Summary
Kolkata played host to a landmark academic gathering as the 27th Education Conclave 2026, organised by SBIHM College.
The event marked a historic milestone with the presence of the Hon’ble 14th President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, who inaugurated the programme.
Kolkata played host to a landmark academic gathering as the 27th Education Conclave 2026, organised by SBIHM College, concluded successfully at the prestigious Biswa Bangla Convention Centre. The event marked a historic milestone with the presence of the Hon’ble 14th President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, who inaugurated the programme. Notably, this was the first occasion that the former President attended and inaugurated a Management College event in Eastern India, lending exceptional significance to the conclave.
Over 500 Students Engage in Future-Focused Dialogue
The conclave brought together more than 500 students from diverse academic disciplines. Designed as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, the event centred on skill education, career opportunities, industry readiness, and awareness of Government Assistance Schemes supporting higher education and professional advancement.
Through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions, students gained valuable insights into evolving industry expectations and the competencies required to thrive in competitive sectors.
Insightful Panel Discussion with Industry Leaders
A key highlight of the event was an extensive panel discussion featuring distinguished leaders from hospitality, healthcare and academia. SBIHM College
A key highlight of the event was an extensive panel discussion featuring distinguished leaders from hospitality, healthcare and academia. Among the eminent speakers were Mr. K. Mohanchandran, Senior Vice President – Operations, Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Group); Mr. Ranjit Chowdhury, Former Principal, NCHMCT Kolkata; Dr. Raja Gopal Dhar Chakraborty, Professor at University of Calcutta; Mr. Amitava Guha Thakurata, Regional Director and Zonal Head, PVR INOX; and Mr. Jayveer Rathore, Director HR, JW Marriott.
The panel further included Mr. Sekhar Mukherjee, General Manager, TajSATS; Mr. Sudipto Halder, Assistant Director HR, Fairfield by Marriott; Mr. Avijit Mitra, General Manager HR, Peerless Inn; Ms. Saswati Guha Chakraborty, Festival Director of Kolkata Short Film Festival; Mr. Arkya Jyoti Basu of Psysium Educational Services; Mr. Himansu Koyal of Raidighi College; Dr. Aritra Khan, Academic Counsellor at Indira Gandhi National Open University and Head of Clinical Dietetics & Nutrition at Samaritan MSCC; Ms. Sudeshna Maitranag, Chief Dietitian, Peerless Hospital; Mr. Soumyendu Ghosh, Founder of Cognize Nutrition; and Shri Abishek Kumar Yadav, Founder Chairman and Academic Director of Griffins International School.
Speakers underscored the increasing demand for skilled professionals across hospitality, healthcare management and corporate sectors. They emphasised the importance of practical exposure, internships, industry integration and global outlook in building sustainable careers. The discussions highlighted how structured skill development and experiential learning are essential to meet the evolving expectations of employers.
A Strong Message on Skill Development and Nation Building
In his keynote address, Shri Ram Nath Kovind inspired students to adopt skill-based education as a pathway toward self-reliance and national progress. SBIHM College
In his keynote address, Shri Ram Nath Kovind inspired students to adopt skill-based education as a pathway toward self-reliance and national progress. He emphasised that India’s youth must blend academic knowledge with practical expertise, ethical grounding, and dedication to meaningfully contribute to the country’s development journey.
His presence and message reinforced the importance of aligning education with national priorities and global competitiveness.
The 27th SBIHM Education Conclave successfully bridged academia and industry by facilitating direct interaction between students and national-level leaders. By reinforcing its commitment to professional education, innovation and leadership development, SBIHM College once again set a new benchmark for academic excellence in Eastern India.
Last updated on 05 Mar 2026
