MUMBAI – Sharing a common purpose of empowering people through skilling, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s leading hospitality company, and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) have joined forces with Head Held High Foundation (HHHF) to announce a program aimed at empowering youth in identified communities through capacity development and skill-building.

Guided by Paathya, our industry-leading ESG+ framework, IHCL prioritizes community development as a cornerstone of its ethos. Through this collaboration, we are taking a step further in creating impactful programs that empower the youth, preparing them for successful careers while addressing the growing talent needs of the hospitality industry. This initiative aligns with our mission to skill 1,00,000 individuals by 2030. Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL

The initiative will include a training program designed to address the evolving demands of the industry. These sessions will impart essential foundational literacy and hospitality-specific skills, preparing participants for careers in the service sector. Experienced professionals and industry leaders will play a crucial role by providing mentorship and career counselling through one-on-one sessions, offering practical guidance to help participants navigate career paths effectively. The initiative will also feature industry-based internships that provide hands-on experience.

Empowering young individuals through skill development is key to unlocking a country’s true potential and driving sustainable growth for communities and industries alike. This partnership brings together a wealth of resources to address the critical need for talent development in India. By equipping youth with essential skills and practical experience, we are strengthening the foundation for a more inclusive and skilled workforce that can meet the evolving demands of a dynamic economy. Mr. BP Biddappa, Executive Director and Chief People, Transformation and Sustainability Officer for HUL

We are thrilled to collaborate with two of India’s most esteemed companies, IHCL and HUL, in this journey to empower the nation’s youth. Their support underscores a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for skill development and career growth. By combining resources and expertise, we aim to equip young individuals with the tools they need to build successful futures while contributing to the country’s growing workforce. Pankaj Singh, CEO, Head Held High Foundation

IHCL under its ESG+ framework, Paathya, is committed to train 1,00,000 youth by 2030.

About Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is India’s largest Fast-Moving Consumer Goods company, with its products touching the lives of nine out of ten households in the country. HUL works to create a better future every day. The company has a presence of over 90 years in India and has over 50+ FMCG brands in the market.

The company focuses on Climate, Nature, Livelihoods and Plastics are its larger Sustainability agenda.

About Head Held High Foundation (HHHF)

HHH is a non-governmental organization empowering youth through foundational life & work skills training and access to education and employment opportunities. Head Held High Foundation aims to catalyze economic opportunity and build resilience at scale by strengthening cross-sector, community-based approaches to address poverty related challenges. It collaborates with households, youth cohorts and women in vulnerable communities to examine the vital components – systems, policies, thought leadership, and transformative shifts – essential for the journey from “Poverty to Dignity.”

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj – the iconic brand for the most discerning travellers and ranked as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2024 and India’s Strongest Brand 2024 as per Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Tree of Life, private escapes in tranquil settings; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; Gateway, full-service hotels designed to be your gateway to exceptional destinations and Ginger, which is revolutionising the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, the Company opened its first hotel – The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 360 hotels including 123 under development globally across 4 continents, 13 countries and in over 150+ locations. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.

Please visit: IHCL; Taj; SeleQtions; Tree of Life; Vivanta; Gateway; Ginger

Malihah Faizi
IHCL