Partnership Announcement

On July 28, 2026, Taj Hotels and the Prabha Khaitan Foundation formalised a collaboration under Project Prayas by signing a Memorandum of Understanding at Taj Bengal in Kolkata. The MoU covers all Taj Hotels in Kolkata and is designed to provide young adults with special needs with hands‑on hospitality training, placing them at the front desk, serving welcome beverages and assisting with front‑of‑house operations.

Key Participants

The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Mr Suhel Seth, Mr K Mohanchandran – Senior Vice President‑Operations (East & North East) of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Ms Anindita Chatterjee – Executive Trustee of Prabha Khaitan Foundation, and Mr Parvinder Bual – General Manager of Taj Bengal. Additional attendees included Ms Esha Dutta, Ms Shefali Rawat Agarwal and Ms Gouri Basu representing the Ehsaas women of Kolkata, Prabha Khaitan Foundation.

Support and Funding

The initiative is financially supported by Shree Cement Ltd., which backs Project Prayas as part of its corporate social responsibility agenda.

Objectives of Project Prayas

The programme seeks to:

  • Build confidence, self‑esteem and interpersonal skills through direct guest interactions;
  • Develop workplace readiness via experiential learning on hotel floors;
  • Encourage independence and fuller participation in social life;
  • Foster empathy and acceptance within the broader community.

Alignment with IHCL ESG+ Framework

IHCL highlighted that the partnership aligns with its ESG+ framework, specifically the Paathya initiative, which has pledged to train 100,000 youth by 2030. Project Prayas therefore contributes to this broader corporate commitment.

About Prabha Khaitan Foundation

Established in the 1980s by the late Dr Prabha Khaitan, the Kolkata‑based non‑profit trust promotes literature, arts, education, gender equality and social inclusion across India.

About Project Prayas

Implemented with Taj Hotels in Kolkata and supported by Shree Cement Ltd., Project Prayas provides young adults with special needs the opportunity to work alongside hotel professionals in a live hospitality environment, thereby demonstrating capabilities rather than limitations.

Closing Remarks

Mr Suhel Seth described the collaboration as a “watershed moment” for inclusive opportunity in India, emphasizing that progressive societies are built on inclusive participation. The partners envision a future where individuals with special needs are recognised for their abilities and have open pathways to employment, dignity and independence.