BakeryBiz, May-Jun, 2021

A stalwart of the Indian culinary world, Dr. Chef Soundararajan Palaniappan’s sudden demise left the Indian hospitality fraternity in a state of shock and grief. Dr. Chef Soundararajan will be fondly remembered not just as a professional chef but also a mentor to India’s leading chefs in the culinary world. Dr. Chef Soundararajan worked selflessly towards the greater good of all the chefs across the world, inspiring in all ways possible and sharing all that he learned and continued to learn, holding the Indian culinary fraternity together.

The founder general secretary of the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) and an honorary member of the WORLDCHEFS, Dr. Chef Soundararajan set new benchmarks of culinary excellence during his four decades of journey in the gastronomic world. A joint Guinness Book of World Records holder for creating a restaurant at the highest altitude of the earth, Dr. Chef Soundararajan was a recipient of the National Award as the Best Chef of India from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and founder member of South India Chefs Association. For promoting the
Eat Right movement, he was awarded by FSSAI, Ministry of Health. Apart from serving as the Executive Chef at the official guest house of the Prime Minister of India, Hyderabad House, Dr. Chef Soundararajan worked as the corporate executive chef at Mahindra Holidays where he set up F&B operations at their 50 resorts.

With an honorary doctorate from Vel’s University in Hospitality Management D.Litt., Dr Chef Soundararajan was a WACS certified chef, certified in world cuisine from the Culinary Institute of America, fellowship from St Nicholls University Louisiana and the co-founder of Young Chefs Association of India as also the founder general secretary of Chefs Guild of India. He also founded Culinary Vision Private Limited and Chef Soundar Culinary Academy. Not to forget, the rare achievement of being the first chef in India to receive a doctorate.

Not only was Dr Chef Soundararajan a chef par excellence, he was also a true humanitarian too – spearheading charity-based events and even offering support to a bakery school in Alwarpet, Chennai, run by Chennai Corporation, Hot Breads and Rotary Club for the Underprivileged. He will be remembered as an innovator who was instrumental in mentoring many young talents. He is survived by his family in Chennai.