Dr. Rasika Gumaste is presently serving as HOD at AISSMS HMCT, Pune. She has several years experience of working as Assistant professor, lecturer, MT and HOMT at various prestigious institutes and hotels across India. She has published 18 research papers in national and international, UGC recognized journals, and has authored 02 books as well. Also, Dr. Rashika is a member of Board of Studies, BHMCT Programme, SPPU (Pune University) since 2018. 

AISSMS HMCT

How do you use your knowledge and experience for the benefit of students?

“Efficient utilization with innovative and practical means”

The role of a teacher today is different from the past. The teachers today need to update their knowledge constantly, adapt to the new technology and take up self learning programmes. I plan to use my experience and knowledge for making some radical and effective changes in the teaching and evaluation methods under the new autonomous status of our college, where we can avail freedom in policy making. The new approach would be to shift from rote memorization to application based and fact based learning, develop specialized skills, emphasize on the problem solving techniques, minor research, allowing the students to handle mini projects and develop entrepreneurial skills.

What is the impact of Covid-19 on the placements of the current academic year?

“Temporary delays and economic decline of hospitality industry”

Hotels and other corporate companies that were looking to hire new employees for various departments have now either postponed their plans or have changed their hiring policies with the ongoing pandemic. Some students who were offered jobs did join the hotels after the first wave of Covid, but some of them backed out due to lack of customers and financial decline. I hope the Hotel and Tourism industry business will soon recover and start afresh with new integrations. 

What do you think are your roles and responsibilities being a HOD?

“Regular upgradation of knowledge and inculcating student development”

The role and responsibilities of the lecturer and HOD in the college are closely tied to the functioning of the Higher Education System or the affiliated University. Faculty members are expected to update themselves through trainings, developmental programmes in the field of education so that their expertise and knowledge base remains updated. The faculty member’s main role is to impart knowledge, skills, the right attitude and achieve holistic development of the students.

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What are the different industry-connect programs that you offer?

“Events and competitions for practical exposure along with training in industries”

The students participate in various programmes like guest lectures for specialized subjects, expert talk from Hospitality industry, Field visits and participating in intercollegiate competitions conducted by the Hotel Management colleges all over India. Organizing and participating in “Atithya”- Hospitality Competitions, a flagship event of the college which has participation from other countries as well. The students are imparted knowledge through webinars, workshops, demonstrations and seminars. The college has signed MOUs with hotels, which act as preferred partners and help in Industrial Training and Placements for students as well. The college also has tie ups with partner-agents for internships abroad. 

Tell us about the diversity of the companies that come for the placements?

“International chain of hotels and management companies”

The placement companies come from varied sectors of national and international brands for Hotels. Many specialty restaurants, quick service restaurants, airlines, event management companies, facility management companies, retail management companies and all service related industries come up for placements at AISSMS HMCT. 

What approaches do you bring in apart from the curriculum to train the students?

“Proper mentoring and assisting students to learn and understand better”

The various approaches and interventions are practiced in the college which includes conducting remedial classes, collaborative learning by giving group assignments, implementing an effective feedback system and different assessment methods for slow learners. The college has class counselors and also appointed professional counselors to help and support the students by letting them know that if they need any help they can reach out to them. We encourage the learners to compete with himself rather than comparing with others, make best use of his potential and help him to empower to make his decisions.

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What would you like people to know about AISSMS HMCT that they might not know?

“Excellence in educational aspects”

AISSMS CHMCT is NAAC and NBA accredited, has a talent pool of best faculty with a well-tested pedagogy and exceptionally able management, making it one of the best institutes in India. We have good industry- institute interaction, faculty research and infrastructure, and excellent placement record. Rather than focusing on just the traditional choices, we lay emphasis on more competent disciplines and choices for students.