GURUGRAM, India – July 30, 2026 — Samsung India today announced the Top 100 teams selected for the fifth edition of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, the company’s flagship innovation programme that empowers young people to build technology-driven solutions for real-world challenges.

Chosen from thousands of applications received from across the country, the shortlisted teams represent a new generation of innovators solving problems that matter to their communities. Their ideas span artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, accessibility, sports and environmental sustainability, demonstrating how technology can improve everyday life.

As Samsung celebrates 30 years in India, the fifth edition of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is its biggest and most ambitious yet, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing India’s innovation ecosystem and empowering young people to contribute to the vision of Digital India and Viksit Bharat.

“Innovation has become India’s greatest renewable resource. Every year we see more young people using technology not simply to invent something new, but to solve problems that improve everyday life. Over half of this year’s Top 100 teams come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities, proving that talent is universal when opportunity is made accessible. As Samsung celebrates 30 years in India, we are proud to help create those opportunities and support the next generation of innovators building solutions for the nation and the world,” said Shubham Mukherjee, Head, Corporate Communications & CSR, Samsung Southwest Asia. 

Innovation Across Bharat

This year’s Top 100 reflects the changing geography of innovation in India. Over half of the shortlisted teams come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, underscoring how talent and entrepreneurial ambition are flourishing far beyond the country’s largest metropolitan centres.

The cohort includes young innovators from Medchal-Malkajgiri (Telangana), Kaithal (Haryana), Sundargarh (Odisha), Narmadapuram (formerly Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh), Buxar (Bihar), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Kamrup (Assam), alongside participants from India’s metropolitan regions. This growing diversity reflects Samsung’s belief that transformative ideas can emerge from anywhere when young people are given access to mentorship, technology and opportunity. 

Ideas Built Around Real Problems

The Top 100 teams will develop innovative solutions across four themes – AI Living for India, Health and Education, Sport & Tech, and Environmental Sustainability, addressing real-world challenges through technology. Some of their ideas are highlighted below.

 Turning Ideas into Impact

The Top 100 teams will now advance to the next phase of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow where they will receive mentoring from startup founders, industry experts and academic mentors from FITT-IIT Delhi to transform promising ideas into scalable innovations. 

The Top 40 teams will progress to a 10-day Innovation Bootcamp, where they will receive intensive mentoring from startup founders and industry experts at FITT-IIT Delhi.  They will also have an opportunity to visit Samsung R&D Institute India-Delhi, Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore, Samsung R&D Institute India-Noida, Samsung Design Delhi and Samsung India Head Office in Gurugram. 

Supporting Innovation Beyond the Competition

Each Top 100 team will receive a certificate recognizing its achievement.

The Top 40 teams will collectively receive INR 8 lakh along with the latest Samsung laptops for every team member to accelerate prototype development.

Top 20 teams will collectively receive INR 20 lakh for prototype enhancement, along with the latest Samsung Galaxy Z Flip smartphones for every team member. They will then advance to Grand Finale, where they will present their final innovations before a distinguished jury comprising Samsung R&D leaders and industry experts.

During the Grand Finale, the programme will also feature two Community Choice Award carrying a cumulative cash prize of INR 2 lakh, and one Digital Impact Award carrying a cash prize of INR 50,000.

The four winning teams will collectively receive a INR 2 crore grant along with incubation support from FITT-IIT Delhi, enabling them to accelerate the development and commercialisation of their innovations.

Now in its fifth year in India, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow has become one of the country’s largest youth innovation platforms, encouraging young people aged 14-22 years to combine creativity, technology and entrepreneurship to solve pressing societal challenges.

First launched in the US in 2010, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is now conducted in 68 countries, with more than three million young people having participated worldwide. The programme reflects Samsung’s global CSR vision, “Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People”, empowering young people through education, innovation and technology to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Top 100 Shortlist – Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2026 

Samsung Newsroom India: Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Selects Top 100 Young Innovators with over 50% Representing Tier 2 & Tier 3 Cities

Bengaluru, 12 May 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, has launched a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Assembly Operator Trade at its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh. The initiative, driven by Ambuja Cements’ CSR arm aims to prepare rural youth for the fast-evolving electric mobility sector—equipping them with future-ready skills that align with the growing demand for green transportation across the nation.

A state-of-the-art EV lab has been set up at SEDI Bhatapara, offering hands-on training on electric rickshaws, scooters, cars, battery systems, and motor controls. Building on earlier skilling efforts in the region—such as training over 700+ local youth in trades like welding and tailoring—this new-age program reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities with livelihood opportunities that are both relevant and sustainable.

The initiative not only opens up promising employment avenues for trainees but also inspires them to be part of the country’s clean energy transition. By introducing this green technology skilling programme, Ambuja Cements continues to foster inclusive growth while helping young individuals from underserved backgrounds drive positive change—for themselves, and towards a greener future.

A Tribute to Swami Vivekanand
National Youth Day honours the legendary Swami Vivekanand, whose philosophy, spirituality, and commitment to nation-building continue to inspire generations.

The march, which began at the main gate of AN College and culminated in a meeting at the Boring Road Crossing, symbolised the spirit of Vivekanand’s ideals.

