Chef Rajkumar is working as Head of Food Production Department at Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management Chennai since 2016. He completed Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from EMPEE IHMCT in 2004, Post Graduate in Tourism Management & Catering Technology from Luzerne, Switzerland in 2006, and BBA in 2008. He is also an event committee member of the South Indian Chef Association (SICA), a member of the Indian Federation of Culinary Association (IFCA) and the World Association of Chef Societies (WACS).

CAIIHM Chennai

What are the roles and responsibilities towards the students?

Faculty members have a variety of roles and responsibilities in the academic setting. These can include teaching, conducting research, and publishing scholarly work in their field of expertise. Additionally, faculty members may be responsible for advising and mentoring students, serving on departmental or university committees, and participating in community service or outreach activities. In general, the primary role of faculty is to contribute to the intellectual life of the institution and to provide students with a high-quality education in their chosen field of study

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students?

"A healthy relationship between faculty members and students is characterized by mutual respect with open communication, and a shared commitment upon the academic success of their students"

Faculty members can foster healthy relationships with their students by being approachable and available to answer questions, providing clear expectations and feedback on assignments and assessments, and supporting students in their academic and professional goals. In return, students can contribute to healthy faculty-student relationships by actively engaging in class, communicating openly and honestly with their instructors, and taking responsibility for self-learning. Overall, a healthy faculty-student relationship is one in which both parties are committed to working together to support the academic and personal growth of the students.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the fellow faculty?

A healthy relationship between faculty members is based on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to the institution's academic mission. Faculty members can foster healthy relationships with their colleagues by being open to new ideas and perspectives, collaborating on research and teaching projects, and providing support and mentorship to one another. Additionally, faculty members can contribute to a positive work environment by participating in departmental meetings and events, and by being willing to help out and offer assistance when needed. Overall, a healthy relationship among faculty members is essential for promoting a positive and productive work environment and for advancing the institution's academic goals.

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How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry oriented?

  1.  Incorporate case studies: Incorporating case studies into the curriculum allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, giving them a better understanding of how the subject matter is used in the industry.
  2.  Invite industry experts: Inviting industry experts to come into the classroom and provide insights on how they use the subject matter in the industry can help students understand the practical aspects of the subject. 
  3. Utilise technology: Using technology in the classroom such as virtual reality and augmented reality can help students visualize the practical aspects of the subject matter and give them a better understanding of how it’s applied in the industry. 
  4. Have students work on projects: Assigning projects that have a practical application can help students understand the subject matter and how it’s used in the industry. Offer internships: Offering internships in the industry can give students a first-hand experience of how the subject matter is used in a professional sesettingues

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them get the necessary skills?

  1. Develop strong study habits and time management skills. 
  2. Take advantage of on-campus tutoring and mentoring opportunities. 
  3. Utilize online resources such as online lectures, online tutorials, and online journals. 
  4. Participate in student organizations and events that provide networking opportunities. 
  5. Create a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills to potential employers. 
  6. Utilise career counseling services to assess your skills and areas of interest. 
  7. Attend workshops and seminars on relevant topics. 
  8. Take advantage of externships and internships to gain real-world experience. 
  9. Participate in professional development activities. 
  10. Take courses or participate in activities to develop soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving.

What are your views on the placement and higher education from your department or how does your department prepare students for higher education?

Our department prides itself on providing excellent preparation for higher education. We take an active role in helping our students to develop their academic skills and knowledge, while also ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed in a competitive environment. Our courses are designed to give our students the best opportunity to succeed in their chosen field of study. We also offer resources such as internships, research opportunities, and workshops to help our students develop their professional skills. Additionally, our faculty members are actively engaged in helping our students to secure placements in universities and other institutions of higher education.

How do you help your students to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world?

