Dr Dileep Agnihotri
Various academic activities are being carried on even during the pandemic, tourism being an important aspect of studies for which The Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow launched the first of its kind initiative to provide online summer training to students in association with Voice of India Tourism today.It is a group of likeminded tourism professionals who are contributing in the area of skill development.
The inaugural function which took place on the webinar platform was presided by Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Lucknow. Sri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State Tourism and Culture, Government of India was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Prof. S. P. Bansal, Vice Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh Technical University and President, Indian Hospitality of Tourism Congress was the special guest. Stalwarts from the industry included Mr. EM Najeeb, Sr. Vice President, Indian Association of Tour Operators Mr. Rajesh Mudgil, Hony. Secretary IATO and Sunil Mishra, MD, Cosmos Global & both of VOIT Founders Mr Vishal yadav, Mr Dharmendra Kumar, Sri Prahlad Singh Patel in his inaugural address announced hope for the revival of the tourism industry and said that the road to recovery was by propogating ‘Desh Dekho’ an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, Incredible India campaign to promote domestic tourism.
He also spoke of a application that would link the Ministry with the industry for constant updates and better interface. He also appreciated the efforts of the University of Lucknow in this initiative created in the best interest of the students. Prof. Alok Rai in his presidential address was all praises of the industry that even though was the worse affected due to the corona pandemic was reaching out to the students and providing a means of creating a meaningful training capsule. Prof. Rai also extended the training platform to around two thousand students and fifty plus Universities Colleges and Institutions pan India to join in the online summer internship.
Prof. S. P. Bansal congratulated the efforts of the organisers in creating the unique training concept and stressed on developing the entrepreneural skills of students. The Institute of Tourism Studies, University of Lucknow through its alumni association and with the help of VOIT initiated a Corporate Social Responsibility platform where the online training is being arranged absolutely free for the students for a period of one month. The training will be imparted by over thirty five knowledge partners constituting of tourism organisations, stalwarts, tourism boards, hospitality sector, MICE sector and allied sectors. Each student will be given certificate at the end of the session.
The organisers constituting of Dr. Anupama Srivastava, Coordinator, Institute of Tourism Studies, SMH Rizvi, programmer, ITS, Voice of India Founders Mr. Vishal Yadav, MD, IDMS Group and Mr. Dharmendra, MD, geanis World and alumni of the Institute are hopeful that this initiative will go a long way in bridging the gap between the student, academia and the industry.
