The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) held a grand event at the India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, to commemorate its 10th anniversary. The celebration, themed ‘A Decade of Excellence, Empowerment, and Employment’, highlighted THSC’s journey and achievements over the past decade and set the stage for future initiatives.
The event kicked off with the registration and welcoming of guests at 10:30 am, followed by the lamp lighting ceremony, the national anthem, and a cultural event. Esteemed guests, including industry leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders, graced the occasion, reflecting the significance of the milestone.
Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of THSC, delivered the welcome address, setting a positive tone for the day. She emphasised the council’s mission of enhancing skills and creating employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The CEO of THSC, Rajan Bahadur, then presented the detailed journey of THSC, outlining its accomplishments and growth over the past 10 years. He showcased key initiatives and programmes that have significantly contributed to the sector’s development.
One of the key highlights of the event was the announcement of THSC’s special initiative, ‘Empowering 100 Dreams: THSC’s Commitment to Skill Women’, on its 10th anniversary. This initiative empowers women by providing them with the necessary skills to thrive in the tourism and hospitality industry. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, spoke passionately about this commitment, underscoring the importance of gender inclusivity in the workforce and the positive impact it has on the industry and society at large.
Another major highlight was the release of Aarohan July 2024, THSC’s biannual newsletter. This edition of Aarohan provides comprehensive insights into the latest developments, success stories, and THSC’s plans. It is a valuable resource for stakeholders to stay informed about the council’s ongoing initiatives and achievements.
The morning sessions included insightful addresses from prominent industry leaders. Key highlights include:
- KB Kachru, Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, Radisson Hotels Group, South Asia, delivered a keynote address emphasising the importance of skill development in the hospitality sector. He discussed the evolving demands of the industry and the need for continuous upskilling to meet global standards.
- Rattan Keshwani, former Chairperson of THSC, shared his insights on the evolution of the council and its impact on the industry. He praised the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in driving THSC’s success.
- Suhas Deshmukh, Director of NCVET, spoke about the critical role of vocational education and training in empowering youth and enhancing employability.
- Rishikesh Patankar, Vice President of Government Programmes at NSDC, highlighted government initiatives supporting skill development. He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving large-scale impact.
The event also featured the recognition of participants from the PMKVY 4.0 Street Food Vendors International Placement programme and the presentation of apprenticeship certifications. This segment was led by the Chairperson and CEO of THSC, highlighting THSC’s commitment to practical training and employment. The participants shared their experiences, emphasising the transformative impact of the programme on their lives and careers.
In a special address, Sanjay Bose, Executive Vice President and Head of Human Resources at ITC Hotel Division, discussed the significance of national apprenticeships in the hospitality industry. He highlighted ITC Hotels’ collaboration with THSC to foster a skilled workforce and enhance service standards.
A virtual address was given by the Guest of Honour, Atul Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Secretary, MSDE, GoI. He commended THSC’s efforts in driving skill development and employment, reiterated the government’s support for such initiatives, and encouraged continued innovation and collaboration.
Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (I/C) Jayant Chaudhary, MSDE, GoI, virtually addressed a gathering of over 300 attendees and congratulated THSC on its decade-long journey and significant contributions to the sector. They emphasised the importance of skill development in achieving national growth and urged all stakeholders to continue their efforts towards this common goal.
Post-lunch sessions included the presentation of awards to outstanding training partners, industry partners, and assessment agencies. The awardees were recognised for their exceptional contributions to skill development and their role in enhancing the quality of training and assessment.
A high tea session followed, providing an excellent networking opportunity for all attendees. It allowed industry leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders to connect and discuss future collaborations and initiatives.
The 10th-anniversary celebration of THSC was a resounding success, reaffirming its dedication to empowering individuals through skill development and contributing to the growth of India’s tourism and hospitality industry. With a clear vision for the future, THSC aims to continue its journey of excellence, empowerment, and employment, making a lasting impact on the industry and the nation.
