Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU, today announced that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Sanjay Khanna, currently Director (Refineries), as the Chairman & Managing Director (C&MD) of the Company.
 

Shri Sanjay Khanna, Chairman & Managing Director, BPCL
 

The appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Shri Khanna will assume charge, effective from the date of assumption of office, and will hold the position till his superannuation on May 31, 2029, or until further orders.

With extensive experience in refinery operations and project execution, Shri Khanna is expected to further strengthen BPCL’s strategic focus on value-added products, petrochemical integration, operational efficiency, and long-term energy security, while driving sustainable growth in an evolving energy landscape.

Shri Sanjay Khanna is a seasoned industry leader with over three decades of experience in refinery operations and technical services. A Chemical Engineering graduate from National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli and a postgraduate in Finance Management from University of Mumbai, Shri Khanna has played a pivotal role in strengthening BPCL’s refining and petrochemical capabilities.

Prior to his appointment as C&MD, he served as Director (Refineries) and has previously headed BPCL’s Mumbai and Kochi Refineries, driving operational excellence and capacity augmentation. As Executive Director of Kochi Refinery, he successfully led the commissioning of BPCL’s first niche petrochemical venture—the Propylene Derivative Petrochemical Project (PDPP)—despite significant challenges during the pandemic, marking a key milestone in BPCL’s petrochemical journey.

Over the years, Shri Khanna has anchored several prestigious projects involving the establishment of new process units across BPCL’s refineries, contributing to enhanced efficiency, higher value realization, and technological advancement.

He also serves on the Boards of Bharat Petro Resources Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, and Ratnagiri Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, strengthening BPCL’s integration across the energy value chain. Additionally, Shri Khanna is the Chairperson of the Technical Committee for Petroleum Refineries under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, contributing to policy and technical advancements in India’s refining sector.

About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL)

Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy.

Bharat Petroleum’s Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 25,300+ Fuel Stations, over 1000+ CNG stations, over 6,250+ LPG distributorships, 440+ Lubes distributorships, 81 POL storage locations, 56 LPG Bottling Plants, 81 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 6 cross-country pipelines.

Bharat Petroleum is integrating its strategy, investments, environmental and social ambitions to move towards a sustainable planet. The company has Electric vehicle charging stations at 6800+ Fuel Stations. With a focus on sustainable solutions, the company is developing an ecosystem and a road-map to become a Net Zero Energy Company by 2040, in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Bharat Petroleum has been partnering communities by supporting several initiatives connected primarily in the areas of education, water conservation, skill development, health, community development, capacity building and employee volunteering. With ‘Energising Lives’ as its core purpose, Bharat Petroleum’s vision is to be an admired global energy company leveraging talent, innovation & technology.

Renowned international artists, filmmakers, industry leaders, producers, directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, editors, animation and VFX specialists, gaming professionals, film critics, academicians and budding filmmakers (students) converged on a single platform at Chandigarh University on the opening day of the two-day Chandigarh University International Film Festival 2026 (CUIFF’26) that commenced with spectacular performances on Thursday.

Chandigarh University International Film Festival – 2026 Brings Together Renowned Global Filmmakers, Animation VFX Experts & Gaming Professionals

This year’s edition of the Chandigarh University International Film Festival 2026 (CUIFF’26) will showcase over 383 films including 11 international entries, creating a vibrant space for cultural exchange and global collaboration while celebrating storytelling and creativity and bridging the gap between academia and the film industry. The film festival will showcase diverse cinematic forms and emerging trends, including animation, VFX, and AI-driven filmmaking, offering students and aspiring creators valuable exposure to evolving industry practices.

Organized by Chandigarh University’s University Institute of Films and Visual Arts (UIFVA), the festival has attracted participation from leading institutions and film schools from across the world including Spain, United Kingdom, Australia and India among other nations.

