Where style meets soul: Indian, French majors enter into hi-end hospitality education partnership

Gurugram: Globally acclaimed culinary and hospitality education institution, Le Cordon Bleu School of Hospitality and Tourism of GD Goenka University unveiled cutting-edge training facilities at its Gurugram campus recently.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished guests including His Excellency (Dr.) Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, his wife Cécile Mathou, André Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu, Charles Cointreau, Vice-President for Le Cordon Bleu, Asia Pacific, Renu Goenka, Vice-Chairperson of GD Goenka Group and Chancellor, GD Goenka University, Nipun Goenka, Managing Director of GD Goenka Group, Radhika Goenka, Executive Director, GD Goenka Group, Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the Executive Committee, NAAC, and Prof. Rajiv Gulshan, Dean,  School of Hospitality and Tourism, GD Goenka University.

Expressing his appreciation for the initiative and underlining the strong cultural and educational ties between India and France, Dr. Thierry Mathou said, “The collaboration between Le Cordon Bleu and its Indian partners reflects our shared commitment to fostering excellence in hospitality education. France and India share a passion for gastronomy, and the unveiling of the new facilities will further strengthen our cultural and educational exchanges.”

The newly constructed facilities are designed to provide an immersive and hands-on learning environment, reinforcing Le Cordon Bleu’s commitment to excellence in hospitality education.

The event featured the inauguration of the East Wing, Théâtre Démonstration with a seating capacity of 120, and ‘Goenka Fresh’ Hydroponic Polyhouse, reflecting the institution’s dedication to sustainable practices and industry-leading culinary training.

“India has an incredible young population, and we need to be at the forefront of developments in the hospitality industry, which is expected to double in just a few years. The industry offers significant job prospects, engaging careers, and strong recognition in the lifestyle sector. GD Goenka University and Le Cordon Bleu have partnered to pave the way for future advancements. Our goal is to become the leading institution in India related to hospitality training,” said André Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu.

Echoing his views, Nipun Goenka stated, “GD Goenka Group and Le Cordon Bleu have a legacy of offering exceptional infrastructure, learning opportunities, and global exposure to students. These facilities represent a significant step forward in shaping the future of hospitality education in India. Our partnership with Le Cordon Bleu will not only provide world-class training but also foster innovation and sustainability in the industry.”

The inauguration ceremony also featured an insightful panel discussion on ‘The Future of Hospitality Education: Vision 2030.’

The discussion delved into the evolution of the hospitality sector and the imperative need for educational institutions to adapt to international benchmarks.

Prof. Sahasrabudhe highlighted the imperative role of positive interactions in the hospitality sector, stating, “How you treat people, especially guests, is very important in the hospitality industry. With the rise of automation, it is crucial that the limited human interactions that remain are as pleasant as possible. This emphasis on positive interactions is essential for excellent service.”

The event concluded with the launch of the coffee table book and celebratory dinner, where guests experienced the signature hospitality and culinary expertise that define Le Cordon Bleu.

The establishment of these premier training facilities marks a new chapter in India’s hospitality education landscape, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to thrive on a global stage.