Janak Subramaniam - The Journey from IHM and Beyond

The Journey from IHM and Beyond

Prof Janak Subramanyam

The year was 1983. I was a timid youngster from a conservative background. Having got through the Entrance Exam I spent a couple of months at IHM Calcutta (as it used to be called in those days), before taking a transfer to IHM Madras. 

My journey began and I was quite lost in the sudden culture shock which I was in for. I must say that the command over the English language which I had developed in school stood me in good stead. Slowly and steadily I got used to Hostel life, the fun and frolic, the famous mess nights, the midnight tea at Kanagam and of course the Birthday bumps.  In retrospect the ride was an absolute roller coaster and the three years at IHM were perhaps the unforgettable phase of life, which was to shape my future course.

In the Campus interviews, I was lucky to have made it to Fisherman’s Cove and the next phase kicked off on 21st July 1986, to be precise. That was a knock on the harsh realities of life as I had to put in long hours and the experience was sometimes thankless. I must say that I had an extremely supportive team, without whom things could have taken a different turn. 

The industry was demanding and I was feeling the absence of holidays and Sundays, as they were the peak days in terms of Business. During my stint, I had a few of the staff who were from the local fishing village. Their English was found wanting. However, their ability to work like bulls more than compensated for their shortcomings and in terms of attitude, they were perhaps better than most others of the time. I used to spend the Break time after 3pm, trying to teach them basic English in addition to honing their service skills. That’s where I developed this love for teaching and I decided to give it a shot.

After waiting for close to eight years, I got the much-needed break, which I was looking for and I ended up at the Pondicherry Institute of Hospitality Crafts, with a euphoric feeling. A small team of like- minded youngsters, who were my colleagues, made my teaching career a delightful experience. It was a welcome change after the hectic schedule of the industry. 

After a short stint, I moved to IHM, Pusa, where I was handling the students of an Experimental Second shift. This is where I believe that my role transformed into being a Friend- Philosopher and Guide, as I had students look up to me, for guidance at all times. The experience, although for a short period,  has left an unforgettable impact on me. 

 I had to leave for Bangalore to start off an Institution to be run by the Army. I can never forget my departure from New Delhi Railway station where a number of students came to bid adieu. My late father was shocked at the adulation, which I had earned, by the rapport which I developed with the youngsters.

The Army Institute of Hotel Management came into being in Aug 1996. Having been used to established institutions, it took time for me to realize that I was to be part of the opening team of an institution which was run by the Army Welfare Education Society, for the wards of Army personnel. Procuring equipment, planning layouts, training students from a different background were a few of the challenges during the journey. However, I must say that it has been a fantastic experience, as I am able to blend with youngsters, who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Many of my students have climbed up the corporate ladder in different fields and are role models.

In conclusion, I wish to add that my stint as a teacher would not have happened, but for my learnings at IHM Madras. I am eternally grateful to my Alma mater, my faculty,  the Lord Almighty, my parents and all my well-wishers.  Life has come a full circle.

Prof Janak Subramanyam, class of 1986

HOD (F & B Service), AIHM & CT.