While Subrata Roy, Founder & Managing Director, Hi-Tech Animation Studio was the chief guest, Veerendra K Patil, Founder & Creative Director, Zebu Animation and Shyam Deshpande, Art Director at Krafton India were the guest of honours. Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Sitharam, Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Prof (Dr) VR Raghuveer, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academics) CU along with other dignitaries from film, animation and gaming fraternity also marked their presence on the opening day of the international film festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Subrata Roy, Founder & Managing Director, Hi-Tech Animation Studio said, “AI integration is rapidly increasing everywhere. These are things that we may not find in our regular syllabus, so we must learn them ourselves and go beyond conventional. Any art that does not generate economic value is difficult to sustain in the long run. Therefore, before creating any content, one must think about how it can become a source of income. Do not make the mistake of creating content only for passion. We must understand what sellable content is. Technology is continuously advancing, either technology will make you its servant or you will make technology your servant. If technology makes you its servant, then we will become its slaves. But if you make AI your servant, then it will work for us and for you.”

Veerendra K Patil, Founder & Creative Director, Zebu Animation said, “When digital first came in many people said it would not have emotion and today we hear the same arguments about Artificial Intelligence. But we are now at the next step of evolution. You are the generation that will build careers with AI as part of your creative tools. Do not resist it, because learning is learning and knowledge should never be rejected no matter in which form it is coming.”

“Understanding how to play a game does not make you a good game developer or designer. Similarly, being a consumer of stories is not the same as being a storyteller. You must consciously evolve from story listeners to storytellers. Craft improves with time and practice but without a strong foundation in fundamentals whether it is animation, lighting or design you will only grow older not better. And if you don’t understand the fundamentals, it becomes difficult even to communicate effectively with machines or AI. Ask questions there are no stupid questions only missed opportunities to learn. Platforms like film festivals are essential because they create spaces where beginners and experts can interact, exchange ideas and grow together,” added Patil.

He further said, “We often talk about work-life balance but the truth is there is only life balance. As artists, we chose one of the most challenging industries because we chase perfection. For me making an animation film is not work, it is a part of life. Live your life fully, because we are storytellers. If you do not have stories to live, you won’t have stories to tell.”

Shyam Deshpande, Art Director at Krafton India said, “Art is not created in isolation. It thrives on collaboration, feedback and diverse ideas. While personal style matters, one must also adapt to realities like audience expectations, technology and industry demands. At times even when artistic instincts resist, decisions are shaped by larger forces like business and engagement. What we create is ultimately for others and if the audience does not connect there is a gap we must bridge.”

“An artist must learn when to follow the rules and when to let intuition lead. Principles like balance, texture and contrast are important, but they should never overpower the message. Sometimes, it is necessary to set rules aside to allow authenticity to emerge. Art is a continuous journey of refinement and growth comes from the willingness to learn from one’s own mistakes. Every artwork teaches something new and improvement lies in observing deeply seeing the world not just as it is, but as an artist interprets it. Originality is essential and every piece of art must have a clear thought behind it. An artist should always be able to explain why something exists in their work. Without that intent art gets reduced to surface level only,” added Deshpande.

Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Sitharam, Vice Chancellor, Chandigarh University said, “At Chandigarh University, we encourage experiential learning where education goes beyond the classroom and is shaped by real-world exposure. The people you see here today are not just educators but creators whose work resonates across India and globally. Storytelling is something we have been connected to since childhood, though the way stories are told has evolved dramatically over time. From expressive gestures and emotions to today’s fast-paced visuals and vibrant formats, storytelling has transformed with changing audience behavior. In an era where attention spans are as short as 20–30 seconds, conveying a message effectively requires both creativity and scientific understanding. I am proud that our Animation Department of Chandigarh University has taken this initiative to an international level that has brought together industry and academia through thoughtfully curated categories that will truly benefit students.”

The festival featured a diverse lineup of films across multiple genres including short films, documentaries, 2D and 3D animation films, VFX films, showreels, AI-driven films and advertisements. This wide-ranging selection reflects the dynamic evolution of the media and entertainment industry and provides a comprehensive platform for participants to showcase their creativity and technical expertise.

