23 Sep 2026
IICA celebrates its 41st convocation, strengthening industry partnerships to shape the future of culinary talent
The convocation marked another chapter in IICA’s 21-year journey in culinary and pastry education. The programme included diploma distribution, awards recognising culinary and professional achievement, addresses by industry leaders, a conversation between hospitality commentators and a panel discussion on the professional realities facing the next generation of chefs.
The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi, celebrated its 41st Convocation, marking the graduation of students from its Culinary and Bakery programmes. Over the past 21 years, IICA has trained and prepared aspiring culinary professionals for careers across the hospitality industry, with more than 4,000 students graduating from the institute to date.
The ceremony brought together hospitality professionals, chefs, and educators to celebrate the graduating batch’s achievements and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the culinary profession.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Rupreet Jassi, Executive Director, IICA, followed by the Chief Guest and keynote address delivered by K. B. Kachru, Chairman, Radisson Hotel Group, Southeast Asia, and President, Hotel Association of India.
The programme also included a conversation on the evolution of the hospitality industry, changing expectations from culinary professionals, and the importance of industry-ready education between Sourish Bhattacharyya and Virender S. Datta, Founder & Chairman, IICA, culminating in the launch of the 8th edition of IICA’s magazine, IICAonics.
The diploma distribution was followed by the presentation of the awards. The Culinary Legend Award was presented to Chef Davinder Kumar.
The Divyajyoti Academy Excellence Award was presented to Tarun, from the January 2025 batch of Pastry & Hospitality Management (PHM), and Nikhil Sharma, from the July 2025 batch of PHM.
The Vivek Singh Datta Academy Excellence Award was presented to Bhaya Chopra, from the January 2024 batch of Culinary & Hospitality Management (CHM), and Akashdeep Nandi, from the July 2024 batch of CHM.
The Mr. Tikku Outstanding Alumni Achiever of the Year Award was presented to Chef Ved Gautam, a Culinary alumnus from the 2015 batch and currently Brand Chef at FES, and Chef Yashasvi A. Gambhir, a Bakery alumnus from the 2015 batch and currently Head of R&D at Burma Burma.
Rishabh Jain of Hospitable Couch was also honoured for his contribution to the hospitality industry through podcast conversations with leading chefs and hospitality professionals, creating a platform for industry insights, professional experiences, and knowledge exchange.