Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President, IHCL said, “Uttarakhand is a well-established tourism destination with vast potential for employment generation in the hospitality sector. In line with IHCL’s ESG+ framework of Paathya, this upcoming skill centre will empower the region’s youth with industry-relevant training, encouraging inclusive growth while contributing to India’s travel and tourism economy.”

The New Skill Development Centre for Youth in Nainital, Uttarakhand is in collaboration with SETU Aayog, Tata STRIVE, Kumaun University (KU), Nainital, Uttarakhand Skill Development Society and Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand . 

Shri Raj Shekhar Joshi, Hon’ble Vice Chairman of SETU Aayog, said, “This initiative is a step forward in aligning industry and academia for job creation and regional economic growth. Through this partnership, Uttarakhand is setting a benchmark for collaborative, industry driven and outcome-driven skilling.” 

The multi-partner initiative includes Tata STRIVE as the implementation partner, with Kumaun University providing the centre infrastructure. The Departments of Skill Development and Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand, will support operational funding. Over a period of three years, the centre aims to train over 500 youth through entry-level courses in Food & Beverage Service, Front Office and Kitchen, supported with hostel facilities. The program will also include on-the-job internships to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Ameya Vanjari, COO, Tata STRIVE, said, “This collaboration will open meaningful career pathways for the youth of the hills and create a ripple effect in local development.”

Under its industry-leading ESG+ framework of Paathya, IHCL partners for 53 skill centres across India. With a target to train 1,00,000 youth by 2030, IHCL continues to invest in building future-ready talent and enabling economic upliftment through sustainable skilling efforts.

Read more: News

In her address at the Professional Skill Development Course at Amity University, Noida, she spoke on higher education, student readiness, industry upskilling and the evolving manpower needs of the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Writing as Expression: The Core of Travel Storytelling

Setting the tone for her address, she reflected on the profound shifts in the post-pandemic world. “Post-pandemic, the dynamics of doing business have changed completely, and every business is done differently. So too, the face of travel has changed. But one thing has not changed, and that is the love for travel.”

For her, the communication of that love lies in writing. Travel writing, she noted, has always come naturally because it is rooted in something deeply human: expression.

“Writing in the first place is the expression of oneself,” she said, explaining that expression today sits at the centre of many aspects of life, including healing, leadership and personal growth. The act of expression, she emphasised, places an individual on the right path, whether in career, personal development or ambition. Writing, therefore, becomes more than a skill; it becomes a foundational human tool.

She added that while expression can take many forms—art, painting, sculpture—writing remains the most enduring. It leaves behind a record, something that can inspire, connect and communicate across time. In that sense, writing is not only an instrument of expression but also a viable career path, one that people unknowingly engage with throughout their lives.

Travel and Writing: The Most Expressive Union

When writing is applied to travel, she described it as being directed toward “the happiest part of human experience.” Travel enables exploration of self, destination and purpose, creating a space where individuals can grow and evolve.

“Travel on one end and writing on the other are two of the most expressive and beautiful areas in which every individual is able to flower,” she said.

Importantly, she stressed that one does not need to be a master writer to begin. Blogging and social media have democratised expression. They allow individuals to share their voice, reach global audiences and build identity. “What is there to stop anyone from becoming the best version of themselves? Nothing,” she remarked.

Writing as a Profession: Where Discipline Meets Creativity

Turning to writing as a profession, she drew a clear distinction between casual expression and professional responsibility.

A professional writer, she explained, cannot rely on mood. Writing becomes structured, deadline-driven and purposeful. Yet, even within this discipline, the essence of self-expression remains intact.

For her, writing rests on two pillars: creative thought and discipline. Discipline includes meeting deadlines, ensuring grammatical accuracy, maintaining SEO relevance and, most importantly, understanding topicality.

She emphasised that writing must reflect what people are thinking and feeling at a given time. Seasonal relevance, cultural context and global developments shape what audiences want to read. “That is how a writer plugs into the needs of a wider audience and slowly begins to understand the psychology of writing,” she explained.

Understanding the Audience Mind

Travel writing, she noted, demands curiosity and insight. A writer must ask: What is there to eat? What is there to explore? What makes this place special? But beyond that, the real task is to uncover what is not widely known.

The ability to “read the audience mind” becomes essential. Writers must anticipate interest, identify emerging narratives and present them in engaging ways. In certain cases, travel writing intersects with journalism—covering breaking developments, interviewing policymakers or engaging with industry leaders.

Such access, she pointed out, gradually transforms the writer into an influencer, someone with reach, perspective and authority.

Influence, Identity and the Power of Writing

Over time, consistency in a chosen area—whether travel, food or wellness—builds influence. Social media amplifies this, rewarding authenticity and commitment.

Writing, she said, offers something rare: the ability to combine passion with profession and influence. Travel, in particular, transforms individuals. “In travel, one becomes different,” she observed, highlighting how it enables multiple expressions of the self.

For her, travel writing is not merely a career but “a fabulous way of life,” offering creativity, fulfilment and the power to shape perspectives.

The Future of Travel Writing: Authenticity Above All

When asked about emerging niches, she avoided fixed predictions. Instead, she pointed to a broader shift in audience behaviour.

Travellers today, especially younger ones, seek authenticity. They want real experiences, not curated perfection. Social media has enabled writers to present their genuine voice, and that, she believes, will define the future.

“If there is one niche… it is authenticity,” she said.