The artistic creations were judged by an esteemed jury comprising Prof (Dr) Sebastian Pagueguy, Art and Animation Director at Posten Digital Arts and an academic associated with Universidad de Chile, Sachitha Kalingamudali, General Manager at Mogo Studios, a leading animation and game development studio based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Rohit Tiwari, Bollywood actor, writer and director, known for his roles in films such as Dhobi Ghat and for his portrayal in Crime Patrol series, Syed Nadeem Akhtar, Co-Founder and Director of Digitoonz, one of India’s leading animation studios and Krupasagar Sridharan, Founder and Director, who has over two decades of experience across films and immersive technology.

On the concluding day, outstanding contributions will be recognized across various categories such as Best Short Film, Best VFX Film, Best Animation, Best AI Film, Best Documentary, Showreel Excellence and Video Advertising Excellence.

Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: www.cuchd.in

The Department of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in association with the Surfing Federation of India, is set to host the national-level surfing championship ‘Little Andaman Pro 2026’ for the very first time in the islands. Scheduled from April 9 to 12, the four-day championship will take place at the picturesque Butler Bay Beach, marking a significant step forward for water sports and adventure tourism in the region.

Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship

Presented by Andaman & Nicobar Tourism, the championship will bring together some of India’s top-ranked surfers and stand-up paddle (SUP) athletes competing in the Senior Division across Surfing and Stand-Up Paddle disciplines.

The championship was formally inaugurated by Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in the presence of senior officials from the Administration, representatives of the Surfing Federation of India, and a large gathering of surfers from across the country.

The event is expected to witness the participation of around 86 surfers, including international competitors, who will compete across multiple categories such as Men’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Women’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Men’s Open Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), and Women’s Open Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP).

With the hosting of Little Andaman Pro 2026, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are poised to script a new chapter in adventure tourism and ocean sports, firmly establishing Little Andaman as an emerging surfing destination in India.

The championship represents an important step in expanding India’s competitive surfing circuit. By introducing athletes to new and technically challenging wave environments, the event provides valuable exposure beyond the typical beach breaks of mainland India. Events of this scale play a vital role in strengthening the national surfing talent pipeline by offering athletes the experience and competitive platform required to progress to international competitions.

Speaking about the upcoming championship, Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India, said, “The Little Andaman Pro marks an important milestone for Indian surfing. It not only strengthens our National Surf Series but also provides athletes the opportunity to compete in high-quality reef conditions, which is essential for their growth at the international level.”

A senior official from Andaman & Nicobar Tourism added, “We are proud to support the Little Andaman Pro 2026. The event showcases the incredible natural potential of the islands while promoting sustainable tourism and adventure sports in the region.”

As surfing continues to gain popularity worldwide, destinations that combine world-class waves with responsible tourism practices are becoming increasingly significant. The Andaman Islands, known for their pristine marine ecosystems and conservation-driven approach to tourism, offer an ideal setting for such sporting events.

Beyond the competition, the championship highlights the immense potential of the islands as a future hub for surfing and ocean sports. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and consistent swell patterns, Little Andaman presents natural advantages that are increasingly attracting surfers and adventure travellers.

The event also aims to engage and inspire local communities by creating opportunities for participation, training, and employment within the growing ocean sports ecosystem.

Little Andaman Pro 2026 ultimately celebrates the spirit of surfing while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable engagement with the ocean.

For More Information: www.instagram.com/sfisurfing

Event Overview
Event: Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship
Dates: 9 – 12 April 2026
Location: Little Andaman, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Divisions: Senior Division (Surfing & Stand-Up Paddle)
Organised by: Surfing Federation of India
Presented by: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism

About the Surfing Federation of India
The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) is the national governing body for surfing in India, responsible for developing the sport through competitions, athlete development programs, and international representation. Under the leadership of President Arun Vasu, SFI continues to build a strong and inclusive surfing ecosystem across the country.

