Mangaluru: The Department of Hospitality Science at the Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce & Management (YIASCM), Balmatta, organised its annual Christmas Fruit Mixing Ceremony on 9 December 2025 at Seminar Hall – C Block, marking the joyful start of the festive season while offering students practical exposure to a cherished global culinary tradition.
Distinguished guests grace the ceremony
The event welcomed eminent dignitaries from Yenepoya (Deemed to be University) and the hospitality sector.
Dr B. H. Sripathi Rao, Hon. Pro Vice Chancellor, presided as Chief Guest.
Chef Komal S. Prabhu, Owner, Co-Founder and Head Chef, Maharaja Family Restaurant, served as Guest of Honour.
The ceremony also featured alumnus Mr Vikas Anchan, HR Executive, The Avatar Hotel, Mangaluru (Batch 2020–23), who shared insights from industry experience.
Adding professional depth to the event were special invitees:
• Mr Chethan M. S, GM, The Ocean Pearl Inn
• Mr Shiju N. Nambiar, GM, Vivanta Mangaluru
• Mr Mohammed Imran Khan, Complex GM, The Avatar Hotel
• Ms Jyothsna Ashwath, Winner, ChampYen Chef Season 1
They were accompanied by team members Mr Charan (Front Office Manager), Mr Arul (F&B Manager), Ms Rekha Sanjeeva (HR Manager) and Mr Josmon (Security Officer) from Vivanta Mangaluru.
College leadership supports a meaningful celebration
The programme took place in the presence of Prof Jeevan Raj, Principal; Prof Shareena P, Vice Principal and Dean, Faculty of Commerce & Management; Mr Narayan Sukumar A, Vice Principal; Mr Mervin Jaison Vas, Head of Hospitality Science; and Mr Vinyas B, Event Convener.
Ms Haleema Saadhiya (I BSc Culinary Arts) confidently compered the event.
Messages delivered by the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and Principal highlighted the relevance of experiential learning and the cultural importance of fruit mixing in hospitality education.
Fruit mixing ceremony brings festive cheer to campus
Ms Lakshmi B. M explained the historical and cultural background of the traditional cake-mixing ritual, setting the stage for the celebration. The ceremony then transitioned into the vibrant fruit-mixing session, where dignitaries, faculty and students participated together, symbolising prosperity, unity and festive goodwill.
Acknowledgements and conclusion
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms Safeena Banu, Lecturer, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, invitees, faculty, students and media representatives.
The success of the celebration was attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Department of Hospitality Science, whose meticulous planning, production work and hospitality ensured a memorable and professionally executed programme.
