MUMBAI, JULY 15, 2025 – On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), in collaboration with the Indian Army and REACHA (Research & Extension Association for Conservation Horticulture and Agro-Forestry), launched a Skill Development Centre in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir. This initiative is a significant step toward empowering local youth with job-ready skills and sustainable livelihood options.
The newly launched centre will offer two vocational training programs:
- Bakery
- Fashion Designing (Weaving)
These programs are tailored to help participants become either employable in hospitality and retail sectors or begin their own entrepreneurial ventures.
A Purpose-Driven Partnership
Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, stated:
“Guided by our ESG+ framework Paathya, IHCL is committed to training 1,00,000 youth by 2030. The skill centre in Uri reflects our deep commitment to inclusive development, especially in regions with tourism potential.”
Brig Manish Sehgal (VSM), Commander 12 Inf Bde, Dagger Division, added:
“We believe in nurturing the community for lasting peace and development. This centre is a testament to collaborative nation-building.”
Mr. Nikhil Pant, Chairman & CEO of REACHA, highlighted:
“Our long-standing partnership with IHCL and the Indian Army continues to bring real change to the lives of youth in J&K.”
Scaling Impact Across Jammu & Kashmir
IHCL and REACHA have already established successful hospitality skill training centres in Kupwara and Buniyar. With Uri added, the collective initiative is set to train approximately 550 youth across J&K by 2026, fostering self-reliance, community upliftment, and employment.
This initiative aligns with India’s national goals for skilling, entrepreneurship, and sustainable regional development — serving as a blueprint for impactful public-private-community partnerships.
