IIFL Hospitality cum Chef Training Centre was started in February 2023 by Reacha Foundation in coordination with Indian Army. The aim was to provide the unemployed but motivated youth of Kupwara District an opportunity to learn Hospitality and Chef skills and to use it to get best possible employment in already flourishing sector which is witnessing an exponential growth in Kashmir Valley.
The first batch is of 40 students and has already completed about 60 days of training out of 90 days of course duration. Centre has all the amenities to train the students on plethora of cuisines. Curriculum was so designed as to start with basics like introduction to various tools used for chopping, cutting, churning, types of knives and their use, types of spices etc. Gradually, they were brought to the level where they can independently cook diverse cuisines.
Need was felt to introduce them to the real challenges and demands of the sector and to make them privy to the thought process of various hotel and restaurant owners with an aim to make them employable and confident. Keeping this in mind, visit of top restaurant owners of Kupwara town was planned by Reacha foundation and Indian Army today.
On the occasion, owners of top 10 restaurants visited the centre and interacted with the students. They told them about difference between training and real time situation at the busy restaurant and what all is required to cope with it. They also emphasized on importance of knowing the art of preparing Kasmiri Cuisine as it resides in the heart and soul of Kasmiri culture. They also brought out the importance of ‘On The Job training’ and determination required to become a good chef. CO, 41 RR and Town Commander were also present on the occasion.
CO, 41 RR, while interacting with the students, congratulated them for their hard work and for all that they have achieved till date. He wished them all the best and motivated them to have clear aim in mind and to relentlessly work towards it. Students showed great enthusiasm and clarified their doubts and were grateful for the opportunity they are being provided with. They had prepared many dishes and had them laid out for the visitors showcasing what they have learnt till date.
