Ayushi Shrestha Mehta named “Student of the Year”; Aditya Kumar Singh receives “Best Performer of the Year” Award

Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Ranchi, established by the Department of Tourism, Government of Jharkhand, organized its 5th Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at its campus.

On this occasion, all 102 students of the 2023–26 batch of the three-year B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration program were awarded their degrees The program is affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Along with degree distribution, students were also handed appointment letters for securing placements in reputed hospitality and service sector organizations in India and abroad, reflecting their excellent performance in the institute’s campus recruitment drive.

The event was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Art, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Shri Sudivya Kumar, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Shri Mukesh Kumar, Secretary Tourism, Shri Aswani Kumar, Assistant Director, NCHMCT Noida, Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, Principal, IHM Ranchi, Dr. Anindita Bhardwaj, Head of Department Shri Mohan Bhangre, Administrative and Accounts Officer and Shri Dhirendra Tiu, Senior Lecturer along with faculty members, staff, parents, and other dignitaries.

The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries. Students presented a devotional performance and a vibrant Jhumar dance, beautifully showcasing the cultural heritage of Jharkhand, which was highly appreciated by the audience. The institute’s annual magazine, “Palash Vritta 2.0,” was also formally released during the event.

Based on overall performance—including attendance, academic results, co-curricular involvement, and placement achievements—Ms. Ayushi Shrestha Mehta was awarded the title of “Student of the Year 2026.” She received a gold medal along with a cash prize of ₹11,000. She has been selected as a Management Trainee at Sodexo with an annual package of ₹8 lakh. For outstanding performance in co-curricular activities, Mr. Aditya Kumar Singh was honored with the “Best Performer of the Year” award and received a cash prize of ₹3,000. He has been selected as a Management Trainee at Encalm with an annual package of ₹5 lakh.The Vardhaman Ahimsa Award (Pure Vegetarian Degree) was conferred upon Mr. Siddharth Ghosh, Mr. Aniket Raj, Mr. Akshay Kumar Gop, and Mr. Shivang Kaushal, who were awarded trophies and cash prizes. Among them, Mr. Siddharth Ghosh secured placement with Mahindra Holiday Resorts India Pvt. Ltd., while Mr. Akshay Kumar Gop was selected by the Mayfair Group of Hotels with an annual package of ₹4 lakh as a Management Trainee.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Minister congratulated the graduating students on achieving 100% placement and extended his best wishes as they begin a new phase of their professional lives. He appreciated the institute’s contribution in equipping students with skills and knowledge and encouraged them to act as ambassadors of Jharkhand wherever they work. He emphasized that the hospitality sector offers vast and expanding opportunities for employment and growth.

Tourism Secretary Shri Mukesh Kumar appreciated the institute’s remarkable progress over the past seven years and congratulated the graduating students for securing placements in leading organizations. He highlighted that evolving consumer expectations have transformed hospitality services, making it essential for students to continuously upgrade their skills. He also commended the institute’s initiative to promote millets, particularly “Madua,” as a valuable step towards health, sustainability, and preservation of traditional food practices.

Shri Ashwani Kumar congratulated the students on completing their graduation and emphasized the importance of discipline and continuous learning. He noted that the institute provides a rich learning environment and encouraged students to keep enhancing their knowledge and skills to achieve excellence in their careers. Principal Dr. Bhupesh Kumar expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, distinguished guests, faculty, parents, and all stakeholders for their continued support. He highlighted the institute’s rapid growth and achievements, including its recognition among the top 10 government hotel management institutes in India and securing a top position in CSR 2026 rankings. He also spoke about innovations related to millet-based food products and crockery, as well as the implementation of a mentor-mentee system to ensure holistic student development and promote research-oriented learning.

“Student of the Year” Ayushi Shrestha Mehta expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the faculty members, acknowledging their constant guidance and support as the foundation of her success.

The institute achieved 100% placement through its campus recruitment drive, in which 17 reputed hotel groups and service sector organizations participated. Major recruiters included Taj Hotels, The Park Hotels, The Oberoi Group, ITC Hotels, Mayfair Hotels, Mahindra Holidays, Sarovar Hotels, and Roseate Hotels, along with leading service sector companies such as Sodexo, Delhi Duty Free, Encalm Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., Metro, McDonald’s, Reliance Retail, and Bikanervala Foods Pvt. Ltd.A total of 102 students participated in the placement process and collectively received 192 job offers, with 62 students selected for Management Trainee roles, the highest entry-level position in the hospitality industry. The highest annual package offered exceeded ₹8 lakh.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by HOD, IHM Ranchi, Dr. Anindita Bhardwaj, marking the successful culmination of the event.