How is World Youth Skills Day Celebrated in Greater Noida?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- World Youth Skills Day emphasizes the importance of empowering youth through skill acquisition.
- Government initiatives like the Skill Development Mission are transforming the lives of young individuals.
- Women empowerment is a key focus within skill development programs.
- Technological skills, especially in AI, are essential for future job readiness.
- Inclusive training efforts are leading to significant improvements in job readiness among graduates.
On July 15, Greater Noida (NationPress) observed World Youth Skills Day with immense enthusiasm, featuring a range of discussions and activities aimed at empowering youth with modern skills.
Representatives from governmental bodies, educational institutions, and industry leaders convened to showcase how programs like the Skill Development Mission are revolutionizing the lives of young individuals by providing them with relevant skills that lead to job opportunities.
Many young individuals in Greater Noida have secured fruitful employment through this mission.
Participants expressed that, in addition to professional training, they receive vital support such as food and accommodation during their training, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their skill acquisition.
The initiative also strongly focuses on enhancing women's self-sufficiency through customized training and career opportunities.
This year's celebration of World Youth Skills Day holds special importance as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Skill India Mission.
Initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, the mission aims to position India as a global center for skilled talent by equipping youth with industry-specific capabilities, fostering entrepreneurship, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), part of the Ministry of Rural Development’s National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), focuses on alleviating poverty by providing sustainable job opportunities to over 550 million rural youth.
The program prioritizes placing candidates in jobs that offer stable monthly wages at or above the minimum wage, significantly enhancing the living standards of families throughout India.
World Youth Skills Day is recognized annually on July 15 to emphasize the crucial role of empowering youth with skills essential for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, this day was established following a resolution proposed by Sri Lanka. The inaugural celebration in 2015 was aligned with the launch of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which underscores the importance of quality education and decent work for all.
This year's theme, 'Youth Empowerment Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Skills,' highlights the transformative impact of technology on careers and society. As AI continues to reshape industries, enhancing digital literacy and advanced technical skills among the youth is vital to ensure they become proactive agents of change.
The festivities in Greater Noida featured motivational speeches, skill showcases, and inspiring success stories from beneficiaries.
Anita, one of the program's participants, shared her experience: “Before, I was uncertain about my future. Thanks to this Yojana, I came to Greater Noida and now work as a floor manager in a hospital. This scheme has transformed my life.”
Another beneficiary, Manisha, spoke about the entrepreneurial opportunities the program has opened for her: “I completed three months of sewing training. We now operate around 20 machines and receive orders from Noida, Delhi, and Gurugram, generating business worth ₹30 lakh.”
The event also highlighted initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the Skill India Digital Hub, which are propelling India towards becoming a global skills powerhouse. Since 2015, over 16 million youths have been trained under PMKVY across 38 sectors, including manufacturing, traditional crafts, healthcare, IT, electronics, and retail.
Notably, 45% of those trained through PMKVY are women, with a significant number from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, showcasing the government's commitment to inclusive growth. This extensive training program has led to a marked improvement in job readiness among college graduates, rising from 34% in 2014 to over 51% in 2024.
With nearly 65% of India's population under the age of 35, skilling and empowering youth are crucial for securing the nation's economic future.