GUWAHATI: Shishu Sarothi, a Guwahati-based centre for training people with multiple disabilities, has launched the northeast's first hospitality certificate course for differently abled individuals. The course is created in partnership with the Gateway Institute of Hotel Management (GIHM) and will train up to 40 candidates. Eligibility includes people with cerebral palsy, locomotor disability, low vision, and blood disorders such as haemophilia, thalassemia, and sickle cell. "We have left out the visually impaired because we are not equipped with specific Braille learning. The course is for candidates between 18 and 40 years of age," said Saswati Saikia, programme manager at Shishu Sarothi. Candidates should have cleared Class 12 and be able to manage accommodation on a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. Most students are expected from Guwahati and nearby areas. LIC Housing Finance Limited supports this six-month programme under its Sarthak Project. The course includes a one-month internship with top hospitality organisations in Assam. Pallav Baruah, GIHM centre head, said the Assam Skill University certified the course. Training covers front office management, housekeeping, digital literacy, and food and beverages. The course fee is fully covered for students. GIHM, started in 2017, was named best hotel management institute in Guwahati by Merit Awards in December 2025. Shishu Sarothi, founded in 1987, currently serves over 100 students with developmental disabilities, supported by special educators and volunteers. This new course marks a key step in skill development for differently abled youth in the region.