For more information, please log on to www.surfingfederationofindia.org

The RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate at 5.25% reflects a calibrated approach amid global uncertainties and inflationary pressures. The central bank’s neutral stance reflects a deliberate effort to sustain equilibrium rather than trigger premature shifts. For the real estate sector, this approach translates into continuity where stable financing conditions and predictable credit flows are enabling both residential and commercial segments to build on existing momentum without disruption.

Real estate leaders welcome RBI’s neutral stance as steady repo rate ensures stability in home loans, EMIs, and sector growth momentum

Sandeep Chhillar, Founder & Chairman, Landmark Group, says, “The announcement comes at a time when global uncertainty is still quite high. RBI has avoided a premature shift that could have unsettled the broader economy. The neutral stance shows a clear awareness of both inflation risks and uneven global growth trends. For the real estate, this means near-stable home loan rates, giving policymakers space to assess data more carefully.”

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, says, “Maintaining the repo rate at 5.25% is a pragmatic move in an environment still shaped by global headwinds. It brings much-needed stability to home loan markets. For borrowers, this effectively means EMIs are likely to remain in the same range for now, without any immediate easing in interest burden. While a slight rate cut would have offered some relief and improved affordability at the margin, the RBI has clearly chosen to wait for stronger macro signals before shifting direction.”

Shamsheer Singh, Director of AIPL Group, adds, “The RBI’s unchanged repo rate reflects a conscious effort to preserve ongoing growth momentum without introducing unnecessary friction. At 5.25%, the policy rate remains supportive enough to sustain credit flow, while the neutral stance ensures flexibility for future adjustments. The decision suggests confidence that the current interest rate environment is adequately balanced for both inflation management and economic activity.”

Gurpal Singh Chawla, Managing Director, TREVOC, says, “With GDP growth projections revised upwards and inflation expected to remain within a manageable range despite near-term pressures, the RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% will provide continued stability to the sector. The neutral stance reflects a calibrated approach amid global uncertainties. This, coupled with stable liquidity conditions and improving investment sentiment, will help maintain the current momentum in real estate.”

Shyamrup Roy Choudhury, Founder and Managing Director, Aura World, says, “The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate and choose a neutral stance ensures continuity in the benefits accrued from last year’s cumulative rate cuts. Stable EMIs and predictable financing conditions will encourage new homebuyers to enter the market. While inflationary risks persist due to global developments, the stance taken by the RBI ensures policy certainty.”

Ashok Singh Jaunapuria, MD & CEO, SS Group, says, “For homebuyers, steady benchmark rates translate into more predictable home loan offerings. For developers, too, it brings comfort on the financing side, allowing uninterrupted project execution. This steady policy stance quietly supports housing demand by keeping sentiment steady and avoiding any disruption in credit conditions.”

Harinder Singh Hora, Founder Chairman, Reach Group, says, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged brings much-needed stability across lending and liquidity channels. It ensures that borrowing costs for businesses, retailers, and developers remain predictable, which is crucial for planning expansions and leasing strategies. The neutral stance will reduce uncertainty around credit pricing and enable institutional players to take more structured, long-term decisions.”

Umang Jindal, CEO, Homeland Group, says, “The status quo on the repo rate at 5.25% creates a balanced and predictable environment for both residential and commercial segments. Stable financing conditions support homebuyer confidence in tier 2 cities, where affordability plays a major role, while also enabling investments in commercial assets. This continuity in policy will help sustain demand momentum and reinforce growth across key real estate segments.”

Mohit Batra, Regional Director, Realistic Realtors, says, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged reflects a data-led and cautious approach. Inflation is still being shaped by global commodity movements and uneven supply-side pressures. The neutral stance is equally important; it signals that policy is balanced for now. It allows both residential and commercial markets to operate in a stable interest rate environment.’

Raj Kumar Sisodia, COO of Biigtech, says, “In a market where long-term commitments drive decision-making, consistent interest rates help occupiers and investors move ahead with greater confidence. Rather than triggering a surge, this kind of policy environment quietly supports steady momentum, where demand builds gradually, and investment decisions are made with a longer-term view.”

