Today is World Youth Skills Day, and I am particularly happy to write about it as I believe that skills are most important for youth to grow and progress in life. In fact, in the fast-paced modern life it may even be said that it is more important for youth to have astute soft and other skills, than having technical knowledge.
As young people transition into adulthood, acquiring skills prepares them for the responsibilities and challenges they will face in various aspects of life, such as education, career, and personal development. Skills such as communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork are highly valued by employers. Developing these skills early on can significantly enhance a youth’s employability and career prospects.
Recently, Mr Amitabh Kant the G20 Sherpa, delivered a lecture at Symbiosis wherein he mentioned that India’s GDP is growing at a tremendous rate and the youth who have strong skills, will benefit from it the most.
Mastering new skills boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. It gives youth a sense of accomplishment and empowers them to take on new challenges and pursue their goals with greater determination. In today’s rapidly changing world, adaptability is key. Learning new skills equips youth with the ability to navigate changes, whether in technology, societal norms, or economic conditions.
Skill development encourages creativity and innovation. It enables youth to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and contribute positively to their communities and society at large. Skills development goes beyond professional benefits. It also contributes to personal growth by encouraging lifelong learning, broadening perspectives, and promoting a well-rounded individual. Acquiring skills empowers youth to make informed decisions and take control of their lives. It reduces dependency on others and prepares them to be responsible and contributing members of society. Age is no bar to acquiring skills.
Symbiosis has always prioritized enhancing student skills, exemplified by the establishment of the Symbiosis Centre for Skills Development at its Nagpur campus in 2019. This centre has emerged as a leading Skill Development Centre in Central India. While there are diploma courses in Decision Making, and Digital Marketing & Social Media Analytics there are also certifications in Beauty & Grooming, and Mobile, Laptop, CCTV repairing & home automation among many others, which can help the youth.
On the World Youth Skills Day let us help youth around us in becoming a part of the mainstream society, by letting them know about the opportunities that exist. We can also help them gain soft skills by interacting with them. The future of our country is in the hands of youth and it is our duty to empower them. Our youth are out demographic dividend and it should be our responsibility to skill them and make them employable so that they don’t become demographic disaster!