Kanya Maha Vidyalaya launches Aatithyam- First Student-Run restaurant in this part of the region
A pioneering step in women's skill development and experiential learning
Jalandhar, February 13, 2026: Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (KMV) Jalandhar, the pioneering autonomous women's college of north India has launched Aatithyam, a full student restaurant operated by the young women of Department of Hospitality and Tourism. The restaurant was inaugurated by Chandra Mohan President, Alok Sondhi ,Dr. Sushma Chawla, Dr. Sushma Chopra, Dhruv Mittal. Anuradha Sondhi, Dr.Deepali Luthra , Shiv Mittal ,Dr. SP Gupta and Prof. Dr. Atima Sharma Dwivedi.
Named after the sanskrit ethos ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (Guest is God) Aatithyam is not just a cafe but a live training laboratory where girl students manage every aspect from menu planning and procurement to cooking service , billing marketing and interior styling under faculty guidance.
Key highlights
-Entirely conceptualized, designed and operated by undergraduate students of B.Voc. (Hospitality and Tourism).
‘Menu, specially created for student customers: quick prep items using ingredients with longer shelf ,life and minimal cooking time.
-Stunning interiors
-Located inside the college premises and directly linked to the Aatithyam Food and Beverage Laboratory , giving students real time practical exposure.
From the very first day, the students took ownership. They designed the menu keeping in mind student budgets and quick service,created the décor and are handling daily operations. This project is giving them confidence, leadership skills, teamwork and a complete understanding of F and B operations; exactly what industry demands.
The restaurant is now open to all KMV students, staff and visitors during college hours. It also serves as live training ground where students rotate through rolls every week chef, barista, server ,cashier and manager as part of their curriculum.
Appreciating this initiative, Chandra Mohan averred that KMV has once again , reinforced its legacy of innovation in women's education and set a new benchmark for practical industry ready training in the country.
Speaking on the occasion Prof. Dr. Atima Sharma Dwivedi Director Kanya Maha Vidyalaya maintained that KMV has always believed in empowering young women through skill based education. Aatithyam is our bold step to convert classroom learning into real entrepreneurship. Our girls are not just studying hospitality they are running a professional restaurant. This is a proud movement for women's education in India. She lauded the Department of Hospitality and Tourism ourism headed by Dr. Sunil Kumar for having closely contributed to the initiative.

Rajat Kumar 

