Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, has taken a pioneering step in inclusive education with the launch of a Certificate Course in Inclusive Food Truck Operations at its Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management (IHTM). Approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the programme is the first of its kind in the country, offering 30 seats—20 reserved for deaf students and 10 for other aspiring entrepreneurs.
The course draws inspiration from Dafeteria, an inclusive food start-up conceived by MDU alumna and University of California, Berkeley graduate Ms. Padmajai. Built on the principle of dignity over charity for persons with disabilities, Dafeteria has already earned national recognition through its young leaders, Mr. Sahil and Mr. Mandeep, whose team showcased their culinary venture at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Designed to blend hospitality skills with entrepreneurship, the programme aims to empower deaf students with the training needed to launch and manage food truck businesses, shifting the narrative from dependence to self-reliance. By promoting employability, breaking barriers of social isolation, and fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh called the programme “a proud milestone for inclusive education and entrepreneurship,” while Registrar Dr. K.K. Gupta hailed the RCI approval as a breakthrough moment for the University. Prof. Ashish Dahiya, Director of IHTM, highlighted the uniqueness of the initiative: “We are the first university in India to launch such a course, and it will serve as a national model of inclusive skilling.”
The initiative has drawn praise from across academia. Experts from Delhi Skills & Entrepreneurship University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and IGNOU lauded the course as a transformative effort that bridges skill development, inclusivity, and social entrepreneurship. IGNOU has even published a case study on the MDU model.
Prof. Sandeep Malik of IHTM summed it up: “This is a living example of how universities can create real-world impact. The Inclusive Food Truck Operations course will skill individuals, spark entrepreneurial journeys, and inspire a wider culture of acceptance and inclusivity.”
