Mr. Vimal Kumar, an alumnus of IHM Lucknow, has more than 28 years of broad expertise in academics and hotel operations. He has been serving on the Board of Studies of numerous hospitality universities at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Moreover, he also actively participates in updating and developing advanced syllabi in accordance with industry needs.

Mr. Kumar has held senior positions as a Principal and Director at prestigious schools in India and Nepal. His resume boasts of a three-year Diploma in HMCT A&N in addition to M.Sc. in Hotel Management &CT, an Arts degree and an M. Phil. In Tourism. He has also qualified for UGC NET for Lectureship. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Hotel Management. 

The Lalit Suri Hospitality School

Can you tell me about your educational background? (Total year of teaching experience, year of experience in this university, graduation/PG details etc.)

I am still continuing my education as being in academics requires one to be progressive and keep updating themselves at all times. As a teacher and mentor, it is important to keep reinventing yourself. I have completed 28 years in the hospitality industry after having done my three years diploma from IHM Lucknow. In academics, it has been a wonderful experience of 20 years starting from the year 2003. I hold am pursuing an PhD in Hotel Management and also hold an M.Phil. (Tourism), M.Sc. Hotel Management and Catering Technology, a three years Diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technology and a B.A. degree.

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

My journey in academics has been phenomenal having started teaching as a Lecturer and founder team member of a college in Lucknow. The challenges that I have always been willing to take up in the teaching profession have helped me greatly. My willingness and eagerness helped me to elevate to management levels in a much shorter span of time. 

The daily interactions with young minds keep me energized to make more efforts and to keep myself abreast with the best practices in teaching. The satisfaction of having the students develop into true professionals and good human beings is what keeps me motivated to continue in this wonderful profession.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

Leadership to me is neither being autocratic nor being too humble. It has to be a fine balance of both qualities. There must be respect given to everyone in the team irrespective of their levels in the hierarchy, education, experience, expertise, and attitudes. I have always ensured to lead by example and give my best in the assigned tasks and responsibilities. 

I believe the ability to consistently conceptualize, initiate and implement something new in our daily working environments and life is the essence of being a good mentor. A person who leads must be prepared to embrace defeats and then learn from them to excel.

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How does the curriculum of your institute ensure the best practice of industry?

We make sure our curriculum is continuously assessed and mapped with the changing needs of the hospitality industry. This is what keeps our institute a notch above the rest. We are regularly updating our students with the requisite necessary skills via practical tasks aligned to theoretical learning in classrooms. The creative learning strategies include planning and execution of small and mega-events, case study and resolution, planning and participating in intra and inter-college competitions, and one on one mentorship have given excellent results. This is evident from the change in academic performances and highest placements in the recent batches.

What do you think should be The Lalit Suri Hospitality School’s top priority over the next 10 years?

Over the next decade, the school has planned out to become the most favoured institute in the hospitality education sector. We will do so based on our initiatives to include diversity and inclusion as the most important element of society. In the fiercely competitive environment, we would prefer to produce professionals with the highest ethics and real-life understanding of the social fabric. The school also has plans to introduce international certifications and educational degrees in collaboration with leading institutions.

When you first came to your institute, what was your vision for the institute? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

Our vision has definably evolved over the years with changes in the industry. The results of our efforts put in to become the best in trade have motivated the team to keep up the good work. The thought of bringing in internationally acclaimed partners, courses and placement opportunities for our students is now getting transformed into reality.

What would you like people to know about your institute they may not know?

The Lalit Suri Hospitality School has one of the best infrastructural facilities specially dedicated to the profession of hospitality and hotel management. Our training facilities have the best of equipment in the trade that is at par with any international hotel school. The green building, a non-imposing connection with nature speaks volumes about its architecture and the thought behind the creation of delightful facility. Our honourable CMD, Dr. Jyotsna Suri’s vision to make hospitality education available at affordable prices with best-in-class facilities has transformed the way other hospitality institutions have been delivering hospitality education.

What do you see as School’s greatest strengths?

With an infrastructure and training facilities that rival the best international and Indian institutes, our school is in a league of its own. Being a part of one of India’s largest hospitality chains, we have the luxury of providing in-house training facilities in a state-of-the-art setting. This industry experience gives students a competitive edge, and we take pride in producing professionals who are not only exceptional in their field but also accountable and free from any form of prejudice.

What are some of the major changes that Covid-19 has bought in the education sector according to you?

The recent events in society have led to a drastic change in our student’s social circumstances, presenting various challenges and unexpected situations. As a result, there is now an urgent need for soft skills in dealing with the multi-faceted layers of their experiences. The rise in customers experiencing higher levels of stress, safety concerns, and preferences for healthier food and drink choices has made it crucial to have a team that can genuinely empathize with their needs. At the Lalit Suri Hospitality School, modern infrastructure such as smart classrooms, internet connectivity, and wi-fi support are easily accessible and have become a regular part of the routine.

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Are there any placement opportunities for the students?

The Lalit Suri Hospitality School enjoys the patronage of The Lalit Group and its location in the National Capital Region adds to the versatility of Training and Placement opportunities with all leading hospitality business entities.

The school has not only assured placement in the hotel industry but has introduced and placed the students in numerous sectors. We have achieved close to 100% placement in the pandemic years along with the Batches graduating in the years 2021,2022 and 2023.

Any suggestions/messages that you would like to give to the current youth?

Graduates from our hospitality programmes are capable, possess the necessary skill set, and have unwavering confidence in themselves. They should be positive about a bright future in their respective fields. They must choose whether to remain in their bubble of conventional education or to adapt to the changes brought about by the epidemic and arm themselves with new tools to gain the respect of their peers and visitors.