In a significant move to enhance industry-academic collaboration, AAFT Group, comprising AAFT Noida, AAFT University, and AAFT Online, entered into a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with the prestigious Pride Hotel Group on 8thJuly 2025. The MoU signing and exchange ceremony was held at the Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi, marking a strategic step towards shaping future-ready hospitality professionals.
The collaboration was officially formalised in the presence of senior dignitaries from both organisations. Representing Pride Hotel Group were Atul Upadhyay, Executive Director, and Mohammad Shoeb, Vice President – Northern Region. From the AAFT Group, the ceremony was attended by Sudhir Ranjan, Registrar – AAFT University, Seema Bedi, Director – Career & Corporate Relations, and  Sudeshna Dutta, Senior Manager – Corporate Relations.
The event was hosted under the guidance of Vinod Patra, Director – Talent & Culture, Pride Plaza Aerocity, and was made possible through the leadership of Shailendra Dharme, Corporate Head – Pride Group, who ensured thetimely facilitation of the agreement. Ashish Kaul, AGM – Pride Amber Vilas, was instrumental in initiating the process.Â
Through this collaboration, AAFT and PrideHotel Group aim to enrich the educationaljourney of students with practical exposure, immersive learning modules, and career-aligned skill development. The partnership offers students direct access to internship and placement opportunities at Pride properties across India, along with industry-driven curriculum enhancement, expert sessions, and live projects led by hospitality leaders.
This MoU is a cornerstone in AAFT’s largermission to ensure that its graduates are not only academically proficient but also professionally equipped to contribute meaningfully to the hospitality industry.
 As the world of hospitality continues to evolve, such partnerships serve as catalysts for innovation, employability, and excellence,ensuring students are prepared to meet thedynamic demands of the industry head-on.
