CGC Landran signs MoU with CAST Italy
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 29, 2026: CGC Landran and CAST-Italian Institute of Culinary Arts & Hospitality, Brescia, Italy, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening international academic collaborations in the field of hospitality education.
Facilitated by the Department of International Affairs, the partnership seeks to advance academic programs, research, professional development, student mobility and cultural exchange across Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, Bakery Arts and Dining Hospitality Management.
The MoU opens pathways for students to gain international exposure in Italy through scholarships, expert-led masterclasses by international chefs and immersive summer and winter bootcamps, while also enabling them to pursue a one-year Master’s program at CAST after completing their post-graduation.
It would also provide CGC’s faculty members with opportunities for advanced training in hospitality service management, Italian culinary arts, in Italy.
As an outcome of this collaboration, CGC Landran organized a special expert lecture for students of Hospitality Management and Catering Technology (HMCT), focusing on Italian Culinary and Pastry Arts.
The session was delivered by Mr. Hem Chand Verma, Chief Advisor at CAST, who shared insights into global culinary trends, international education opportunities, and career prospects in the hospitality industry.
He elaborated on CAST’s one-year Culinary and Pastry programs, which include four months of classroom-based learning followed by eight months of practical training in five-star hotels as regular employees.
The program follows an ‘earn while you learn’ model. Students will also have the opportunity to train under Michelin-star chefs and expert trainers at the academy and leading hotels across Italy.
Additionally, the top 10 students from CGC Landran, selected through an on-campus examination, will be offered a 10-day onsite workshop at the CAST campus in November 2026, while faculty members will benefit from a five-day international exposure program.
The session concluded with an engaging presentation and interactive Q&A.
The event was graced by Aishna Mahajan, Head of the Department of International Affairs, CGC Landran and Dr. Vimal Kumar, Director-Principal, Chandigarh College of Hospitality, CGC Landran.
Speaking on the collaboration, Aishna Mahajan said, “This MoU with CAST, Italy reflects our vision to provide students with world-class exposure and industry-relevant skills. By integrating international pathways into our academic framework, we are preparing our students to become globally competent professionals in the hospitality sector.”
This MoU reinforces CGC Landran’s commitment to fostering international collaborations and equipping students with the knowledge, skills and global exposure required to excel in the evolving hospitality industry.