90 fresh graduates promise to cook up a bright future

College of Tourism and Hotel Management hosts its second convocation

KARACHI: Attired in blue gowns, 90 students of the College Of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) received their ticket to the real world on Sunday afternoon.

The fresh graduates had gathered at FTC Auditorium to receive their degrees at the institute's second convocation. The students graduated in four disciplines - hospitality management, culinary arts, baking and patisserie and airline, travel and tourism.

Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, Skill Development Council, Karachi, chairperson Ahsanullah Khan said that food is life and serving people is more important than any education and profession in the world. "I guarantee you that the employment market in Pakistan will not let you down as the demand of your field is increasing," he remarked, adding that at one point 'good' food was available at Beach Luxury hotel but now the hotel industry has changed tremendously.

Emphasising the need of new and innovative ideas in food, he said students should invent dishes that are healthy as well as affordable. "Food has become very expensive nowadays and people pay Rs1,000 to buy a burger."

COTHM, Karachi, executive director Sabir Ahmed said that the institute is endeavouring to develop the hospitality sector without compromising on the quality of education. He also emphasised that the fresh graduates should play their part in making others aware of the importance of this profession.

Meanwhile, Aga Khan University neurologist Prof Dr Muhammad Wasay mentioned that culinary art is one of the oldest professions in the world and the jobs for it will never end. He encouraged the graduates to use good quality ingredients before making food to promote a healthy lifestyle. Certificates, awards and medals were distributed to the graduating students and the efforts of 34 position holders from the four departments were also recognised.

Higher Education Commission of Pakistan vice-chairperson Prof Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi, COTHM, Pakistan, operations director Zaheer Ahmed, International Development director Babar Sheikh and COTHM, Islamabad, director Asif Javed were also present at the ceremony.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2016.