Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 4: The Department of Hospitality Science, Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management (YIASCM), Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), celebrated Freshers’ Day 2026 at the YIASCM Auditorium, Balmatta, marking the inauguration of its Decennial Year of Excellence in Hospitality Education, the official launch of the AICTE-approved Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) programme, and the inauguration of the Hospitality Managers Council 2026–27.
The programme was graced by Anvitha Sagar, film actress, as chief guest and Ibrahim Khaleel, 2nd Runner-up of ChampYen Chef Season 2, as guest of honour. Prof Jeevan Raj, principal, YIASCM, presided over the function in the presence of Narayan Sukumara, vice principal, and Mervin Jaison Vas, head, Department of Hospitality Science.
The programme began with a parade by the newly nominated Hospitality Managers Council, carrying the university and department flags, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp. The dignitaries unveiled the Decennial Cube and the new Decennial logo, officially marking the beginning of the department’s tenth year of excellence. The first batch of students of the newly launched BHM programme was also formally welcomed.
Addressing the freshers, Anvitha Sagar highlighted that hospitality goes beyond food and service and emphasised the importance of love, care, concern and giving utmost priority to guests. Ibrahim Khaleel shared his journey from being a ChampYen Chef contestant and 2nd runner-up to returning to the same stage as guest of honour, encouraging students to discover their passion and explore opportunities, particularly in the culinary field.
The newly constituted Hospitality Managers Council 2026–27 was formally inducted with the presentation of badges, followed by the oath administered by Mervin Jaison Vas. The council will provide students with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, communication, organisational and managerial skills through active participation in departmental activities.
The Hospitality Managers Council 2026–27 comprises:
• President: Mohammed Shafiyuddin – III BSc Hospitality Management
• Vice President: Fathimath Afra – II BBA Hospitality Management
• Secretary: Alima Ruzna – III BSc Hospitality Management
• Joint Secretary: Mohammed Ilhan – II BSc Culinary Arts
• Treasurer: Styaleen Dsouza – II BSc Hospitality Management
• F&B Manager: Ahal Jothish C P – III BSc Hospitality Management
• Assistant F&B Manager: Sanam Naaz P N – II BSc Culinary Arts
• Executive Housekeeper: C K Swaran – III BSc Hospitality Management
• Assistant Executive Housekeeper: Raksha – II BBA Hospitality Management
• Front Office Manager: Mohammad Musthafa – III BSc Hospitality Management
• Assistant Front Office Manager: Kulsum – II BSc Hospitality Management
• Executive Chef: Fathima Rifa – III BSc Culinary Arts
• Sous Chef: Melroy Nazareth – II BSc Culinary Arts
• NSS Leader: Abu Azen Mannan – II BSc Hospitality Management
• Event Manager: Ahammed Zakariya M – II BSc Hospitality Management
• Marketing Manager: Muhammad Afnan – III BSc Hospitality Management
• Innovation Coordinator: Sudeep Chavan – II BSc Culinary Arts
• BSc HM Programme Representative: Koushik – II BSc Hospitality Management
• BSc Culinary Arts Programme Representative: Ratheesh Krishna P R – II BSc Culinary Arts
• BBA HM Programme Representative: Muhammed Mazin A – II BBA Hospitality Management
• BHM Programme Representative: Shazin Ahammad H B – I BHM
• Tourism In-charge: Fathima Nuseema – II BSc Hospitality Management
• Aviation In-charge: Numan Nifam – II BSc Hospitality Management
• Public Relations Officer: Hiba Irfan – II BSc Culinary Arts
• Cultural Coordinator: Umayathi – II BBA Hospitality Management
• Sports Coordinator: Mohammed Nabeel – II BBA Hospitality Management
• Social Media Coordinator: Jithesh – II BSc Hospitality Management
• Joint Secretary, YIASCM: Waleed Anjum Sheikh – III BSc Hospitality Management
• Culinary Club President: Hana Nourin – II BSc Culinary Arts
• Discipline Joint Secretary: Karunakaran Stalin – I BHM
• Student Welfare Coordinator: Haleema – III BSc Culinary Arts
• Training and Placement Representative: Hajar Hussain – III BSc Hospitality Management
The class representatives are J P Thilak Naik – III BSc Hospitality Management; Halima Safa – II BBA Hospitality Management; K Mohammed Ansaf – II BBA Hospitality Management; Shirley Lydia D'Souza – I BBA Hospitality Management; Mohammad Anas – I BBA Hospitality Management; Prajwal Raj R – I BSc Culinary Arts; Wlaston Shanon Lobo – II BSc Culinary Arts; and Muhammed Niyas – III BSc Culinary Arts.
The Freshers’ Day also featured the selection of the Mr. and Ms. Fresher 2026. Mohammad was crowned Mr Fresher 2026, while Sheda was crowned Ms Fresher 2026. The interactive rounds and shortlisting were conducted by Dr Roveena, MBA Department; Vikyath Shetty, MCA Department; and Mervin Jaison Vas, head, Department of Hospitality Science.
The chief guest and guest of honour were felicitated for their contributions to art and culture, and food and business respectively. Lakshmi B M, programme coordinator, BSc Hospitality Management, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Ratheesh Krishna and Dr Anna Kurian and concluded with the National Anthem.
The celebration marked a significant beginning to the Department’s Decennial Year and a new chapter with the launch of the first BHM batch, strengthening its commitment to excellence, leadership development and industry-oriented hospitality education.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DbIRxqPdeaf1Ywbyc20J5MC1QOxTShwj