Bangalore, India – 27 May, 2025 – The Indian School of Tea (IST), India’s first global tea education platform, celebrated International Tea Day with a landmark virtual event that brought together global voices, cross-cultural perspectives, and a forward-looking vision for tea. Held under the theme “Brew the Future,” the event also marked the first anniversary of the Indian School of Tea, reflecting its rise as a dynamic center for tea education and career transformation.

Participants from Korea, Japan, Canada, parts of Europe, Australia, Nepal, and across India joined the celebration, reinforcing the truly international spirit of the occasion.

Global Thought Leadership on Tea

The highlight of the program was a pair of powerful keynote sessions from internationally acclaimed tea scholars:

• Professor Brian Park from Korea, developer of the groundbreaking ‘Teaics’ framework and contributor to the Routledge Handbook of Tea Tourism (London, 2023), spoke on “Korea’s New Tea Culture through Teaics.” His talk explored how Korea is blending traditional wisdom with modern expression in its evolving tea landscape.
• Professor Dr. Hartwig Bohne, founder of the European Tea Culture Institute, shared insights on “Tea Cultures of Europe – Bridging Continents by Ceremonial Tea Consumption.” His address emphasized the role of ceremonial tea in cross-cultural connection, wellness, and contemporary living in the West.

One Year of Brewing Change

The event celebrated one year since the founding of the Indian School of Tea, during which it has successfully run multiple programs in tea appreciation, tea entrepreneurship, blending, pairing, and tea room management, attracting learners from diverse backgrounds.

Founder Susmita Das Gupta, India’s first global tea artist, shared the school’s journey so far and its roadmap ahead. “Brew the Future is not just a theme — it’s our commitment to creating a global, inclusive, and future-ready tea culture rooted in Indian excellence,” she noted in her keynote address.

Brew the Future: A Vision for the Next Generation

At the core of the celebration was the unveiling of ‘Brew the Future’, an initiative to inspire a new generations to embrace tea as their first choice of beverage and look at tea as a career, a passion, and a cultural legacy. It aims to reimagine Indian tea for the next generation — through innovation, education, and global collaboration.

Alumni Spotlights: Brewing Global Careers

In a moving segment titled “Voices Brewing Change,” three alumni of the Indian School of Tea shared their professional journeys since earning their certifications:

• Irfan Danawala, Teapreneur – Building a global brand centered on Indian specialty teas.
• Swathy R, Chocolatier – Innovating with chocolate-tea pairings using Indian regional teas.
• Shyam Prakash, Tech Professional – Transitioning into the tea world to build a future-focused tea business integrating wellness and AI.

Their stories highlighted how the Indian School of Tea is not just teaching tea — it’s shaping futures.

A Platform for Global Collaboration

As India’s first global school for tea, the Indian School of Tea is committed to making Indian tea accessible, aspirational, and globally respected. It aims to position itself as a center of excellence in the days to come — combining education, entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling to promote Indian tea on the world stage.

The school is now in discussions with international academic and cultural institutions for future collaborations, exchange programs, and joint certifications, reinforcing its mission to place Indian tea back in global focus.

Indian School of Tea was founded in 2024 by Susmita Das Gupta, India’s first global tea artist. It offers certification programs, short courses, and immersive learning experiences for aspiring tea professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more or complete a Tea Certificate program, please contact:

Email: [email protected]

Mob: +91 9108235096

Website: www.indianschooloftea.com

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Company Name: Indian School Of Tea
Contact Person: Susmita Das Gupta
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Country: India
Website: https://indianschooloftea.com/