The most anticipated TYBACA event of 2023 ‘Paka Darpana’ (a Sanskrit word which translates to Culinary Mirror) took place on 4th November 2023. At around 12pm in the afternoon, the auditorium on the ground floor of Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management (SRIHM) started bustling with activity as the guests began to arrive at the venue. Invitation hampers, including lovely packed jars of masalas, a box of sweets, a transparent invitation card inked in white, a golden pearl dotted tea light holder with a white tea light and a golden mirror representing the essence of their event, were handed out to the parents of all the Third year BA Culinary Art students.
The event was also graced with the presence of dignitaries from the industry and academia and representatives from the sponsored companies, the president of the Bombay Suburban Arts and Craft Education Society Mr. Shyam Wadhwani, our Trustee Mrs. Bindoo Wadhwani, our honorary General Secretary Mr. Arwind Tiwari, our beloved Alumni members and last but not the least our respected Principal Mr. Conrad D’souza and faculty members. The event then set off with a fusion of traditional and modern Indian dances. The first, second and third-year students came together to give their best performances. The actors displayed exceptional talent and brought their characters to life with authenticity and emotion. A skit that portrayed the interaction of artificial intelligence (AI) of today's era, clashing with the traditional methods of an era long gone in the past, a nukkad natak - a style of street theatre, which educated us a little more on this year’s theme "Millet Kranti". The dancers delivered a stunning performance, showcasing their grace and precision throughout the event leaving the audience in awe. As the performances carried on, the guests were being served their meals in a manner that was beautifully executed with each dish corresponding to a course which represents the various aspects of Indian Heritage. The service of these courses was in perfect correspondence with the show on stage, so the guest could experience the thought that went behind creation of every dish that was put on the menu.
The parents were also given an opportunity to give their views about the event and they fittingly mentioned that the students and the event deserved a standing ovation and a deafening round of applause, which filled the auditorium!