Namaskar!

I am privileged that I have got an opportunity today to interact with the students of lakhs of ITIs of the country. Students from various institutions related to skill development, teachers, other dignitaries of the world of education, ladies and gentlemen!

Today a new history has been created in our country marching ahead in the 21st century. For the first time, the Kaushal Dikshant Samaroh of more than nine lakh students of ITIs has been organized. More than 40 lakh students are also connected with us through virtual medium. I wish you all for the Kaushal Dikshant Samaroh and today is also a very auspicious occasion. Today is also the birth anniversary of Lord Vishwakarma. What a wonderful coincidence that the Kaushal Dikshant Samaroh, which is your first step on the path of innovation with skills, is happening on the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti! I can confidently say that as pleasant as your beginning is, your journey to the future will also be more creative. Wishing you and all the countrymen a very Happy Lord Vishwakarma Jayanti!

Friends,

Vishwakarma Jayanti is the festival of consecration of skill. An idol by a sculptor is not called the form of God as long as life is not infused into it. Today it is a matter of pride for all of us that today your skills are being honoured and recognized on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. Vishwakarma Jayanti in the true sense is the honour of the person who works hard; it is the day of workers. In our country, the skill of the worker is seen as the part of God; he is seen in the form of Vishwakarma. That is, there is a part of God somewhere in the skill that you have. I believe that this event is like an emotional tribute to Lord Vishwakarma. Call it ‘Kaushalanjali’ or ‘Karmanjali’, what can be a more wonderful day than the birth anniversary of Vishwakarma.

Friends,

In the last eight years, the country has launched many new schemes with the inspiration of Lord Vishwakarma. There is an effort to revive our tradition of 'Shramev Jayate'. Today, the country is once again honouring skills by giving equal emphasis on skill development. To make this century the century of India, it is very important that the youth of India should be equally proficient in education as well as skill. Keeping this in mind, our government has given top priority to skill development of youth and creation of new institutions. The first ITI in our country was established in 1950. In the following seven decades, about 10,000 ITIs were formed. In the eight years of our government, about 5,000 new ITIs have been established in the country. More than four lakh new seats have also been added in ITIs in the last eight years. Apart from this, National Skill Training Institutes, Indian Institutes of Skills and thousands of Skill Development Centers have also been opened across the country. The government is also going to open more than 5,000 skill hubs to promote skill development at the school level. In the new National Education Policy, experienced-based learning is also being promoted and skill courses are being introduced in schools in the country.

The government has taken another decision for all the students of ITIs, which is benefiting all of you. Students joining ITI after passing 10th standard are also getting 12th pass certificates easily through National Open School. This will help you in further studies. Another important decision for you has been taken a few months back. There is a special provision for the recruitment of youth in the army who have taken technical training from ITIs. That is, now the youth who graduate from ITIs will get a chance in the army as well.

Friends,

Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) also have a big role to play in India's success in this era of Fourth Industrial Revolution, i.e., 'Industry 4.0'. The nature of job is also changing with time, and therefore, the government has taken special care so that the students studying in our ITIs should also have easy access to every modern course. Today many courses related to coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, 3D printing, drone technology, tele-medicine etc have been launched in ITIs. You can also see how India is taking the lead in the field of renewable energy, solar power and electric vehicles. With the introduction of such courses in many of our ITIs, it will be easier for you to get employment opportunities.

Friends,

Today, with the expansion of technology in the country, job opportunities too are increasing. For example, when the country is opening lakhs of Common Service Centers by providing optical fiber to every village, more and more opportunities are being created in the villages for the students who have passed out from ITIs. Whether it is repair of mobile phones in villages, new technology related to agriculture, spraying of fertilizer or pesticides with drones, many new types of jobs are being created in the rural economy. The role of ITIs is very important in this regard so that our youth get full benefit of these possibilities. Keeping this in mind, the government is also constantly working to upgrade ITIs and making timely changes.

Friends,

Along with skill development, it is equally important to have soft skills among the youth. This is also being given special emphasis in ITIs. The courses also detail how to make a business plan, the schemes to get loans from banks, how to fill the necessary forms, how to register a new company, etc. As a result of these efforts of the government, India has quality as well as diversity in skills. In the past few years, our ITI pass-outs have won many important prizes in World Skills Competitions.

Friends,

There is another aspect related to skill development, which is equally important to be discussed. When a youth has the power of education as well as the skill, then his self-confidence automatically increases. When the youth is empowered with skills, it comes to his mind how to start his own venture. To support this spirit of self-employment, today you also have schemes like Mudra Yojana, Startup India and Standup India, which provide loans without guarantee. The goal is in front and you have to move in that direction. Today the country has held your hand and tomorrow you have to take the country forward. Just as the next 25 years of your life are very important, similarly the 25 years of ‘Amrit Kaal’ are equally important for the country. You all are the leaders of Make in India and Vocal for Local campaigns. You are like the backbone of the industry of India and therefore you have a huge role to play in fulfilling the resolve of a developed India, a self-reliant India.

Friends,

You have to remember one more thing. Today many major countries of the world need skilled workforce to fulfill their dreams and to maintain their pace. Many opportunities are waiting for you in the country as well as abroad. The world's confidence in India is also growing continuously in the changing global circumstances. India has proved even during the Corona period that its skilled workforce and its youth are capable of providing solutions to the biggest challenges. Today the youth of India are leaving their mark in every country because of their skills and talent whether it is health services, hotel-hospital management, digital solutions, or disaster management. I remember being told by important leaders during my foreign visits that a particular building was built by the people of India or a special project was completed by the people of India. You have to take full advantage of this belief too.

Friends,

Today I would like to make another request to you. What you have learned today will definitely become the basis of your future, but you will also have to upgrade your skills according to the future. Therefore, when it comes to skills, your mantra should be 'Skilling, 'Re-skilling' and 'Up-skilling'. Always keep an eye on what's new happening in whatever field you're in. For example, if someone has done a normal course in automobile, then he will now have to re-skill himself according to the demand of the electric vehicles. Similarly, things are changing rapidly in every field. Therefore, keep upgrading your skills and innovate according to the changing times. It is also very important to know which new skill in your field will add to your growth manifold. Therefore, you must learn new skills and share your knowledge as well. I am sure you will move ahead at this pace, and will give direction to the better future of New India with your skills.

And friends, I want to add one more thing that you should never underestimate yourself. Your skill, capability, resolution and dedication are the biggest assets for the bright future of India. It is a matter of pride for me that today I have got an opportunity to interact with young people like you who have talent, skills and big dreams on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. With this spirit that may the blessings of Lord Vishwakarma continue to be with you, may your skills continue to develop and expand, many best wishes to all of you!

Thanks a lot!

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

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DS/VJ/VK/AK