IndiaSkills 2024: Young Talents Share Success Stories And Career Aspirations

IndiaSkills Competition 2024, India's largest skill event, is inaugurated by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, on May 15, 2024, running until May 19, 2024. The event features over 900 candidates from over 30 states and Union Territories and 400+ industry experts, showcasing top talent across 61 categories. Approximately 2.5 lakh candidates registered for the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) competition, with 26,000 shortlisted through pre-screening and over 900 students were shortlisted for the IndiaSkills National competition. IndiaSkills 2024 precedes the WorldSkills competitions in Lyon, France, where 1,500 competitors from 70 countries will compete.

In conversation with BW Education, several participants shared their success and struggle stories, discussing their vision and journey.
 

                                                   Gowahar Bilal Najar, J&K

A 19-year-old Civil Engineer from Baramulla, J&K, showcases his skills in plastering and drywall systems. He shares his learnings and creative journey, “My professor introduced me to IndiaSkills 2024, a pan-India competition organised by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). I decided to share my skills and advance our system. I won the state-level competition in Mumbai and was the first winner, then I was sent to Mumbai for six days of training on plastering and drywall systems for civil construction. The training covered various aspects such as dimensioning, using right angles, drill machines, screws and screw placement; I learned how to finish, cut and use various instruments. My goal is to come first in the national competition and represent India in the world, showcasing India's excellence. I am confident in my abilities and eager to represent India on the global stage.”

 

                                                                       
                                                                   Puja Swain, Odisha

A 21-year-old mechanical diploma holder from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, dreams of empowering women in welding. Despite initial skepticism from her family, she has achieved national representation and hopes to represent India on the world stage, inspiring women to pursue thriving careers in the industry. She shares her journey and career aspirations, “After completing my education up to 10th standard, I went to CSC IIT Delhi, where I saw a welding workshop for the first time. When I approached to learn more about welding, one of the professors there told me to concentrate on CSC only, as welding is not a female field. That comment pinched me and motivated me to enter in this male-dominated field. Since then, my interest in welding has grown immensely. I faced many difficulties when I started, but I have been in this field for five years now. I participated in IndiaSkills in 2021 but only reached the Nationals due to a defect in my project. This time, I am participating again with the hope of representing India on the world stage. Initially, my parents were not supportive, but now they accept my career choice. I aim to become a welding instructor.”

                                               Kirteeparna Sadangi, Odisha

A 22-year-old civil engineer from Nayagarh, Odisha, aims to break stereotypes and empower women in male-dominated industries like plumbing and heating. She shares her motivation and the struggles she has faced, “My only motivation to step into this field is Rinki Mahoto. I am very inspired by her; she is my senior and a former IndiaSkills Competition winner. My journey has been 2.5 years long. I have cleared the state-level competition and am now participating in Nationals. I want to prove people wrong who think women can't excel in this field or that it is only for men. I was the only girl at the state level and now at the national level. My ultimate goal is to win the competition and become a trainer, motivating more women to pursue a career in plumbing.”
           

Sabreen, a 19-year-old visionary artist from Tamil Nadu uses Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to create traditional Indian art, promoting cultural heritage and digital understanding. She shares her vision, inspiration and creative journey, “I knew nothing about VR/AR until one day I went to the mall and saw some people talking about it. Since then, I have been working in this field for one and a half years. My college has supported me and given me the chance to participate in this competition. I have given my best and faced many difficulties in making models as I was new to the platform. However, I have taken training, learned many things and now I am selected for the Nationals. My goal is to pursue a career in this field.” 

Barkha Rawat

BW Reporters The author works as a correspondent with BW Education