Online Hospitality Immersion Program was organized by Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, MAHE, Manipal on 7^th and 8^th of August, 2020. This program was part of the orientation program of 35^th course BHM. The purpose of the program was to familiarize the first year students with the college, resources, academic aspects, campus culture and various engagement opportunities.  It was a two-day program, where Day 1 started with a formal welcome address by Chef Thirugnanasambantham, Principal, WGSHA.

Principal started his speech by welcoming everyone. He shared the history of the college. The lasting and meaningful relationship with alumni and other industry leaders, status as the premier school for the hospitality education in the national and international arena. Very proudly he mentioned that WGSHA was the first college to collaborate with industry partner – ITC Hotels. He stressed that today’s hospitality professionals need to combine a sense of entrepreneurship with an awareness of their social and environmental responsibilities, as well as an ability to appreciate culture other than their own. He elaborated on qualities which the students develop while being in the college like character, self-confidence, competencies, knowledge, skills and ability, attitude. He also explained why passion is so important. He briefed about ITC and MAHE. He also gave some mantras to the new students like – know yourself, embrace yourself, surround yourself with encouraging people, know what you want, work hard, make impossible the new possible, fail hard and fail often, beat on your craft, do what is right, remake yourself continuously, improving language and other soft skills.

Principal’s speech was followed by faculty introduction, curriculum presentation, presentation by student welfare officer-Mrs. Shreelatha Rao.

She started her presentation with various measures we have taken to help the students to settle down easily and feel home away from home - faculty as student mentors for counselling.

Then she addressed the parents regarding keeping in touch with the concerned mentors on regular basis, notify the college and university about any changes in their address, e-mail, contact numbers. She told about the availability of professional councilors for assistance to the students who need them and also the facility of online counselling. She explained about the safety and security in the campus, hostel regulations, ragging, clubs, hostel and cafeteria facility and student counsel.

Next was introduction to clubs by faculty heads.

The Day 2 program started with subject introduction by module leaders, followed by presentation on sports facilities and activities, and on Welcomgroup Entrepreneurship Development Cell. The most important part of the program was ‘Alumni Inspiration’ by Mr. Prashant Vaid, an illustrious alumnus from 12^th course BHM, WGSHA. He is currently the General Manager, Holiday Inn London Heathrow Ariel at LGH Hotels Management Ltd., London.

Mr. Prashant Vaid shared his golden memories of WGSHA and its importance in his life and for his growth. His experiences on skills he received from WGSHA like life skills, self-awareness. He told about the importance of team work and managing oneself at the toughest times. He shared upon the importance of communication, conflict management for professional development. He stressed upon how important professional skills are in short or long run. He shared that his focus was to achieve general manager’s position when he left WGSHA and his experience in the U.K and how in 10yrs he got position of G.M. He also shared how challenging the position of G.M is and how he implemented the skills that he learned from WGSHA that is interpersonal skills and other skills to grow in life. In conclusion Mr. Vaid shared what all he received apart from degree form WGSHA – Friends for life, Network for life, Skills for life, Memories for life and Confidence for life.

Through this program, team WGSHA intends to create an atmosphere that minimizes anxiety, promotes positive attitudes, and stimulates an excitement for learning among students.