  1. Encourage a Growth Mindset: Helping students understand that they can grow and develop their skills and abilities with effort and practice is key to helping them cope with a competitive world. 
  2. Foster Teamwork and Collaboration: Teaching students to work together to achieve a common goal helps them learn to cooperate, compromise, and support each other. 
  3.  Instil Self-Confidence: Building self-confidence in students is essential for helping them cope with the competition in the outside world. Encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities by providing positive reinforcement and recognizing their successes. 
  4. Teach Time Management: Teaching students to prioritize tasks, set goals, and manage their time wisely helps them stay organized and manage their workloads more effectively. 
  5.  Model Resilience: Showing students how to persevere and learn from mistakes is key for helping them cope

Do you have any extracurricular activities/programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to the real world challenges? 

Yes, we offer a variety of extracurricular activities and programs, including: -Internships and job shadowing opportunities -Student-run clubs and organizations -Leadership development activities -Mentorship programs -Field trips and tours -Volunteer and community service opportunities -Career exploration workshops -Guest speakers and panel discussions -Competitions and Entrepreneurial and business development experiences

What are the challenges you faced/are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department?

The biggest challenge that we face in our department is the lack of resources and funding to support our efforts to improve the quality of education. We face a shortage of qualified faculty and staff, and a lack of technology and other resources. Finally, we also face the challenge of a rapidly changing educational landscape, and the need to remain current in our efforts to provide the best possible education for our students.

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How does the curriculum of your department college ensure the best practice of the industry?

Our department college's curriculum is designed to engage students in learning that is directly relevant to the best practices of the industry. We emphasize the development of critical thinking skills, problem-solving techniques, and communication strategies that are essential to success in any professional field. In addition, our courses focus on research and analysis of industry trends, providing students with the knowledge and skills to identify and anticipate changes in the market. We also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through 90% of practical & 10% of theory, internships and field trips, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with the latest technology and techniques. Finally, our faculty members are experienced professionals with a deep understanding of the industry, who provide students with the guidance and support needed to stay ahead of the curve.

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from curriculum to train/teach the students?

  1. Experiential Learning: Experiential learning is a powerful approach that can help students learn by doing. It involves giving students the opportunity to actively engage in activities, have hands-on experiences, and explore their interests. Examples of experiential learning could include field trips, outdoor activities, creative projects, service learning, simulations, or even role-playing.
  2. Project-Based Learning: Project-based learning is an engaging approach that encourages students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems. It involves students researching, planning, and executing a project that has a real-world outcome.
  3. Problem-Based Learning: Problem-based learning is another approach that encourages students to think critically and solve problems. It involves giving students a problem to work through and then working together to develop a solution.
  4.  Inquiry-Based Learning: Inquiry-based learning is an approach that encourages students to explore and investigate topics. It involves guiding students through the process of asking questions, exploring their ideas, and finding answers.
  5. Collaborative Learning: Collaborative learning is an approach that encourages students to work together in teams to achieve a common goal. This can involve group projects, peer reviews, or cooperative learning.

What do you see as the department’s/ college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

The department’s/college’s greatest strengths are its faculty and staff, its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and its diverse and vibrant student body. To enhance these strengths, the department/college should continue to recruit and retain the best faculty and staff; provide resources and support to faculty and staff to promote excellence in teaching, research, and service; and foster an inclusive and supportive environment for students. The department/college should also strive to develop innovative and interdisciplinary programs, improve academic infrastructure and technology, and promote collaboration with other departments, universities, and the broader community. Finally, the department/college should strive to create a culture of openness, respect, and excellence that encourages its members to reach their full potential.

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

The department’s/college’s greatest strengths are its faculty and staff, its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and its diverse and vibrant student body. To enhance these strengths, the department/college should continue to recruit and retain the best faculty and staff; provide resources and support to faculty and staff to promote excellence in teaching, research, and service; and foster an inclusive and supportive environment for students. The department/college should also strive to develop innovative and interdisciplinary programs, improve academic infrastructure and technology, and promote collaboration with other departments, universities, and the broader community. Finally, the department/college should strive to create a culture of openness, respect, and excellence that encourages its members to reach their full potential.