 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Feb 21: The Department of Tourism Studies at Pondicherry University successfully hosted AKANKSHA 2026, its flagship two-day Annual Industry-Institute Interface Programme. Bringing together over 25 industry leaders, academicians, international delegates, and students, the event delved into emerging trends in tourism, hospitality, travel technology, sustainability, and experiential tourism, fostering robust academia-industry collaboration.
The inaugural session with Prof. Sibi P S, Head of the Department, delivering a warm welcome address that underscored AKANKSHA's role in bridging academia and industry, preparing students for opportunities in technology-driven, sustainable tourism. Dr. Sherry Abraham, Associate Professor and event coordinator, outlined the programme's scope, featuring special lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and student activities. Presiding over the session, Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Director (SEI&RR), commended the department's high-quality initiatives. Chief Guest Sejoe Jose, Managing Director of Marvel Tours and other ventures, shared insights on innovation and ethical practices amid rapid industry transformation, while Guest of Honour Associate Prof. Agnese Davidsone from Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, Latvia, highlighted global collaborations. Keynote Speaker Dr. Valmiki Harikishan inspired entrepreneurial ventures in niche markets.
Post-inauguration, final-year MBA (Tourism and Travel Management) students received their appointment orders from the Chief Guest, marking successful placements in leading tourism, technology, and hospitality firms facilitated by the department. The day progressed with Lalit Kishor Bhati's special lecture on reimagining community-based tourism as co-creation for self-reliant development, followed by a vibrant panel on smart technologies chaired by Prof. S. Sudalaimuthu. Panellists including Syed Abdullah Badsha, Raja Ramalingam, Alok Kumar Das, Sejoe Jose, Shashwat Ramesh, and Lecturer Ilgvars Abols explored AI personalization, digital marketing, and sustainable tech integration. The session wrapped with Anagha Maria Varghese's empowering talk on leadership, unlearning powerlessness, and wellness in hospitality.
The focus to sustainable and experiential tourism, featuring Ms. Anjali Schiavina's insights on ESG integration and nature connection, a panel on niche experiences with experts from CGH Earth, HouseofTours.com, and others, and a SIPAS-funded workshop on stakeholder engagement attended by over 15 local professionals.
The valedictory function presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu, highlighted the event's success in boosting employability. In a landmark announcement, the Vice-Chancellor declared the launch of a new postgraduate programme in Hospitality Management from the next academic year, reinforcing the university's commitment to industry-relevant education. He emphasized tourism's strategic role in regional development, urging students to apply AKANKSHA insights in corporate and entrepreneurial careers.
Guests of Honour Prof. G. Anjaneya Swamy and Ms. Asha Gupta praised the department's efforts, while Prof. Davidsone noted SIPAS expansion to other university departments. Certificates and awards were distributed amid glowing feedback. |
