Lucknow, 29

March (HS): The National Skills Competition for the year 2025-26, under Skill

India, was inaugurated with great enthusiasm and grace at Gautam Buddha

University. Approximately 650 participants from across the country participated

in the competition to showcase their talents in 63 different skills,

representing 36 states and union territories.

Addressing

the event, Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and

Entrepreneurship, Government of India, said that skilling is a continuous

process, developed through constant practice, dedication, and self-improvement.

She commended the participants, saying that just reaching this far is a great

achievement and that all participants are skill icons in their own

right. She also said that skill development is a vital foundation for the

country's overall development, and the energy of youth will establish India as

a Skill Nation globally.

Speaking

on the occasion, Manisha Sharma, Senior Advisor, MSDE, noted that India

currently ranks 13th in the World Skills Rankings and 8th in Asia. She

emphasized that youth can be future-ready through skilling, reskilling, and

upskilling. The program began with an inaugural address by Arun Kumar Pillai,

Chief Executive Officer, National Skill Development Corporation, who described

skill development as the foundation for national progress and encouraged youth

to strive for excellence.

The event

featured a spectacular march past by teams from various states, powerfully

demonstrating the spirit of One India, Best India. Cultural

programs added special excitement to the event.

An important

attraction of the program was the oath taking ceremony, in which Sadhna, a

participant from Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, administered the oath

to all the participants to participate in the competition with fairness,

honesty and complete dedication. Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Principal Secretary,

SEED, Assam and R. P. Singh, Vice Chancellor, Gautam Buddha University along

with other dignitaries were present on this occasion. In the end, Prashant

Sinha, Chief Operating Officer, NSDC, while expressing gratitude to all the

guests, participants and partner organizations, said that this event will

provide a new direction to the skill development of India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi