Mr. Kunal Vasudeva, co-founder of the Indian School of Hospitality, is on a mission to transform hospitality education in India. With sharp business acumen, deep industry insight, and a commitment to inclusivity, he has positioned ISH as a benchmark institution. A TEDx speaker and passionate advocate for liberal, globally accessible education, Kunal is reshaping the future of learning. Voyager’s World brings you his inspiring journey in this exclusive interview.
What is your perception of education in hospitality shaping the next generation of leaders?
Hospitality shapes economies and communities through human connection. The future of this industry demands leaders who combine service excellence with strong business thinking. Education plays a central role in building this new leadership mindset. Institutions must help students develop emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, and sound judgment. They must create learning environments where students practice decision-making and develop the resilience to lead through uncertainty.
ISH was created to bridge the gap between skill education and business leadership. We prepare students to lead businesses, build organisations, and create opportunities that serve both economic growth and social progress.
How is innovation in education helping to pioneer the future of the hospitality industry?
Innovation in education starts with relevance. It brings together business knowledge, technology, and sustainability to prepare professionals who can lead change. At ISH, we design learning experiences that balance practical training with leadership development. Our students engage in projects that solve real business problems. They learn through direct collaboration with industry leaders.
We also expose them to emerging business models and new ideas around sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, and responsible service delivery. This approach ensures that our graduates do not just adapt to change; they lead it.
What was the vision behind establishing ISH, and how has it transformed hospitality education in India?
We built ISH with a clear vision: to create an institution by the industry, for the industry. We identified a critical gap between skill education and business leadership, and we set out to close that gap. ISH prepares students to lead with confidence. Our programs bring business and hospitality together, helping students become professionals who understand both operational excellence and leadership accountability.
In this journey, we have raised the standards of skill education, introduced leadership thinking at every level of learning, and positioned India as a credible hub for world-class hospitality talent. ISH continues to grow as the school of reference, made in India for the world.
How have the hospitality and education industries evolved over the years, and what role has ISH played in setting new benchmarks?
Hospitality now shapes experiences far beyond hotels and restaurants. It plays a key role in healthcare, wellness, real estate, and even financial services. Education must evolve to help students succeed across these growing opportunities. ISH brings hospitality and business education together. We help students build careers not only in traditional hospitality but also in industries where service and experience management are becoming central to business success.
We focus on outcome-driven programs, global partnerships, and strong industry connections. ISH develops professionals who lead with purpose and understand how to create long-term value for businesses and communities.
What efforts are being made to make quality hospitality education more accessible and inclusive through industry partnerships and philanthropic initiatives?
Quality education creates impact when it reaches every deserving individual. ISH works closely with industry leaders and philanthropists to make this possible. The Accor International Pathway Program offers fully funded scholarships. JLL India sponsors full scholarships for aspiring professionals. Wyndham India provides two full scholarships every year through the Allana Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which has already funded more than 30 students fully to date.
The ISH Endowment Fund, supported by silent philanthropists, has disbursed over INR 30 crores in scholarships. The Wish Women initiative under the ISH Foundation supports talented women in building their careers through education. ISH now extends these efforts to the Northeastern regions of India, opening access to quality education for students who often remain overlooked.
Education becomes a true reference point only when it includes everyone. Inclusivity remains at the heart of ISH’s purpose, and we remain committed to building pathways that change lives.
What is the vision for the next phase of ISH?
ISH will remain focused on becoming the school of reference for hospitality education. We will continue to strengthen our academic offerings and build deeper collaborations with global institutions. In the next phase, we will explore a multi-campus model that expands our reach and brings high-quality education to more students across different regions. We will introduce new programs that reflect the changing demands of the industry and prepare students for leadership roles across business sectors. We bring a liberal philosophy of thinking into our academic approach. This helps students build broader perspectives, develop critical thinking, and strengthen their ability to lead with empathy and responsibility.
ISH will continue to prepare students for successful careers and help them shape lives of purpose and positive impact.