Radisson brings military heritage and food history to Amir Mahal

Hosted by Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai and Ministry of Chutneys, the 7th edition of The GReaT Conversation examined the links between military heritage, food culture and storytelling.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai⁠ and Ministry of Chutneys⁠ presented the 7th edition of The GReaT Conversation Series – Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens, an exclusive cultural evening hosted at the historic Amir Mahal on 13 June 2026.

The evening brought together distinguished voices to explore the enduring connections between culinary traditions, military heritage and the cultural legacy of South India, creating a unique platform for meaningful dialogue, storytelling and shared experiences.

Voices from hospitality, military service and culinary heritage

Bringing together distinguished voices from hospitality, military service and culinary heritage, the evening explored the traditions, stories and shared experiences that continue to shape India’s cultural identity.

The evening was moderated by Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, and featured an esteemed panel comprising Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group; Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts; Major (Dr) Praveen Raj (Retd.), former Indian Army Officer and Commando; and Rakesh Raghunathan, Food Historian and MasterChef India Judge (Tamil).

At the historic Amir Mahal

Set against the grandeur of Amir Mahal, one of Chennai’s most iconic heritage landmarks, the event featured an engaging exchange of perspectives on military traditions, culinary heritage and the enduring role of food in bringing communities together.

Leadership perspectives

Speaking about the initiative, Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts, said, “Food has always been a powerful connector of people, cultures and stories. Through The GReaT Conversation, we wanted to create a platform that celebrated heritage through meaningful dialogue while bringing together voices that continue to shape the way we understand history, hospitality and community.”

“Some of the most meaningful travel experiences are often shaped around the table, through the flavors we discover, the stories we hear and the people we share them with. Events such as The GReaT Conversation offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the traditions and narratives that continue to influence the way we experience food and culture today. By bringing together diverse perspectives from history, hospitality and the armed forces, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage that exists behind many of the dishes and traditions we cherish,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Guests and attendees

The evening welcomed an influential gathering of members of the diplomatic corps, Consuls General, honorary consuls, senior government officials, hospitality leaders, business personalities, media representatives, cultural custodians and distinguished guests for a celebration of military heritage, culinary traditions and the enduring power of storytelling.

A culinary showcase

Curated by Ministry of Chutneys, the event served as a curtain raiser to Regimental Mess & Summer Kitchens, a specially crafted culinary showcase inspired by the traditions of military messes, cantonment kitchens and summer food cultures from across India. Guests also enjoyed a thoughtfully curated dining experience that brought these stories to life through flavor, memory and shared moments around the table

From Meghalaya to Mumbai: How this hospitality group is helping hundreds of young Indians build new careers

Radisson Hotel Group announced a significant milestone under its Youth Skilling Initiative, having positively impacted over 850 young people across India through its ongoing collaboration with Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and The Job Plus.

The initiative, aimed at improving employability and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in the hospitality sector, has emerged as one of the largest hospitality-focused skilling interventions for underserved youth in the country.

Driving employability through industry-aligned training

Across the first two completed projects under the initiative, 616 young people have already been trained and certified under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), with 501 successfully placed in formal hospitality employment across leading hotel brands in India. More than half of the placed candidates are women, reflecting the programme’s focus on inclusive growth and gender participation.

Leaders speak on the initiative’s impact

“At Radisson Hotel Group, we believe hospitality can be a powerful medium for social and economic transformation. Through our collaboration with THSC and The Job Plus, we are proud to have impacted over 850 young people across eight states, including Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Delhi NCR, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana. The programme has focused on regions where access to formal skilling and employment opportunities remains limited, and it is encouraging to see rural youth participating in the initiative achieve an 87% placement rate. These outcomes reinforce our commitment to building an inclusive and future-ready hospitality workforce in India,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

“The continued confidence that Radisson Hotel Group has placed in The Job Plus is both affirming and energizing. Over the past two project cycles, we have demonstrated that when skilling is closely aligned with industry demand, it can create a scalable pathway to employment and long-term economic mobility for young people. This renewed commitment enables us to expand our reach and further strengthen a talent pipeline that delivers value to both underserved youth and the hospitality industry,” said Natwar Nagar, Founder, The Job Plus.

“What makes this partnership particularly meaningful is the shared intent to build impact with both scale and accountability. Each project cycle has strengthened our ability to reach young people in geographies that are often disconnected from formal employment opportunities and connect them to industry-recognized training and quality careers. As we move into the next phase, our focus is on expanding this initiative with greater precision, stronger employer integration, and outcomes that continue to deliver measurable value for both communities and the industry,” said Divya Krishan, Chief Growth Officer, The Job Plus.

“CSR initiatives and collaborations reflect our shared commitment towards strengthening the hospitality workforce ecosystem by equipping youth with industry-relevant skills, practical exposure, and meaningful employment opportunities. We are pleased to continue our association with Radisson Hotel Group in creating a positive impact through skill development and industry collaboration. Such partnerships play a vital role in bridging the gap between skilling and employment while supporting the growth of a future-ready hospitality industry,” said Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC.

Transforming lives through hospitality careers

The initiative has enabled several inspiring journeys of transformation for young beneficiaries. Abigail Ryntathiang from Shillong, Meghalaya, who came from an economically weak family, enrolled in the programme while awaiting her Class 12 results. Before completing her 45-day training, she secured employment at The Bay Club in Mumbai with a great package, becoming the first person in her family to enter the hospitality industry.

Similarly, Asharani Hamom from Imphal, Manipur, who grew up amidst years of ethnic conflict and uncertainty, joined the programme and relocated to Delhi to pursue a career in hospitality. Today, she works as an F&B Associate at The Leela Palace New Delhi, demonstrating the programme’s role in helping youth build careers beyond geographical and social barriers.

Expanding the next phase of impact

With the third phase of the initiative currently underway, Radisson Hotel Group aims to further expand its impact by enabling more youth across underserved regions to access formal skilling, certification, and long-term employment opportunities within India’s growing hospitality sector.