In a one of its kind initiative, National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Hyderabad chapter has pledged to create skilled and employable workforce to uplift the underprivileged sector in the society. With their latest CSR initiative - 'Mission Kaam', the body takes "a critical stand to elevate the underprivileged sector in the society and help create a skilled and employable workforce for the restaurant industry," informs Chef Shankar Krishnamurthy, Chapter Head, NRAI, Hyderabad. This initiative was announced during the Indian Restaurant Conclave 2022, that was hosted in Hyderabad last month (on September 13, 2022). the conclave was inaugurated by KT Rama Rao, Minister for MAUD, I & C and IT, Government of Telangana. For the unversed, this was also for the first time in the history of NRAI that they conducted their AGM outside Delhi. At the conclave, 22 appointment letters were issued to students, as a part of the initiative 'Mission Kaam'.
That's not all. NRAI, Hyderabad chapter further took up another such mission to provide meals to the underprivileged kids in the city. Under the CSR initiative, named 'Mission Khana', the body pledges to provide "300 hot meals per day to the underprivileged children and homeless in the city and targets to scale up to a 1000 hot meals per day," Chef Krishnamurthy further states.
The conclave was attended by experts from across the F&B industry, foreign delegates, investors, bureaucrats and budding hoteliers. It was a one-day event with events like in-person panel discussions by the eminent leaders of the industry, workshops on various topics related to the sector and more.
The event further recognised some eminent personalities from the Hyderabad food sector for taking the cuisine across borders. The personalities feliciated at the Indian Restaurant Conclave 2022 were Ali Hemmati of Paradise Food Court, Mohammad Abdul Majeed of Pista House and Anumula Baburao of Café Niloufer.
Speaking about the conclave, Shaaz Mehmood, founder of NRAI, Hyderabad Chapter & Member, MC, NRAI- National, explains "The idea for the Hyderabad conclave was not only to voice the need of the restaurants but also for anybody working in the Food & Beverages space. Being cognizant of the fact that the COVID -19 pandemic has had the biggest hit on the F&B industry. We understand that to stay afloat and thrive in this dynamic and competitive market, restaurants will need to keep up with the latest F&B trends by adopting new-age technology and elevating the dining experience. Through the conclave, we aim to put Hyderabad as a significant F&B destination by providing them with solutions that enhance ease of business."