Puttur: Students of St Philomena College (Autonomous), Puttur, explored the entrepreneurial potential of the food and hospitality sector through ‘Foodiepreneur – Taste the Future’, an entrepreneurship programme organised by the Department of Business Administration and Professional Studies and the Management Association at the SJM Hall on October 6.
The programme sought to encourage students to look beyond food as a culinary experience and recognise it as an avenue for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. It also aimed to develop the ability to transform a simple idea into a product, a product into a brand and a brand into a successful enterprise. Students were given practical exposure to food preparation and presentation, customer appeal, marketing and business opportunities in the food sector.
Presiding over the programme, Principal Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro called upon students not merely to seek employment but to become job creators by leveraging their knowledge and creativity. He said programmes of this nature would help develop confidence, leadership qualities and an entrepreneurial mindset among students.
The chief guest, V.J. Puneeth, president of Dakshina Kannada Mutual Benefit Nidhi Ltd. and managing partner of Hotel Vishwa Ranjini, Puttur, spoke about the diverse entrepreneurial opportunities available to young people in the food and hospitality sectors. He encouraged students to make effective use of local resources, innovative ideas and quality products, observing that even a small initiative could be developed into a successful enterprise with the right approach.
The Foodiepreneur programme provided students an opportunity to showcase their creativity, teamwork, business thinking, communication skills and understanding of the market. By developing innovative ideas centred on food, the participants also gained an understanding of the possibilities of launching their own ventures in the future.
Prashanth Rai P. delivered the introductory remarks. Prakruth G.K., president of the Management Association and a III BBA student, welcomed the guests. Bhavath B.L., a III BBA student, proposed the vote of thanks, while Samruddhi Chouta, a II BBA (Business Analytics) student, compered the programme. Dean and Head of the Department of Business Administration and Professional Studies Dr Radhakrishna Gowda V. was present.
Held with the theme ‘Taste the Future’, the Foodiepreneur programme introduced students not only to the taste of food but also to the taste of enterprise, fostering the mindset of “one idea, one initiative, one enterprise.”