Paras Rai, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Property Master, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged while maintaining a neutral stance reflects a conscious effort to stay flexible. It gives the central bank room to respond as macro conditions evolve, rather than committing to a fixed direction too early. This kind of pause is less about inaction and more about staying prepared. At the same time, it signals that future rate moves will be closely linked to how inflation and global factors play out in the coming months.”

Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech, said, “Keeping the repo rate unchanged is a carefully balanced approach as it will facilitate stability for home loan borrowers at a crucial time. For prospective buyers, stable interest rates encourage affordability levels and lessen uncertainty around long-term financial commitments. Since home loans are directly subjected to the impact of rate cut movements, the status quo ensures that EMIs remain unchanged for existing borrowers, offering much-needed predictability in household cash flows.”

The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% reflects a calibrated “wait-and-watch” approach at a time when global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressures continue to shape macroeconomic conditions. While the central bank maintained a neutral stance and signalled confidence in India’s growth trajectory with an upward revision in near-term GDP projections, the move has been largely welcomed by the real estate sector.

RBI holding the repo rate at 5.25% ensures stability for real estate, keeping borrowing costs steady and supporting housing demand despite ongoing global uncertainties

Developers believe that stable borrowing costs and policy continuity will help sustain end-user demand, support project viability, and provide much-needed visibility for both residential and commercial segments, even as expectations of a future rate cut remain intact.

Deepak Kapoor, Director, Gulshan Group, says, “In the backdrop of global volatility and inflationary pressures driven by high energy prices, the RBI’s move to hold the repo rate steady at 5.25% reinforces confidence in India’s economic resilience. The upward revision in near-term GDP projections further strengthens this outlook. For real estate, stable borrowing costs and policy continuity create a conducive environment for sustained demand, and we remain optimistic about steady growth across residential segments through the year.”

Prateek Tiwari, Managing Director, Prateek Group, says, “The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% is a balanced approach against a backdrop of global economic uncertainties and geopolitical pressures. For the housing sector, the consistent rate helps strengthen sentiment, reassuring buyers and keeping financing conditions stable. This plays a key role in home buyers’ purchasing decisions, particularly for first-time buyers and end-users exploring opportunities in strong demand corridors.”

Sahil Agarwal, CEO, Nimbus Group, says, “The central bank’s neutral stance reflects a calibrated and forward-looking approach to managing inflationary pressures and uncertainty. This continuity in borrowing costs boosts confidence, supports end-user demand, and strengthens project viability. We believe this will encourage sustained investment and reinforce positive momentum across the sector.”

Amit Modi, Director, County Group, says, “A marginal rate cut at this juncture would have offered meaningful relief to homebuyers, especially first-time borrowers managing stretched affordability in key urban markets. For the sector, this is a phase of resilience rather than acceleration, where confidence matters as much as the cost of capital.”

Sanchit Bhutani, Managing Director, Group 108, says, “A steady repo rate combined with a neutral policy stance bodes well for the commercial real estate sector. It provides greater visibility on borrowing costs, fostering confidence among developers, investors, and occupiers alike. For developers, this stability enables more predictable project planning and efficient liquidity management.”

Moreover, amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the resulting risks of imported inflation, the RBI’s decision to hold the repo rate has resonated positively with the real estate sector.

Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group, says, “Maintaining the repo rate at 5.25% reflects a clear “wait and watch” approach from the RBI amid global uncertainty. For real estate, this brings stable but subdued financing conditions. While developers would have welcomed a rate cut to further unlock demand momentum, especially in the affordable and mid-housing categories, the current geopolitical backdrop is keeping inflation risks elevated.”

Tejpreet Gill, Managing Director, Gillco Group, says, “The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 5.25% with a neutral stance underscores policy stability at a time of global uncertainty and inflationary concerns. For the real estate sector, stable interest rates enable long-term planning and execution, while supporting sustained traction across residential and commercial projects.”

