‘Learning for Life’: Diageo India Supports 100 PwDs in Bengaluru with Skills for the Hospitality Industry

Bengaluru, March 2, 2026: Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd.) among the country’s leading alco-bev companies has partnered with the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD) to train and place over 300 students in Food & Beverage Services under its ‘Learning for Life' program in FY 2026. The convocation ceremony for 100 students trained in the Bengaluru centre was held in the presence of Mr. Pradeep Jain, Chief Financial Officer, Diageo India, Mr. Ravindra Singh, CEO, Skill Council for Persons with Disability and senior leaders from Hotel JW Marriot, Hotel Grand Sheraton, Hotel Royal Orchid, Café Coffee Day, and Hatti Kappi.

In 2023, Diageo India expanded its ‘Learning for Life’ programme to include Persons with Disability, preparing them for roles in the Business and Hospitality sector. The three-month long residential training program is conducted at SCPwD-affiliated training centres in Ghaziabad and Bengaluru, by certified trainers and assessors. So far, 627 students have successfully completed trainings across these centres, preparing them for promising careers in the hospitality sector. Students are trained in Food and Beverage Services, Interpersonal skills, Employability skills and Communication skills, which ensures they are equipped with the support needed to meet demands of the hospitality sector. Post completion of the program, students are employed by SCPwD’s placement partners includingJW Marriot, Hotel Royal Orchid, Lemon Tree Hotel, and Hilton Hotels India, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Raddison all of whom have come together to build a more inclusive ecosystem in the hospitality industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pradeep Jain, Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer at Diageo India (United Spirits Ltd), added, “True inclusion is about creating equitable access to opportunity and ensuring talent is recognized without barriers. Through ‘Learning for Life’, we are building pathways that enable persons with disabilities to gain industry-relevant skills, confidence, and meaningful employment. We deeply value our partnership with the Skill Council for Persons with Disability, whose expertise and on-ground commitment to advancing inclusive skilling has been instrumental in driving this impact. Together, we are scaling sustainable models that not only transform individual lives but also strengthen the hospitality ecosystem with diverse and capable talent.”

Ravindra Singh, CEO of the Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SCPwD), added, “Diageo India’s leadership in driving inclusion and diversity sets an example for others to follow. Together, we are not just creating job opportunities but breaking down barriers that have previously limited Persons with Disabilities from gaining mainstream employment.”

One of the program's beneficiaries Chaithra L shared, “Before joining ‘Learning for Life’, I often questioned whether I would get a fair opportunity to prove myself. This program helped me discover my strengths, build practical skills, and most importantly, believe in my own potential. Today, I feel prepared and confident to begin my journey in the hospitality industry. For me, this is more than a job, it’s independence, dignity, and a fresh start.”

About SCPwD:

SCPwD was incepted in October 2015 jointly by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Confederation of India Industry (CII) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), to fulfil the mission of mainstreaming ‘Persons with Disability’ (PwD).

About Diageo India (USL): 

Diageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL). Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 35 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells, and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India’s growth agenda. 

For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com.

Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere