World Youth Skills Day: Industry Speaks

Agendra Kumar, Managing Director, Esri India said, “Our world is facing pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges, making us vulnerable to conflicts over land, water, and other resources. There is an immediate need to address these challenges through coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels, with technology serving as the common binding force. To bring the ideas to fruition, we need to harness the potential of the youth to bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and creative solutions to global challenges. The youth act as a catalyst for innovation with their tech savviness. As leaders, we must encourage, guide, and equip the next-gen innovators with the technical adeptness to effectively solve the challenges of the present and the future. We also need to inculcate geographic thinking so that they can make an impact at the local level. Imparting knowledge of GIS to the students of every discipline is extremely important. At Esri India, it is a fascinating experience to work with the young minds of 800+ academic institutes and through special programs such as the Esri India Young Scholar program, Master Mentors Geo-enabling Indian Scholars (MMGEIS) Program, and the Master’s Scholarships in GIS. It’s crucial to nurture the younger generation to foster a culture of peace and sustainable development. That’s the way forward for an inclusive and sustainable future for everyone.”

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, said ”In today’s ever-evolving job market, youth need a blend of advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities to thrive. With the advent of new technologies, it is crucial to incorporate immersive, personalized, experiential, and project-based learning into the curriculum. This holistic approach not only enhances their knowledge but also gives them a competitive edge, fostering peace and development.”

Manisha Dubey, Head of IDEMIA India Foundation & VP Marketing communications & Brand, IDEMIA

Manisha Dubey, Head of IDEMIA India Foundation & VP Marketing communications & Brand, IDEMIA, said “On World Youth Skills Day, IDEMIA proudly acknowledges the incredible potential of young people as the innovators of tomorrow. Committed to empowering youth with essential skills, IDEMIA aims to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. At the IDEMIA Skilling Center, we provide comprehensive training to nurture a new generation of leaders to address global challenges and drive positive societal change. By equipping young people with the necessary expertise and fostering an environment of innovation and learning, IDEMIA is dedicated to shaping a brighter future where young talents can thrive and contribute to a more secure and technologically advanced global community.”

Mr. Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India said, “We are in an era of technological advancements and as it continues to evolve at an rapid pace, equipping young minds with critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills has become just as important as their technical expertise. We all should focus on transforming education by fostering a learning environment that prioritizes innovative skills like AI, IoT, and data analysis, we can empower the next generation to become innovators, driving progress for themselves and the nation. Organizations should also take necessary steps and organize sessions, to help their employees upskill their talent. The upcoming generation holds immense potential. It therefore becomes crucial for us to nurture the younger generation, to foster a culture of peaceful and sustainable development.

At MediaTek, we have always believed in investing in local Indian talent and scaling capabilities to drive innovation for India and global markets. By providing access to workshops, mentorship programs, and technical training sessions, we can cultivate young minds, providing them with regular opportunities for upskilling their talents.”

Vaishnavi Shukla, HR Head, Comviva

Ms. Vaishnavi Shukla, HR Head, Comviva, said “As the use of artificial intelligence has started to permeate every industry, AI and allied technologies are playing a significant role in revolutionizing the technology industry by automating tasks, improving decision-making, and providing new insights. With a huge number of youth workforce graduating every year in India, it has become crucial for the government, industry, and academia to work in tandem to upskill/reskill these youth in order to become a right fit for the industry with the dynamic technological advancements. At Comviva, we recognize the immense potential young people bring to the workforce and have introduced initiatives like finishing school for college graduates wherein we do a touch-up to the new joiners’ existing skills and try and revive them to the extent that their existing skills become reusable for the company.  We have also partnered with various universities in Bhubaneswar and launched a short-term course in AI/ML to equip students with practical skills that are in line with industry requirements. By investing in their development, we’re not only building a stronger Comviva but also contributing to a brighter future for our industry and society as a whole.”

Mr. Abhijit Verma, Founder & MD, Avinya Industrial and Logistic Parks, said, “World Youth Skills Day underscores the need to equip our youth with skills across various industries, including logistics and warehousing sector. India’s rapidly growing logistics sector has seen a surge in demand for skilled labour due to initiatives like Make in India and the National Logistics Policy, and this I only poised to grow further. Advanced technologies like Blockchain, IoT, Machine Learning, and AI are revolutionizing the supply chain industry, enhancing efficiency and generating various employment opportunities for India’s youth. As such, it is imperative that government and private players collaborate to train and develop a skilled workforce which meets the industry demands of the future. Driving awareness, investing in upskilling and reskilling programs, leveraging technology-oriented training methods, will not only help develop infrastructure but also attract and empower today’s tech friendly millennials to lead forward the logistics and warehousing sector in India.”