Equipping youth with practical skills essential for building self-reliant, capable India: Governor

The Hindu

31-05-2025

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Saturday inaugurated the Indian Institute of Future Skills at the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) in Mysuru.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Gehlot said that equipping youth with practical skills is essential for building a self-reliant and capable India.
He said that skill-based education is a powerful catalyst for the social and economic empowerment of rural, underprivileged, and marginalised communities. 'Only when every youth is equipped with both knowledge and practical skills can the vision of a 'Skilled and Capable India' be realised,' he said.
The Governor noted that various government initiatives—both at the Centre and in States—are helping India move towards becoming the 'Skill Capital of the World' and highlighted flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, National Skill Development Mission, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and the Skill India Mission. These schemes were instrumental in enhancing youth employability and meeting industry demands.
'India has a demographic advantage with around 65% of the population under the age of 35. By providing this youth population with proper training and guidance, India can achieve economic, social, and technological strength on the global stage,' he remarked.
Mr. Gehlot stressed the growing importance of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, describing them as vital areas that are transforming economies and creating new avenues for employment and innovation.
Praising the collaboration behind the launch of the new skill centre, the Governor lauded the joint efforts of KSOU, the National Skill Development Corporation, Skill India, and the Ethnotech Group in establishing the Indian Institute of Future Skills at KSOU. He also commended KSOU for its NAAC A+ accreditation.
Sharing a personal anecdote, the Governor recalled his early days working at the Birla company in Madhya Pradesh, where he took on multiple roles despite being appointed as a supervisor. 'Doing every kind of job helps one build comprehensive skills,' he said.
Nirmalanandanatha Swami of Sri Adichunchanagiri Math, Prakashanath Swami, managing director of SJB and BGS Group of Institutions and Hospitals, Sharanappa V. Halse, Vice-Chancellor of KSOU, Nagaraja N.M., managing director of Karnataka Skill Development Corporation, and other dignitaries were present.