Events & Blog

The Onam celebration at Sri Maniya Institute of Hotel Management in 2025 brought the entire campus together in a way that felt warm and genuine. The day carried a gentle excitement from the start, as students and faculty arrived dressed in traditional attire. The campus grounds, usually busy with routine classes and kitchen sessions, took on a festive look with floral decorations and a simple yet elegant pookalam arranged near the entrance.

Students from each department worked together to plan the celebration. This teamwork helped everyone feel involved, whether they were designing the pookalam, preparing cultural performances or assisting with the feast. Many first year students said it was their first time helping with an event of this scale, and the experience gave them a sense of belonging.

The morning began with a short gathering to explain the significance of Onam. Faculty members spoke about the values associated with the festival, such as togetherness, gratitude and the spirit of welcoming. This set the mood for the rest of the day.

One of the most admired parts of the event was the pookalam. Groups of students spent hours arranging petals in neat layers, checking colours and patterns with patient focus. Visitors paused often to take in the design, which reflected both creativity and discipline. This activity also encouraged students to share ideas freely, which strengthened the spirit of cooperation.

No Onam celebration feels complete without a traditional feast, and the students of the food production department handled the task with confidence. Under the guidance of their chefs and instructors, they planned a menu that stayed true to the essence of Onam. The kitchen buzzed from early morning. The steady rhythm of chopping vegetables, tasting curries and arranging plantain leaves filled the space with energy. When the sadya was finally served, the hall carried a pleasant mix of conversation and appreciation. The flavours reflected both skill and respect for tradition, which made the meal memorable.

Cultural performances added a lively touch to the afternoon. Students presented group dances, folk songs and short skits that highlighted different aspects of Kerala’s heritage. Each performance drew applause, not only for the talent displayed but also for the effort behind it. Many students who were usually quiet in class took the stage and surprised their peers. These moments helped build confidence and encouraged everyone to support one another.

The celebration closed with a small vote of thanks, recognising the many hands that helped bring the event together. Faculty noted that such festivals allow students to learn beyond textbooks. Event management, teamwork, leadership and hospitality were all woven naturally into the day’s activities.

Onam 2025 at Sri Maniya Institute of Hotel Management stood out for its simplicity and sincerity. The festival reminded everyone that hospitality begins with understanding people, respecting tradition and working as a community. The memories from the day will stay with the students as they continue their journey in the world of hospitality.

The Graduation Ceremony of the Sri Maniya Institute of Hotel Management in 2024 carried an air of pride, warmth, and fulfilment. It was the kind of gathering where families sat a little taller, students smiled a little brighter, and every corner of the hall echoed with quiet excitement. For the graduates, this day marked the close of years of steady work and the start of a journey shaped by their own choices and ambitions.

The event opened on a calm and dignified note as students entered the venue in their gowns and caps, taking their places with a blend of anticipation and confidence. Their efforts had brought them this far, and the ceremony offered a moment to pause, look back, and recognise how much they had grown. The hall soon filled with parents, faculty members, and well-wishers, all gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.

The institute had the honour of welcoming Dr. A. Veera Ravi, Director, Directorate of Collaborative Programmes, as the Chief Guest. His presence added a deeper meaning to the ceremony, and his address to the students carried a sense of reassurance. He spoke of the value of discipline, curiosity, and adaptability in shaping a successful career. His calm and measured message encouraged students to step into the world with confidence, while staying connected to the principles that had guided them through their studies.

The leadership of the institute stood proudly with the graduates on this special day. Mr. M. Gopala Krishnan, Chairman, and Mrs. Sunitha Krishnan, CEO, offered their heartfelt congratulations. They expressed their appreciation for the students’ determination and acknowledged the steady support extended by their families and faculty. Their words reflected their belief in the potential of every student and their commitment to nurturing future professionals in the hospitality field.

Adding an industry perspective to the celebrations, Mr. Ramakrishnan, General Manager of the Sea Shore Group of Hotels, delivered an insightful message. Drawing on his experience, he spoke about the day-to-day realities of hospitality work, from the fast pace of operations to the quiet satisfaction that comes from serving guests well. His talk highlighted the importance of patience, teamwork, and a positive mindset. For many graduates, his words offered clarity at a time when they were preparing to chart the first steps of their careers.

The ceremony flowed smoothly under the guidance of Mr. Jeyashelan, Principal of the institute. His composed presence and thoughtful remarks set the tone for the programme. He spoke about the years the students had spent learning, experimenting, and refining their skills. He also reminded them that learning does not end with graduation but continues throughout one’s life, especially in an industry that grows and adapts every day.

The most anticipated moment of the day arrived when graduates stepped onto the stage to receive their certificates. One by one, they walked forward, greeted the dignitaries, and accepted certificates that stood as proof of their hard work. Cameras clicked, families clapped, and faculty members watched with quiet pride. For many students, this was a moment they had imagined for years, and it passed with a mixture of relief, joy, and gratitude.

The ceremony drew to a close with a final round of encouragement for the graduating class. Students were reminded to hold on to their sense of purpose, trust their abilities, and approach challenges with patience. The event ended on a spirited note as the graduates gathered for the traditional cap toss. For a brief moment, the hall erupted in cheers, and the flying caps captured the excitement of stepping into a wider world filled with opportunity.

The Graduation Ceremony of 2024 will be remembered as a day that honoured achievement and welcomed fresh beginnings. It reflected the values of the Sri Maniya Institute of Hotel Management and the strength of the community that supports it. For the graduates, it marked not just the end of their academic journey, but the start of a future shaped by confidence, skill, and hope.