How Did Neha Ulhas Chande from Mumbai Transform Her Life Through the 'Skill India Mission'?

New Delhi, July 15 (NationPress) As India commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Skill India Mission, the inspiring journey of Neha Ulhas Chande from Mumbai serves as a stellar example of how this initiative is reshaping lives.

The first Indian to achieve a Gold medal in Beauty Therapy at the World Skills Olympics, Neha attributes her success to the mission, which helped her realize her dreams and even earned her heartfelt recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Initiated in 2015, the Skill India Mission was PM Modi's transformative vision aimed at equipping the youth of India with skills relevant to the industry, fostering employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods. A decade later, the mission has empowered millions, providing them with not just skills but also dignity and economic stability.

Neha’s inspiring story was recently highlighted by 'Modi Story', a popular social media account on X, which shared a video detailing her journey and her touching meeting with the Prime Minister.

The post remarked, “Today marks the anniversary of the launch of Skill India in 2015, a bold vision by PM Modi to transform skills into strength. Meet Neha Ulhas Chande from Mumbai, the first Indian to win Gold in Beauty Therapy at the World Skills Olympics.”

It further added, “When she met PM Modi to express her gratitude, he replied: ‘It is I who should thank you, for making India proud.’” Neha shared, “I was once called just a beauty parlour girl. Today, I am a recognized cosmetologist - thanks to PM Modi’s vision.”

On this World Youth Skills Day, countless individuals like Neha exemplify how Skill India has empowered youth with respect, acknowledgment, and self-sufficiency.

In the video, Neha recounted her modest beginnings and pivotal moments in her career:

“I decided to pursue a course in personal grooming. I enrolled in a cosmetology course and concurrently participated in the World Skills Olympics, representing India in Beauty Therapy. That’s when I discovered the Skill India initiative.”

Reflecting on her historic win, she stated, “Skill India played a huge role in my success. When I won, it marked the first time India secured a gold medal at the international level in skills.”

Neha reminisced about her impactful interaction with the Prime Minister: “I thanked PM Modi, but he said, ‘In a country of millions, you have won this medal. I want to thank you for making India proud.’ That moment was everything to me.”

She further expressed, “Today, Skill India has evolved immensely. People respect us now. It has provided us with recognition and dignity.”

The observance of World Youth Skills Day on July 15 enhances the significance of these achievements. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, this day emphasizes the necessity of equipping the youth with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.

This year’s theme - “Youth Empowerment Through AI and Digital Skills” - highlights the imperative of preparing the youth for a technology-driven future.

Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the Skill India Digital Hub, India is on its way to becoming a global skills hub.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has empowered over six crore youth through its programs. Since 2015, more than 1.6 crore youths have been trained across 38 sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, IT, electronics, and retail.

Of these, 45 percent are women, and a significant portion comes from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

Government initiatives have improved the job-readiness of college students from 34 percent in 2014 to over 51 percent in 2024. With nearly 65 percent of India’s population under the age of 35, skilling and youth empowerment remain essential for unlocking the nation’s future.