The Kolkata Chapter of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) honoured West Bengal Cabinet Minister Shri Dilip Ghosh at a special event held at JW Marriott Kolkata, bringing together hospitality leaders, restaurant owners, industry stakeholders, and government representatives to discuss the future of the state’s hospitality sector.
The gathering witnessed participation from over 150 members of the restaurant and hospitality fraternity and served as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the industry and policymakers.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of NRAI’s flagship CSR initiative, Sip Smart, by Joint Secretary Rudresh Agarwal. The campaign aims to encourage responsible alcohol consumption, promote road safety awareness, and advocate responsible social behaviour.
Addressing the audience, Shri Dilip Ghosh acknowledged the challenges faced by the restaurant industry and assured stakeholders of the West Bengal Government’s continued efforts to improve the ease of doing business. He emphasized the crucial role of tourism and hospitality in driving economic growth, generating employment, and supporting entrepreneurship across the state.
The Minister also encouraged businesses to expand their footprint in West Bengal, reiterating the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for investment and industry growth.
Speaking at the event, NRAI Kolkata Chapter Head Piyush Kankaria highlighted the importance of industry-government collaboration in creating opportunities for skill development, workforce training, and job creation within the hospitality ecosystem.
The evening also featured a live sand art performance by acclaimed artist Vaibhav Katwate, who portrayed significant moments from Shri Dilip Ghosh’s public life through a compelling visual narrative. The performance received enthusiastic appreciation from attendees and was specially acknowledged by the Minister.
The event underscored NRAI Kolkata Chapter’s focus on responsible hospitality, sustainable industry development, and stronger engagement with policymakers to support the long-term growth of West Bengal’s restaurant and hospitality sector.


