🌸 Tradition Meets Training: Manipuri Trainees Celebrate Ningol Chakouba in Delhi, Blending Culture with Skill Empowerment
New Delhi, October 2025:
In a heartwarming celebration that united heritage with hope, the hospitality skill training centre in Delhi came alive with the sights, sounds, and spirit of Ningol Chakouba — one of Manipur’s most cherished festivals celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
For a day, the training centre transformed into a vibrant corner of Manipur, as 170 young trainees — 80% of them women — came together to celebrate their roots while advancing in their hospitality skilling journey. In keeping with tradition, the male trainees lovingly prepared and served a festive meal to their female counterparts, creating a scene filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt connection.
🌿 A Celebration of Culture, Confidence, and Career
The event wasn’t just a festival — it was a testament to resilience, cultural pride, and empowerment. Dressed in colourful traditional attire, the Manipuri youth showcased song and dance performances, symbolising how tradition and training can go hand in hand.
This unique skilling initiative has been curated and conceptualised by Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal, aligned with the need to provide sustainable career opportunities in hospitality for Manipur’s youth. Guided by the Gita Mittal Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court of India, the programme is closely monitored with a hands-on approach to ensure impactful execution and meaningful outcomes.
Funded by the Manipur Tourism Department and implemented by Primero Skills — the Training Partner of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) — the programme includes assessment and placement support from THSC, ensuring that these trainees are equipped for real-world success in the hospitality industry.
💬 Voices of Inspiration
“The Committee has strived to restore faith and instil hope in the hearts and minds of the displaced youth of Manipur, many of whom lost everything in the violence that erupted on May 3, 2023. It is heartening to see these young trainees celebrate their heritage while embracing skill-based learning. True empowerment lies in combining culture with confidence, competence, and harmony,”
— Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal
“At THSC, we take pride in supporting initiatives that honour both skill and culture. The participation of Manipuri youth — especially the large number of women trainees — demonstrates how skill development can be a powerful driver of social inclusion,”
— Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC
“This programme represents holistic growth — where professional learning and personal identity come together. Seeing trainees celebrate Ningol Chakouba while mastering hospitality skills truly captures the spirit of inclusive skilling,”
— Mr. Jayanta Das, Director, Primero Skills
✨ Empowering the Future, Preserving the Past
As laughter echoed through the training hall and traditional Manipuri music filled the air, it became clear that this initiative is about much more than employment — it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and belonging.
The celebration of Ningol Chakouba by these young trainees beautifully captured the essence of India’s inclusive growth story — where skill meets soul, and culture becomes a bridge to opportunity.
Through initiatives like this, Manipur’s vibrant traditions continue to thrive — not only in the hills of the Northeast but also in the heart of India’s capital — reminding us all that progress rooted in culture is progress that lasts.
