CCH, CGC Landran hosts 9th Edition of Culinary Contest Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein
Padma Shri Chef Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor graces the event as Guest of Honour
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 22, 2026: Chandigarh College of Hospitality (CCH), CGC Landran, hosted the Punjab edition of ‘Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein - Season 9’, a prestigious culinary initiative supported by Let’s Give Back, a registered NGO. Centered around the theme ‘My State in My Plate,’ the initiative brought together culinary traditions, forgotten recipes and regional dishes, highlighting the rich and diverse food heritage of India.
With around forty participants from across the Tricity, the judging round featured a diverse showcase of traditional recipes and culinary interpretations, with each entry reflecting a connection to regional culture and heritage. Ms. Ritu Soni was adjudged the winner of the contest, with Ms. Anita Balana as the first runner-up.
The event culminated in a special felicitation ceremony graced by Guest of Honour, Padma Shri Chef Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor; Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal, President, CGC Landran; Shri Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Government of Punjab, holding the portfolios of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labour, Hospitality, Industry & Commerce and Rural Development & Panchayats; Col. Atul Saxena, Co-founder, Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein; Dr. Vimal Kumar, Director Principal, CCH, CGC Landran, Dr. Rajdeep Singh, Campus Director, CGC Landran; former MLA S. Gurpreet Singh GP; and Ms. Sarita Khurana, Nutritionist, Food Writer and Cookery Expert, among others. Also supporting the event were Ms. Reena Mukherjee, Chief Coordinator, and State Coordinator Priyanka Jain. The event also had the support of Padma Shri Awardee Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Chef Ranveer Brar and Chef Vikas Khanna, as well as renowned Bollywood actress Ms. Suchitra Pillai.
The judging panel comprised Chef Vishwadeep Singh Bali, Chef Vikas Chawla and Dr. Vimal Kumar, Director-Principal, HMCT, who brought their expertise and perspective to the evaluation of the entries.
Speaking on the occasion, Padma Shri Chef Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor appreciated the organizers for this unique initiative and especially thanked Co-founder Col. Saxena for inviting him to be a part of it. He inspired the participants to pursue what they are passionate about and encouraged them to become leaders in their chosen fields. Extending his best wishes to all the participants, he said, “Leadership requires hard work, and I believe you will all become great leaders in your chosen fields, whether in the culinary world or in life. Make it happen.” He appreciated the hard work being put in by each participant and encouraged everyone to see the good in everything, from food to life, and to appreciate the people around them. He concluded by wishing all the participants success in everything they undertake.
The Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Mr. Sond, expressed his appreciation for CGC Landran, Chandigarh College of Hospitality, including the CGC Landran’s President, Mr. Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal, for providing students with opportunities to learn, gain exposure and be a part of such initiatives. He also lauded the organizers for this unique culinary initiative. Extending a very warm welcome to Padma Shri Chef Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor to Punjab, he acknowledged his immense contributions to the culinary field and his role as an inspiration to millions of young people in India and abroad, making the country proud. He lauded Chef Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor as a beacon for people, particularly the youth, who, through his example and accomplishments, are inspired to become entrepreneurs and excel in their chosen fields, whether hospitality or any other profession. He underscored the importance of food and highlighted how everyday ingredients can be transformed into extraordinary dishes and culinary creations, with recipes and traditions often being passed down through generations. He concluded his remarks by saying, “We are here for a short time, so let us do something for society. In this one life, this small speck of time, let us utilize it to do our best, give back to society and the world, and create something unique and memorable.”
This season of Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein - Season 9 is being conducted at more than 22 locations across India and overseas destinations, including Canada, New Zealand and the USA. The initiative was founded by the late Ms. Babeetta Saxena in 2016 and continues to thrive under the guidance of Co-Founder Col. Atul Saxena, who thanked CCH, CGC Landran and Dr. Vimal Kumar, for their valuable contribution as host and venue partner and for making the event a success. The top two winners from Chandigarh will represent the state at the Grand Finale in Delhi, with a total prize pool of Rs. 1,50,000 for the top three national winners. The event served as a great platform for documenting and celebrating recipes, culinary practices and food traditions that connect communities and generations. The edition at CGC Landran brought together food, culture and heritage, creating a space where traditional flavours and the stories behind them could be celebrated and remembered.