Lavy D’Costa & Chris Valentino sdb
MUMBAI, DECEMBER 21, 2009: Christmas was ushered in early by the students and staff of Don Bosco Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (DBIHMCT), Kurla. Our FY Hospitality students hosted a celebration for underprivileged children from urban slums who came under the banner of Sanskar, a NGO functioning in Sion - Kurla; and former street children now studying with the NIOS under the protective mantle of Shelter Don Bosco, Wadala.
DBIHMCT teamed up with Taj Lands End, a five star hotel located at Bandra to provide the young guests a feel of how a Chef bakes a Plum Cake and Ginger Cookies. Students of DBIHMCT not to be left behind ensured that the party would have gifts galore as well as a handy remembrance through an utility item to take back home, through a voluntary contribution from among themselves
DBIHMCT has over the past few months been in the forefront of organizing Culinary Workshops for Women Self Help Groups (SHGs). Some of them have honed their skills by turning into entrepreneurs - others have learnt the art of cooking food which they only perceived could be prepared and consumed in hotels. Many women having attended the preliminary General Culinary Workshop, have opted to learn Chinese preparations and are now eagerly awaiting to pick up skills and thrills of making sweets and desserts.
‘To Serve With Love’ is the punch line of DBIHMCT. These are the values that St. John Bosco imbibed in the youth he encountered and nurtured. 150 years on, this tradition continues, albeit through newer initiatives and innovations.