About Myself

Born June,1953

Education : Graduation, Bombay University, 1972.

Hospitality Education : Institute of Hotel Management (Dadar Catering College), Bombay                                           1972-76. 

Work : Industry : Hotels, Taj, Bombay, Salgaocars, Goa 1976 -85.

            Education : Hotel Schools, IHMs (Bangalore, Lucknow, Mumbai), NTHMC Pokhra                                    Nepal and RIG IHM Greater  Noida, 1985-2019.

R.K. Saxena, former Principal of Institutes of Hotel Management in Mumbai & Lucknow, is a seasoned professional with an impressive four-decade plus-long career in the hospitality industry. Raised in a humble family in Lucknow, a Tier 2 city, Raj Kumar Saxena defied the odds and charted a remarkable path from his modest beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in the world of Hospitality education.

Saxena holds a science degree from Bombay University. Driven by his passion for continuous learning, he pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Specialized Hotel Management from the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (IHMCT&AN) in Mumbai.

His journey in the hospitality field commenced with tenures at hotels in Mumbai and Goa, which laid the groundwork for his extensive knowledge and experience. Later, he joined the Bangalore Hotel School (IHM) as the Head of the Department (H.O.D.) for six years. Subsequently, he served as the Principal of IHM, Lucknow, for an impressive fourteen years, further honing his expertise in academics.

After his tenure as the Principal of IHM, Lucknow, R.K. Saxena's career took a prideful turn as he returned to his alma mater, IHM Mumbai, as its Principal for the next decade. Serving as the head of the institution where he once was a student filled him with great pride and a sense of accomplishment, and allowed him to connect with the students on a deeper level. Leading renowned IHMs in Mumbai and Lucknow provided him with the opportunity to shape the careers of countless aspiring hospitality professionals. Throughout his time as Principal, R.K. Saxena likely continued to contribute to the growth and development of the institutes, upholding its reputation for excellence in education and training. His combined experiences as a student, faculty member, and administrator at various IHM branches played a crucial role in his leadership, making him a respected figure in the hospitality industry community.

Following his retirement from IHM Mumbai, he engaged in consultancy assignments for hotel schools in Nepal and Greater Noida, generously sharing his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Saxena's dedication to preserving the culinary heritage of his hometown, Lucknow, is evident in his co-authorship of the best-selling coffee table book "Dastarkhwan-e-Awadh – The Cuisine of Awadh,” published by Harper Collins (India). This book takes readers on a captivating historical and cultural journey through timeless recipes from the majestic kitchens of the Awadh region, showcasing his profound understanding of the area's culinary traditions.

As an avid traveller, Saxena has explored various places, enriching his understanding of diverse cultures and cuisines. Currently, he works as an independent hospitality consultant based in Lucknow, utilising his vast expertise to provide valuable insights and guidance to businesses and individuals in the hospitality industry.

Overall, R.K. Saxena's journey from humble beginnings to a prominent figure in the hospitality field is a testament to his passion for learning and dedication, establishing him as a respected authority in his domain.