Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has partnered with REACHA and the Indian Army to launch a skill development center in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir. The announcement was made on World Youth Skills Day.
Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at IHCL, stated, “On World Youth Skills Day, IHCL reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future through skill development. Guided by our ESG+ framework, Paathya, we aim to skill 1,00,000 youth by 2030, empowering individuals with capabilities that support both employment and entrepreneurship.”
He added that the skill center in Uri is part of this purpose-led approach. It aims to invest in human capital in regions with emerging tourism potential and contribute to resilient communities and a sustainable hospitality ecosystem. The center will offer courses in Bakery and Fashion Designing (Weaving) to equip youth with employable skills.
Brigadier Manish Sehgal from the Indian Army’s Dagger Division commented on the collaboration: “Working with youth and community is our commitment to nurture development in the region. The skill centre by IHCL and REACHA is a collaborative effort to uplift local communities and provide the youth with tools for a brighter future.”
Nikhil Pant, Chairman and CEO of REACHA said, “Our partnership with IHCL and the Indian Army continues to bring meaningful change to the lives of young people in Jammu & Kashmir. The centre builds on our shared vision of inclusive development through skill-building and community engagement.”
The new center adds to previous collaborations between IHCL and REACHA that have successfully run hospitality skill centers in Kupwara and Buniyar. The initiative aims to train approximately 550 youths across Jammu & Kashmir by 2026.
IHCL operates several brands including Taj Hotels which was ranked as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2025 according to Brand Finance.
