Project Buniyaad
Atmanirbharta Ka Adhaar
A Honda India Foundation and VISAN Foundation collaboration building a sustainable hospitality skilling ecosystem for marginalised youth across India's national concern states.
About Honda India Foundation
Honda India Foundation is the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of all Honda Group companies. Honda India Foundation is dedicated to impacting lives through diverse projects across various sectors, with a focus on making a positive contribution to society. Through the CSR initiatives, Honda strives to create a positive impact in the communities that exist in and the communities to come. Real impact happens when the tools to create change are developed within our society as opposed to a mere top-down approach. Honda India Foundation vision extends beyond the immediate program, as it aspires to establish a long-term, sustainable skilling ecosystem that reaches thousands of marginalised youth in national concern states of our country in the years to come.
Reach
1,500
Marginalised youth across 9 states
Sector
Hospitality
Guest Service Associate - Food & Beverage
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Genesis of the Project
One such important tool is skill development for the youth of our country. In 2024, we launched a unique employment linked skill development project called ‘Project Buniyaad’ with the goal of training students locally and boosting the local economies of the national critical states. The word ‘Buniyaad’ in the English language means ‘strong foundation’ and that is what Honda India Foundation strives to provide to the marginalised youth. The extensive skilling and placement opportunities provided to the unemployed youth of these states through Project Buniyaad has laid a strong foundation for their careers where only sky's the limit now.
The Pillars of Project Buniyaad
Every interaction in class with peers, live training in hotels for exposure, industry visits to the leading hotel chains, practical, and international opportunities were like 'bricks' that came together to form a masterpiece. Such a large scale momentum is only achieved through collaboration and commitment, and in this case as well, the joint efforts of four stakeholders made the program a success. These four pillars have provided a strong support to the foundation. In addition to the Honda Foundation, this included VISAN Foundation as the implementing agency, the state governments and leading hotels as placement partners. The State Rural Livelihood Missions/State Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dept played vital roles in the grassroot support and coordination. Leading hotel chains such as Radisson Sarovar, ITC Fortune hotels opened their doors for the students and were an integral part of the training. It is the shared vision of all our partners that acted as 'cement' that could piece the dreams and aspirations of the students together.
The primary objective of Project Buniyaad is to empower marginalised youth from the national concern region of the country underdeveloped regions—including aspirational districts and remote areas of Northeast India and Jammu & Kashmir—by providing industry-relevant skill development training in the hospitality sector. The project aims to:
Provide structured training that is in line with industry demands to close the skills gap.
Programs that are placement-driven and practical can improve employability.
Encourage women's empowerment by participating effectively.
Provide placement assistance in reputable domestic and International hospitality facilities.
Support the Government of India's vision of skilling and uplifting youth from Aspirational Districts.
Training Details
Duration
2 months
Sector
Hospitality
Job Role
Guest Service Associate – Food & Beverage (THC/Q0301 v4.0)
Assessment
Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC)
Project Scale
Total Youth Target
1500
Phase 3 States
9
Key states:
Manipur, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Tripura
Key Activities & Highlights
Progressive expansion and deepening impact
Phase 1
we trained a total of 558 students across three states (Manipur, Nagaland, and Jammu and Kashmir).
Phase 2
we trained total of 1000 marginlized youth across seven states (Manipur, Nagaland, and Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya,Mizoram).
Phase 3
we expanded our training and reach. We are giving training 1500 numbers in 9 States (Manipur, Nagaland, and Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya,Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura).
65%
Women trained in Phase 1
52%
Women trained in Phase 2
UN 2030 Alignment
Sustainable Development Goals UN 2030
Stakeholders Involved & their roles
State Governments played an important role as stakeholders in their respective States:
The program was implemented through Government organisations either through the State Rural Livelihood Missions or the State Dept of Skills Development & Entrepreneurship.
Major Events:
NSDC international placement: 5 students (3 from Manipur and 2 from Nagaland) started their 9 months Japanese language training after being selected from Hyatt Regency Tokyo Japan in a placement drive at Manipur & Delhi.
On 5th July 24, Marriott Group of Hotels signed with Honda India Foundation for project Buniyaad. The beneficiaries of Project Buniyaad would be recruited by the Marriott Hotels Pan India.
Three students received their appointment letters for Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, UAE, from Honda officials on July 10, 2024.
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Meeting of Honda India Foundation with Nagaland Chief Minister on 23rd July 2024.
Visit of MYC Chairman to Honda Samajik Vikas Kendra – September 11, 2024 Mr. Ralte, Chairman of Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC), visited the Honda Samajik Vikas Kendra in Gurgaon on September 11, 2024. He was warmly received by Shri Patil, CSR Head of Honda India Foundation, along with officials from the CSR team.
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Mizoram – Project Buniyaad, MoU Signing & Inauguration Ceremony on September 18, 2024: The MoU signing and inauguration ceremony for Project Buniyaad was held on September 18, 2024, in Mizoram. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Pu Lalduhoma, and Shri Ralte, Chairman of the Mizoram Youth Commission.
Assam – Project Buniyaad, MoU Signing Ceremony
On December 3, 2024, a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Project Buniyaad was signed between the Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) and Honda India Foundation for the State of Assam.