Nitin Shrivastava, Managing Partner, Big FM Realty, says, “Stability in policy matters more than aggressive interventions. The RBI’s decision to keep the repo rate at 5.25% comes as a reassuring signal, especially for the housing sector. For homebuyers, it means EMIs remain predictable, making it easier to plan purchases with confidence. For developers, it supports pricing discipline and allows supply to be introduced in a more measured way.”

Udit Jain, Director, One Group, says, “The unchanged repo rate strengthens the outlook for housing in Tier 2 cities, where markets are still evolving and respond sharply to interest rate signals. In these regions, buyers tend to be more cautious and value clarity over short-term incentives, and stable home loan rates help build that confidence. For developers, it creates a more predictable demand environment, where launches can be planned with greater alignment to actual absorption.”

Piyush Kansal, Executive Director, Royale Estate Group, says, “Despite near-term inflationary pressures driven by global factors, the current rate environment ensures predictable borrowing costs. This will encourage end-users to make purchase decisions, supporting steady demand across emerging cities.”

Ajendra Singh, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Spectrum Metro, says, “RBI’s keeping repo rate stable comes as a positive step for the retail segment, where consumption and expansion plans are closely linked to borrowing conditions. With interest rates holding steady, retailers and brands get better visibility on financing costs, while developers can have more structured planning of retail assets and tenant mix. In a broader sense, a predictable rate environment supports steady leasing activity and healthier occupancies across organised retail spaces.”

The Department of Hotel Management at Manipal University Jaipur, in collaboration with the Royal Rajasthan Chefs Society, successfully organized the Manipal International Chefs’ Conclave 2.0 on its campus on Wednesday.

Inaugural ceremony of International Chefs Conclave at Manipal University Jaipur

The conclave, themed “Culinary Heritage of Rajasthan & Its Impact on Tourism Economy,” underscored the vital role of traditional cuisine in promoting tourism and driving economic growth. The event began with a traditional welcome ceremony featuring tilak, safa ceremony, lamp lighting, and Saraswati Vandana, setting a culturally rich tone for the proceedings.

All guests and participants were welcomed by Dr. Chef Sourabh Sharma, HoD, Hotel Management and Dr. Brajesh Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Management, Commerce and Arts, Manipal University Jaipur.

Addressing the gathering, Pro-President Dr. Karunakar A. Kotegar described food as a philosophy that engages all five senses (Panchendriya) and offers complete satisfaction. He emphasized that food acts as a powerful carrier of culture, connecting people across geographies and generations.

Renowned culinary expert Manjit Singh Gill set the context for the conclave, advocating for greater recognition of Indian cuisine as a representation of the country’s cultural identity. Celebrity chef Ajay Chopra, known for his association with MasterChef India, spoke on the importance of food tourism and sustainability. He highlighted that the transfer of culinary knowledge to future generations is key to sustaining the industry.

The conclave brought together an impressive lineup of eminent chefs from India and abroad, including Vijaya Baskaran, Vimal Dhar, Sabyasachi Gorai, Ashish Bhasin, Akshraj Jodha, Nand Lal Sharma, Rajeev Goyal, TC Gokhan Kesen, Amey Marathe, Ravikant Pathak, Abhiru Biswas, Bharat Alagh, Sumanta Chakrabarti, Sangeeta Dhar, and Manjit Singh Ratoo, among others.

Keynote sessions and panel discussions focused on culinary tourism, sustainability, and the economic potential of regional cuisines. Two engaging panel discussions explored the socio-economic impact of culinary tourism and examined how social media is influencing culinary authenticity in the modern era.

Adding an interactive dimension, the conclave featured a culinary quiz that saw enthusiastic participation from students, fostering engagement and learning. The event concluded with the felicitation of contributors, a formal vote of thanks, and a networking session that encouraged collaboration between academia and industry.

With active participation from students, faculty, and industry professionals, the conclave emerged as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, industry dialogue, and inspiration for aspiring hospitality professionals.