Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal, 18th September 2026: In a major boost to women empowerment and youth employment in Manipur, 63 young women from different districts of the state are set to join Marriott Hotels across India under ‘Project Pranita’.
The flag-off and felicitation ceremony was held at Headquarters, Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), Mantripukhri, Imphal on 18th September 2026.
Project Pranita is a joint initiative of Assam Rifles (IGAR South) in collaboration with Marriott International under its ‘Serve 360’ sustainability framework and women empowerment programme. The project aims to provide formal employment and long-term careers in the hospitality industry to young women from vulnerable communities of Manipur.
Under the project, the 63 selected women, aged between 18 to 28 years, have undergone intensive training in hospitality, communication, housekeeping, food & beverage service and workplace readiness through training partners affiliated with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).
Highlights of the Ceremony:
During the ceremony, the selected candidates were felicitated and each was presented with one suitcase for their onward journey to join duty, as a token of support and encouragement from Assam Rifles.
Mrs. Devleena Basu, Chairperson, Red Shield Division, Family Welfare Organisation (RSFWO), addressed the gathering. In her address, she emphasized the importance of *”Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”* and lauded the courage and determination of the young women. She stated that Project Pranita is not just about employment, but about empowering daughters of Manipur to become self-reliant and role models for others.
Speaking about the initiative, a representative of Marriott International said, “People have always been at the heart of our success. Through Project Pranita, we are breaking barriers and creating pathways for young women from the Northeast to build careers in the hospitality sector.”
After completion of training, the women will be placed in various Marriott properties in Delhi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Bengaluru and Kolkata with attractive salary packages, accommodation and career growth opportunities.
Senior officers from IGAR (South), representatives from Marriott International, State Tourism Department, media fraternity and parents of the trainees attended the ceremony.