The MoU was signed by the Mission Director, ASDM, and Shri Patil, CSR Head, Honda India Foundation, in the esteemed presence of Shri Jayanta Mallabaruah, Hon’ble Minister for Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department, Government of Assam. The ceremony took place at Radisson Blu, Guwahati, Assam.
Jammu & Kashmir Project Buniyaad MOU signing for 3 years with JKRLM on 2nd of Jan 2025
Meghalaya 3 years MOU signing between Honda India Foundation and Shri Ram Kumar Sathurappan,IAS Executive Director Meghalaya State Skill Development Society
On 8th January 2025, Project Buniyaad MOU for 3 years,was signed between Mr Saugat Biswas, IAS Commissioner Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Arunachal Pradesh & Honda India Foundation and Visan Foundation in a grand ceremony at the Civil Secretariat Itanagar AP. Ms Bullo Mamu ,IRS,Secretary Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and all the Mission Officials were present on the august occasion
Valedictory Ceremony – Arunachal Pradesh
The Valedictory Ceremony held on April 3, 2025, in Arunachal Pradesh witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri Nyato Dukam, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industries, and Dr. Mohesh Chai, Advisor to the Minister for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Also in attendance were Ms. Bullo Mamu, IRS, Secretary, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, along with other officials from the Skill Development Mission.
Valedictory Ceremony – Meghalaya: The Valedictory Ceremony held on April 15, 2025, in Meghalaya was graced by the presence of Mr. Ram Kumar, IAS, Executive Director.
Special guests included:
- Shri Ramkumar Sathurappan, IAS, Executive Director, Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS)
- Mr. Audrey Khonglam, Sub-Divisional Officer, MSSDS
- Ms. Marsarsuk Tariang, Administrative Officer, MSSDS
- Mr. Avishek De, Area Manager, HMSI
- Mr. Bhakupar Shadap, Director, Shadap Honda, Shillong
Project Buniyaad MoU Signing on World Skill Day (15th july 2025) in the presence of Hon. Chief Minister of Sikkim, Between SDE & Honda India Foundation & Visan Foundation.
Project Target Details and Profile
Phase 1 Project Buniyaad Implemented in following states:
Manipur, Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir.
Total Marginalized Youth Trained - 558
Religious Background
Economic Background
Phase 2 Project Buniyaad Implemented in following states:
Manipur, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
Total Marginalized Youth Trained - 1000
Economic Background
Religious Background
Phase 3 Project Buniyaad Implemented in following 9 states:
Manipur, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura
Total Marginalized Youth - 1500
Gender Distribution
Economic Classes
Project Buniyaad has been successfully implemented in the state of Manipur
VISAN Foundation, in collaboration with Honda India Foundation and Manipur Skill Rural Livelihood Mission, implemented Phase 3 of Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Adhaar in the districts of Imphal, Thoubal and Ukhrul.
Classroom
Practical
On Job Training (OJT)
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Valedictory Ceremony
Project Buniyaad has been successfully implemented in the state of Mizoram
Visan Foundation, in collaboration with Honda India Foundation and Mizoram Youth Commission implemented Phase 2 of Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhaar in District- Aizawl, Lunglei and Champai.
Classroom
Practical
On Job Training (OJT)
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Valedictory Ceremony
Project Buniyaad has been successfully implemented in the state of Assam
Visan Foundation, in collaboration with Honda India Foundation and Assam Skill Development Mission implemented Phase 2 of Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhaar in District- Sonitpur.
Classroom
Practical
Valedictory Ceremony
Project Buniyaad has been successfully implemented in the state of Meghalaya
Visan Foundation, in collaboration with Honda India Foundation and Meghalaya State Skill Development Society implemented Phase 2 of Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhaar in District- Shillong.
Classroom
Practical
On JOb Training (OJT)
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Valedictory Ceremony
Project Buniyaad has been successfully implemented in the state of Nagaland
Visan Foundation, in collaboration with Honda India Foundation and Meghalaya State Skill Development Society implemented Phase 3 of Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhaar in District- Kohima, Mokochung, Mon(Aspirational District), Kiphire (Aspirational District).
Classroom
Practical
On JOb Training (OJT)
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Valedictory Ceremony
Project Buniyaad has been successfully implemented in the state of Arunachal Pradesh
Visan Foundation, in collaboration with Honda India Foundation and Deparment of Skill Development and Enterprenuship, Arunachal Pradesh, implemented Phase 2 of Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhaar in District- Changlang, Itanagar, Pasighat.
Classroom
Practical
Valedictory Ceremony
Project Buniyaad has been successfully implemented in the state of Jammu and Kashmir
Classroom
Honda Road Saftey Ambassdor (HSRA)
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On JOb Training (OJT)
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Valedictory Ceremony
Project Buniyaad has been successfully implemented in the state of Sikkim
Visan Foundation, in collaboration with Honda India Foundation and Skill Development Department, Government of Sikkim, implemented Phase 2 of Project Buniyaad – Aathmanirbharta Ka Aadhaar in District- Changlang, Itanagar, Pasighat.
Classroom
Practical
On JOb Training (OJT)
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Valedictory Ceremony
