IICA to Celebrate Two Decades of Shaping India’s Culinary Talent at Its 40th Convocation

The International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi, will host its 40th Bi-Annual Convocation on November 1, 2025, at Holiday Inn, Aerocity, New Delhi. The milestone event celebrates 20 years of IICA’s pioneering journey in professional culinary education, bringing together industry leaders, alumni, faculty, students, and partners to honour the graduating class of 2025 and reflect on the institute’s enduring contribution to India’s gastronomic landscape.

The event will be graced by Chief Guest Dr. Pushpesh Pant, renowned Indian food critic, historian, and Padma Shri awardee, celebrated for his extensive research and writings on India’s diverse culinary traditions. The convocation will also welcome Mr. Vikrant Batra, Co-Founder, Café Delhi Heights, as Honoured Guest and Distinguished Speaker, alongside other eminent industry leaders and educators who will come together to celebrate innovation, excellence, and leadership in gastronomy.

Under the visionary leadership of Chef Virender S. Datta, a hospitality veteran with over five decades of experience, and Mr. Arjun S. Datta, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, IICA has set new benchmarks in culinary education in India. Since its founding in 2005, the institute has evolved into a premier centre of excellence, combining global culinary standards with India’s rich gastronomic heritage.

While Chef Datta has been instrumental in building IICA’s foundation and academic stature, Mr. Arjun S. Datta has played a pivotal role in driving innovation, global partnerships, and operational growth, expanding IICA’s reach and positioning it among the most respected culinary institutions in Asia. Together, their leadership has helped forge affiliations with City & Guilds (UK), World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS, Paris), and BSI Learning Australia, creating pathways for students to pursue successful global careers.

Adding to its list of recent accolades, IICA has been honoured with the FICCI Higher Education Excellence Award 2025 for “Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship (Private)” and has been named Best Culinary Institute in India 2025 at the Food Connoisseurs India Awards — reaffirming its reputation for quality education and industry-ready training.

The evening will feature inspiring keynote addresses, student showcases, and the ceremonial awarding of diplomas and honours, followed by a high-tea reception. The celebration will bring together the culinary community to applaud the next generation of chefs and reinforce IICA’s ongoing mission to advance professional culinary education in India and beyond.

The convocation also highlights IICA’s strong industry collaborations, with Carna Medical Database Pvt. Ltd., in association with Tsukuba & House, as Principal Sponsors; MainDish.in as Gifting Sponsor; and KIC™ Hotel & Restaurant Equipment Manufacturers as Associate Sponsors.

About IICA

Established in 2005, the International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi, is India’s leading culinary institute offering globally recognised programs in Culinary and Patisserie Arts. Guided by Chef Virender S. Datta, IICA’s international collaborations with City & Guilds (UK), BSI Learning Australia, and the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS, Paris) ensure a curriculum that meets global standards.

Recognised by the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council of India, IICA continues to nurture aspiring chefs through a balanced blend of theoretical learning, hands-on experience, and international exposure — empowering graduates who now lead across hospitality, food entrepreneurship, and the global fine dining industry.