Christmas fragrance fills HICAS!

The delicious aroma of the Christmas season is here, and its sweetness was pretty much evident at the annual fruit mixing ritual for making Christmas Cakes, organized at HICAS -Hindusthan College of Arts and Science by its Catering and Hotel Management Department on Monday.

Close to 40 kgs of 12 varieties of dry fruits and nuts were mixed with a generous amount of Rum and other alcohol to give a strong flavor.  The mixture will be put away from now till it is a week before Christmas, and it will be used for baking cakes and puddings.

Joseph Lawrence, Bakery Consultant, JM Bakers Academy was the Chief Guest of the occasion. The catering students did the mixing in the presence of Prem Kanna, the HoD and Sebastian, Asst. Professor of the Department. A source shared that the cakes will be baked and provided to the Departments’ Heads at the college and to other bakers.

Speaking about the entire stakeholders of the food industry, the Chief Guest said “This Industry can be called the second line of defence in the country.” He shared the crucial role played by the food makers during the lockdown induced by the covid-19 pandemic. He said the members of the food industry acted like soldiers, as they sacrificed their leisure hours to support the community. He appreciated HICAS for providing 1 lakh food packets to the needy during the lockdown.

Talking about Skills in general, Mr.Lawrance said the Government of India had introduced the Skill India initiative to provide skill training to vast no. of youth and reduce unemployment prevailing in the country. Hundreds of skills essential for the development of the nation and individuals were identified, and training is provided by govt. recognized experts.

Mr.Lawrence, himself is a mentor to trainees who pick skill development programs in Bakery sector. He shared that in 30 days, essential knowledge about baking is provided in the training. Once the training is over, the skill level of the trainee is assessed, and a certificate from National Skill Development Corporation is provided.  He said there are ample opportunities available in this field for anyone.

“The successful candidates’ skills will be registered with the government. Any baker from anywhere between Jammu & Kashmir to Kanyakumari, who wants new recruits can just visit the government’s portal, and easily hire the person he finds suitable. Or, a person can become an entrepreneur and start his own bakery. There are opportunities for that also. They can get Mudra loan from the government and start their own concern”, he said.