IHCL and Tata STRIVE Empower the Himalayan Youth
The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has inaugurated its 73rd Skilling Centre in collaboration with Tata STRIVE, Setu Aayog, and the Government of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the scenic town of Nainital, the new centre brings world-class hospitality training to the Himalayas. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, Setu Aayog, marking a significant milestone in IHCL’s ongoing mission to empower youth and strengthen local economies through skill development.
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A Commitment to Uplifting Communities
Speaking about the initiative, Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, said,
“At IHCL, we believe that true hospitality begins with empowering communities. We are pleased to announce the 73rd Skilling Centre in Nainital, a significant milestone in our journey to uplift and enable youth across the country. Under our ESG+ framework of Paathya, IHCL is committed to skilling 1,00,000 by 2030. This initiative stands as one of the largest hospitality skilling programs with sustained impact across 21 states and 32 aspirational districts, reinforcing our dedication to inclusive growth.”
Developing the Next Generation of Hospitality Talent
The newly launched centre aims to train over 500 youth in three years, focusing on core hospitality disciplines such as Food and Beverage Service, Food Production, and Front Office Operations. Designed to enhance employability, the program addresses the rising demand for skilled professionals in India’s expanding hospitality sector.
A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
Under this multi-stakeholder partnership, the Government of Uttarakhand will provide funding, infrastructure, and operational support; Tata STRIVE will serve as the implementation partner; Setu Aayog will manage coordination; and IHCL will contribute as the knowledge partner. Together, they aim to ensure impactful, community-led development and strong local job placements across hotels and allied businesses in the region.
Building Talent Pipelines Across India
Aligned with its ESG+ framework, Paathya, IHCL continues to expand its footprint in skill development. With a presence now spanning 21 states, including Delhi, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka, IHCL’s skilling network stands as one of the largest and most impactful in the country. This initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to building sustainable talent pipelines and empowering India’s youth through education, training, and meaningful employment.
