As part of the Praja Palana – Pragathi Pranalika celebrations, the Eco-Tourism Division of Telangana Forest Development Corporation (TGFDC), under its flagship brand Deccan Woods & Trails, organized an interaction programme with trainees undergoing Hospitality Training in Cooking, Front Office, Housekeeping and Food & Beverage Service at the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM), Hyderabad, on Friday.
The training programme is being implemented in collaboration with Nirmaan Organization and aims to enhance employability and livelihood opportunities for tribal, economically disadvantaged and unemployed youth from various districts of Telangana. A total of 32 candidates from Nagarkurnool, Mahabubnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad, Mulugu, Vikarabad and Warangal districts are currently participating in the 15-day training programme being conducted from 8th to 22nd June 2026.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Smt. K. Shireesha, Senior Divisional Manager & Assistant Director, Eco-Tourism, TGFDC, who briefed the participants about the objectives of the initiative and TGFDC’s efforts in promoting eco-tourism-linked livelihoods. This was followed by an overview of the programme by Smt. P. Anuradha, Vice President, Nirmaan Organization, who highlighted the importance of skill development in creating sustainable employment opportunities for tribal and rural youth. Addressing the gathering,
Prof. V. Venkata Ramana, Director, NITHM, appreciated the collaborative efforts of TGFDC and Nirmaan Organization in empowering underprivileged youth through professional training. He stated that the hospitality sector offers immense career opportunities and emphasized that the programme would equip participants with practical skills in cooking, front office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage services, communication, grooming and guest relations, thereby preparing them for employment in hotels, resorts and tourism establishments.
Later, Sri L. Ranjeet Nayak, IFS, Executive Director, Eco-Tourism, TGFDC, addressed the trainees and highlighted the growing opportunities in Telangana’s eco-tourism sector. He explained the vital role of trained naturalists in interpreting forest ecosystems, educating visitors on biodiversity, wildlife behaviour, bird identification and conservation practices through guided nature trails, safari briefings and awareness sessions.
He further emphasized that TGFDC’s eco-tourism initiatives are designed to generate local employment by engaging youth and tribal communities in hospitality services, trekking assistance, field coordination and destination management activities. Such programmes, he noted, not only strengthen sustainable livelihoods but also foster community participation in conservation, ensuring that environmental protection and economic development progress hand in hand.
The programme was attended by Smt. K. Shireesha, Senior Divisional Manager & Assistant Director, Eco-Tourism; Sri S. Srinivas Rao, Forest Range Officer (Eco-Tourism); Sri K. Suman, Projects Manager (Eco-Tourism); Sri M. Akhil, Head Naturalist; Naturalists Sri Samson Raju and Sri Vamshi Praveen, along with other officers and staff members of TGFDC. From Nirmaan Organization and NITHM, Smt. P. Anuradha, Vice President, Nirmaan Organization; Mrs. Michelle J. Francis, Assistant Professor (Training & Placements); Dr. Niraj Gohil, Dean Tourism (In-charge); Dr. N. Yadagiri, Librarian and Mrs. Payal, Faculty Member, were present during the programme.
