SDD, Honda India Foundation and Visan Foundation Begin Hospitality Skills Training Under Sikkim INSPIRES
Gangtok, 1 December (IPR): The Skill Development Department (SDD) in partnership with Honda India Foundation & Visan Foundation, under Sikkim INSPIRES, launched a training programme on ‘Guest Service Associate (Food & Beverage), today at the Skill Development Department at Sokeythang, Tadong.
The two-month training programme aims to equip students with essential skills required in the hospitality sector.
The event was graced by Chief Guest, Ms Mingma Lhamu Sherpa, Chairperson, SDD.
In her address, the Chief Guest congratulated the incoming trainees and encouraged them to give their best in mastering the required skills over the next two months. She emphasised that such an opportunity is rare and urged them to make full and effective use of it. She highlighted that three important organisations have collaborated to provide this training, underscoring its significance.
Ms Sherpa further informed the trainees that upon completion, they would have opportunities to work anywhere be it within Sikkim, across India, or even abroad. She also stressed on the importance of punctuality and regular attendance, urging the trainees to learn with sincerity and make the most of this valuable programme.
Mr Bimal Neopaney, OSD, SDD, delivered an inspiring address enriched with motivational anecdotes. He emphasised that habit is one of the most crucial factors in achieving success. He spoke personally to the trainees, stating that when you take your first step people may laugh, when you take your second and third steps, they may try to pull you down, but once you succeed, those very same people will show you respect.
He spoke at length about perseverance and reiterated that intelligence holds little value without discipline. Mr Neopaney encouraged everyone to always strive for excellence and to avoid seeking shortcuts in life. He concluded his motivational address with the powerful message, “When you believe you can, no one can stop you.”
Ms Tashi Cho Cho, Secretary SDD, welcomed all the students and congratulated the first batch of trainees stating that this training is a landmark event with Sikkim INSPIRES. While interacting with the trainees, she explained that ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ holds great significance as it coincides with 100 years of India’s Independence. She added that the nation’s leadership envisions India as a fully developed country by then, and therefore programmes across various sectors are being developed and strengthened. With nearly 35% of India’s population being youth, she highlighted that this demographic strength can be transformed into national power through skill development.
Ms Tashi further explained that Honda’s CSR focus on hospitality is deliberate, as students from the North East excel in this sector due to their strong communication skills and calm disposition.
Encouraging the trainees to approach the programme with sincerity, she emphasised that skills, combined with qualification, greatly enhance employability. She described this phase as a “Golden Period” and urged the trainees to seize the opportunity and transform it into something meaningful.
She also noted that for those aspiring to work abroad, such skills are invaluable. Ms Tashi advised the students to keep an open mind and absorb as much as they can. She concluded by stressing the importance of feedback, stating that motivated trainees, in turn, motivate the Department.
Mr Samdup Bhutia, Additional Secretary, SDD, and Nodal Officer for Sikkim INSPIRES, delivered an informative address on the INSPIRES programme. He elaborated on its mission to enhance economic opportunities for women and youth through skill training, entrepreneurship support, and career development in non-farm sectors. He noted that this is SDD’s first training initiative under Sikkim INSPIRES, marking it as a landmark event. He added that the programme has been in preparation for several months, and that the day’s launch represents the fruit of that hard work.
Mr Bhutia encouraged the trainees to take the training seriously and allow it to become a stepping stone toward a better future. He also detailed the investment being made in each trainee by Honda and the Visan Foundation, and applauded Honda for its CSR initiative and for providing opportunities, especially in the North East. He assured the trainees of 100% placement within the state, elsewhere in India, or internationally.
He further informed the trainees that, under the guidance of the Government of Sikkim, the Secretary SDD, Chairman SDD, and OSD SDD, the following additional support will be provided:
- Transportation assistance: a one-time payment of Rs 5,000 for trainees residing outside the GMC area
- Stipend: Rs 100 per day
- Boarding support: Rs 250 per day
Additionally, the Government will extend post-placement support:
- For placements within the trainee’s own district: male trainees will receive Rs 1,500 for one month, while female trainees will receive Rs 1,500 for the two months
- For placements outside their district: male trainees will receive Rs 1,500 per month for two months, and female trainees will receive Rs 1,500 per month for three months
Mr Bhutia also advised the Visan Foundation, the training partner, to begin the programme with baseline feedback and conclude it with end-line feedback, including criteria on willingness to relocate and preferred locations.
Ms Sangeeta Ranjit, Managing Trustee of Visan Foundation, began her address by sharing success stories of alumni and trainees from previous programmes, both nationally and internationally. She explained that ‘Project Buniyaad Aatmanirbharta ka Aadhar’, under which the training is being conducted, is a flagship initiative focused on empowering youth through local training and employment.
She highlighted that the initiative is built on four pillars:
- Honda India Foundation as the funding partner
- Government and State Departments as infrastructure and mobilisation support
- Visan Foundation as the training partner
- Hospitality sector as the placement partner
Ms Ranjit also mentioned that upon completion of the two-month training programme, trainees will receive a Tourism and Hospitality Certificate.
She noted that this is the first time the programme is being conducted in Sikkim, with 125 students to be trained under the initiative this year. She added that the programme has previously been implemented in Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, and Manipur.
Ms Ranjit concluded by expressing her gratitude to the Government of Sikkim, the Secretary SDD, the Additional Secretary SDD, and the Department for their support.
Later, the group proceeded to the Training Centre for the Official Inauguration by the Chief Guest and other esteemed dignitaries.
The Vote Of Thanks was proposed by Mr Saimon Paul Rai, Deputy Director, SDD.
Earlier the Welcome Address was given by Ms Pem Lhamu Bhutia, Assistant Director, SDD.
The MC for the ceremony was Ms Aakanksha Gupta, TSA-SDD, Ernst & Young.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK