from those mistakes. 

How the hospitality industry could benefit students?

“Our diversified cultural history offers a natural environment to students to grow”

While highlighting the fact that I am representing hospitality education, I would like to mention that Indian hospitality practices are adored worldwide. Our rich cultural heritage and historical places have attracted people from all over the world. However, it's the people of India that make the most powerful impact on tourists. Its because hospitality is a way of life in our country. Thus an inbound student can learn the art of hospitality in a much more instinctive and natural way in our country.

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How does the curriculum of your college is aligned with the best practices of the industry?

“It is composed of industry exposure, cultural fests and training programs”

Our academic team designs an Academic-cum-Event Calendar annually that is reviewed quarterly to ensure proper execution and brainstorm on required amendments. We have introduced many sessions that are part of Management Training Programs of various hotel brands like wine tasting, tea tasting, event organization at the graduation level education. We arranged events like film festivals, literature festivals and much more to carve out a multi-talented personality in our students. We ensure the interaction of our students with HR, Training Managers and Operation heads. It helps them in understanding what the recruiters are looking for during interviews and it helps them to improve their performance during the actual interviews.

What do you think should be the college’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“To upskill ourselves with latest industry demands”

Ever since IHMCS has been founded our vision has been very clear and that is we aim to create skilled hospitality professionals that are valued globally. However, it is true that to achieve this vision, one's approach needs constant monitoring and up-gradation. Hence we should focus more on adapting and inculcating new industry demands as part of different programs and trainings for our students. And we should also expand our reach to more and more students all over the country. 

What do you see as the greatest strengths of IHMCS?

“Everyone who is working for us and working with us makes us strong”

There are various parameters that define our strengths. First is that we all work collaboratively as a team with a great mix of youthful enthusiasm and sincere experience. Second, our Initiatives, be it connecting elements (Our In House Publication) or documentaries series like food Karavan and connecting Stories. We follow the 4 tier learning module called AIMS - Academic Excellence, Industrial Exposure, Mentorship Programs and Skill Development Programs. Lastly, our training and placement record is driven by the skills and hard work or our students.

What growth opportunities are available for students in your college to enhance their skills?

“We provide various learning platforms in form of competitions, cultural and social events”

Our initiatives like connecting elements where events like content writing and photography are organized and lastly the Docu-Series which includes activities like Videography, Content Development, Public Speaking, etc. Coming to the Industrial Exposure Opportunities, we proffer them different kinds of paid jobs, ODCs and Internships, etc.

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Any suggestions which you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

“Be truthful to yourself and work hard”

I would like to suggest the current youths and aspiring students that do follow your passion and whatever drives you, to figure out an awesome career out of it. Build a strong vision for your career and then dedicatedly towards achieving your goals. Value your time and Invest in yourself, the world will eventually value you.