She elaborated that future travel writing must move beyond polished, glossy portrayals. Audiences want reality, including imperfections and challenges. Authentic storytelling, she suggested, will resonate far more deeply than idealised narratives.

Writing Without Travel: The Role of Research

Addressing a practical concern, she clarified that physical travel is not always necessary.

“In a good 70 per cent of jobs,” she said, writing happens at a desk. In such cases, imagination and research play critical roles. A writer may cover destinations like Finland or Sri Lanka without visiting them, provided the work is grounded in research and expressed authentically.

What she firmly rejected was plagiarism. Authenticity, she stressed, lies in interpretation and presentation, not in copying.

Challenges, Ethics and the Power of the Press

On professional challenges, she noted that journalism often carries inherent advantages. The identity of the press provides access and a degree of security. She also addressed women’s participation in the field, noting that she personally had not faced barriers in accessing spaces or information.

However, she issued a strong caution against misuse of this privilege. Integrity, she said, is non-negotiable. Fame may be fleeting, but the consequences of unethical behaviour can be lasting.

Her advice remained clear: be authentic, stay committed and take pride in one’s work.

Opportunities in the Content Economy

Speaking about platforms like Wiki and digital ecosystems, she described the content landscape as expansive and opportunity-rich. Writers today can contribute across multiple platforms, provided their work is genuine and original.

“The content world is hungry,” she said, emphasising that quality writing will always find demand.

She also highlighted the possibility of earning alongside a full-time job, noting that freelance writing can become a significant secondary income stream.

Mentorship and Industry Support

Discussing mentorship initiatives, she referred to programmes supporting women entrepreneurs in hospitality and tourism. These platforms connect individuals with mentors based on their interests and career stage, offering guidance across sectors including travel writing.

Beyond the Obvious: What Travel Writers Must Seek

Returning to the essence of travel writing, she stressed the importance of going beyond the obvious.

Everyone knows about popular attractions, she said, but the real value lies in uncovering lesser-known aspects—local crafts, traditions, food practices and cultural narratives.

Destinations like Gujarat or Chhattisgarh, she noted, hold layers of untold stories, particularly in their arts, crafts and folklore. Writers must explore these dimensions and present them meaningfully.

Final Advice: Authenticity, Effort and Initiative

In her closing remarks, Kamal Gill returned to a simple yet powerful idea: writing speaks for itself.

She recalled that her work was recognised even when her identity was unknown, reinforcing the belief that content precedes identity. What matters is how one writes and expresses.

Her advice to aspiring writers was direct: be authentic, research thoroughly and take initiative. Opportunities do not arrive on their own; they must be pursued.

Writers should reach out to publications, seek internships and learn through experience. The journey, she emphasised, requires effort, patience and discipline.

Writing, she concluded, is not effortless—but it is deeply rewarding. For those willing to commit, it offers not only a career, but a meaningful and creative way of life.

About Kamal Gill 

Widely recognised as one of India’s leading travel writers, publishers and entrepreneurs, Kamal Gill has played a defining role in shaping conversations around travel, tourism and hospitality in the country.

As Executive Editor of Today’s Traveller and Managing Director of Gill India Group, she has helped build one of India’s most enduring travel media platforms, with the publication widely regarded as a flagship title and among the country’s finest travel magazines. Its strong editorial standing is reflected in its four PATA Gold Awards.

Under her leadership, Today’s Traveller has also grown into a dynamic multi-platform brand spanning print, digital publishing, newsletters, social media and industry events. 

With a strong and steadily expanding digital footprint, including a highly engaged LinkedIn and Instagram community and a robust content ecosystem, the brand continues to remain relevant in a fast-evolving media landscape, connecting meaningfully with both industry stakeholders and aspirational travellers.

Read More: Upskilling India

Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL said, “Guided by Paathya, our industry-leading ESG+ framework, IHCL prioritizes community development as a cornerstone of its ethos. Through this collaboration, we are taking a step further in creating impactful programs that empower the youth, preparing them for successful careers while addressing the growing talent needs of the hospitality industry. This initiative aligns with our mission to skill 1,00,000 individuals by 2030.”

The initiative will include a training program designed to address the evolving demands of the industry. These sessions will impart essential foundational literacy and hospitality-specific skills, preparing participants for careers in the service sector. Experienced professionals and industry leaders will play a crucial role by providing mentorship and career counselling through one-on-one sessions, offering practical guidance to help participants navigate career paths effectively. The initiative will also feature industry-based internships that provide hands-on experience.  

BP Biddappa, Executive Director and Chief People, Transformation and Sustainability Officer for HUL said, “Empowering young individuals through skill development is key to unlocking a country’s true potential and driving sustainable growth for communities and industries alike. This partnership brings together a wealth of resources to address the critical need for talent development in India. By equipping youth with essential skills and practical experience, we are strengthening the foundation for a more inclusive and skilled workforce that can meet the evolving demands of a dynamic economy.”

Pankaj Singh, CEO, Head Held High Foundation said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with two of India’s most esteemed companies, IHCL and HUL, in this journey to empower the nation’s youth. Their support underscores a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for skill development and career growth. By combining resources and expertise, we aim to equip young individuals with the tools they need to build successful futures while contributing to the country’s growing workforce.”

IHCL under its ESG+ framework, Paathya, is committed to train 1,00,000 youth by 2030. 

Read more: News