Hyderabad, 16 July 2026: The National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM) has inaugurated a 10-day Canteen Chef Training Programme for transgender persons, being conducted from 15 to 24 July 2026. Sponsored by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens and Transgender Persons (DEPwD, SC & TGP), Government of Telangana, the initiative reflects NITHM's ongoing commitment to inclusive skill development and sustainable livelihood creation.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Venkata Ramana, Director, NITHM, who said that skill-based training in hospitality can help transgender persons build successful careers and improve their livelihoods. He encouraged the participants to make the most of the programme and expressed confidence that the training would enhance their skills and create opportunities for employment and self-employment.

Sri Ch. Srinivas, DCP, Cyberabad Police Commissionerate, attended the event as the Special Guest. In his address, he commended NITHM for its efforts to promote inclusive education and skill development for the transgender community. Encouraging the participants to make the most of the opportunity, he underscored the importance of professional competence, discipline, and self-confidence in building successful careers and achieving financial independence.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr. Niraj Gohil, Dean, NITHM; Ms. Michelle J. Francis, Training Coordinator; Dr. N. Yadagiri, Chief Warden, along with faculty members, staff, and programme participants. The intensive 10-day programme has been carefully structured to provide participants with comprehensive culinary training alongside essential employability skills. Morning practical sessions, led by experienced guest chefs, include training in egg preparations, salads, sandwiches, beverages, rice varieties, snacks, noodles, gravies, rotis, tiffins, biryani, sweets, traditional thali preparation, and fish dishes.

Complementing the practical training, afternoon sessions focus on personality development, communication and soft skills, customer service, food safety and hygiene, financial literacy, technology for business, social media marketing, and emergency response. These modules are designed to prepare participants for employment and self-employment opportunities in canteens, restaurants, catering establishments, and institutional kitchens.

To facilitate effective learning, NITHM has provided state-of-the-art training kitchens, well-equipped classrooms, and comfortable boarding and lodging facilities throughout the programme.

Reaffirming the Institute's vision, Prof. Venkata Ramana stated that NITHM remains dedicated to advancing inclusive growth through quality hospitality education and skill development initiatives. He noted that the programme aligns with the Government of Telangana's commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment, enabling transgender persons to build sustainable livelihoods and participate more actively in the hospitality sector.

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