However, the day began with a seminar on ‘Skills for You to Strive and Thrive.’, chaired by the former HRD Minister DR Sanjay Paswan. It stressed the importance of equipping the youth with tools for personal and societal growth. Prominent among others included Prof NK Jha, Registrar of Patliputra University, AN College Principal Prof Pravin Kumar , and Prof Ratna Amrit, coordinator of NSS at AN Collge.

Addressing the mammoth gathering, Dr Birbal Jha remarked, “Swami Vivekanand’s teachings are timeless. His ideals of discipline, service, and self-improvement are crucial for building a better society.”

A March for Change
The students of British Lingua walked shoulder to shoulder along Boring Road. They carried placards with powerful messages. A passerby noted, “This march speaks volumes about the need to create awareness about the wisdom of Indian sages like Swami Vivekanand. Such an initiative brings his teachings closer to the people.”

The banner at the front read: “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached”! Some placards read: “Youth: The Architects of Tomorrow.” “Empower Minds, Build the Nation.”

A Legacy of Marches
Dr Birbal Jha, known for his relentless pursuit of social causes, has led numerous marches and campaigns over the past three decades to awaken public consciousness. From advocating for education and cultural preservation to promoting social justice, his initiatives have left an indelible mark on society.

In a nutshell
The 2025 Youth March was more than just a procession—it was a beacon of hope and a call to action. With Dr Birbal Jha at the helm, the event reminded everyone of the transformative power of youth and the timeless teachings of Swami Vivekanand. Marches like these not only ignite awareness but also inspire a collective movement toward a better, brighter future.

Dr Birbal Jha has led several notable marches, including:
• Gandhi March (2001): To take the message of Gandhi around
• Peace March (2003): To sleek peace and non-violence against the people of Bihar in Assam.
• March for English Literacy (2002): To promote English literacy
• English March (2003) – Promoting English proficiency in Bihar.
• March for Spoken English Skills (2009) – Stride toward better communication Skills.
• Education March (2010) – Advocating for educational reform in Bihar
• March for English Language Awareness (2011): Taking English skills to villages
• Mahadalit Youth March for Spoken English Skills (2012): Taking English to the poorest of the poor
• Bihar Asmita March (2013): An appeal to migrants to work for identity and self-respect
• English for Mahadalit March (2014) – Addressing marginalization in Bihar’s districts.
• Voter Awareness March (2015) – Encouraging democratic participation.
• March for Dowry-free Marriage (2016): A social initiative to pave the way for ideal marriages
• Paag March (2016) – A cultural revival beginning from Delhi, Patna, Darbhanga, and to Madhubani.
• Paag March to Bihar Legislative Assembly (2016): To establish and demand Paag be declared as the state cap.
• Paag Kanwariya March (2017) – 500 of Kanwariyas first time donning Mithila Paag on their heads left for Vaidyanath Dham in Deoghar from Delhi to offer the sacred Gangajal to Lord Shiva.
• Candle March (2017) – To awaken people to child safely
• March for Justice (2017): To press for justice be delivered to Pradyuman Thakur
• Baton March (2018): Child Safety campaign with baton
• Namaste March (2020) – promoting way of greetings by saying namaste rather than shaking hands.
• Kindness Awareness March (2021) – Spreading compassion across communities.
• Lingua March (2022)- Promoting International mother language Day
• Atal March (2024) – Honouring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Patna.
• Youth March (2025) – A testament to the power and promise of the young generation.

The Ekal Run was inaugurated by: Navdeep Singh, Paralympic Athlete and Javelin Thrower and was attended by: Rahul Dev Bose, Actor; Vineet Kansal, General Manager at RP Sanjiv Goenka Group; Richa Singh Debgupta, Chief of Strategy & Operations at Fortis Healthcare; Brig. N. Romeo Singh, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate West Bengal & Sikkim; Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, DIG in South Bengal Frontier of BSF; Jasmina Thacker, Chartered Accountant and Executive Director with EY GDS – Assurance Quality Services (AQS); ⁠Dr. Dhananjoy Saha, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Department, Govt. of West Bengal; Debadrita Basu, Actress; Rohit Chettri, CrossFit Athlete; Tanusri Sarkar, IT professional and Principal Consultant at PwC; Sriya Manihar, Fitness & Lifestyle Influencer; Garima Banka, Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer and an Event Planner; Ritu Saraf, Digital Creator; Siddhant Digvijay Jaitha, Celebrity Podcaster; Senior members from the organization present were: Sri. Sajan Bansal, Sri. Ramesh Saraogi, Sri. Anil Kariwala, Sri. Kishan Kejriwal, Sri. Mahendra Agarwal, Sri. Praveen Agarwal, Sri. Subhash Murarka, Sri. Bulaki Das Mimani, Smt. Rupa Agarwal, Smt. Shanta Sarda, Smt. Bina Dhanuka & many other eminent personalities.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, President FTS Yuva, Kolkata Chapter said, “We are truly elated to have witnessed the tremendous participation and enthusiasm at the 6th Edition of Ekal Run. With over 5000 runners taking part, this event continues to inspire the spirit of unity and resilience in the City of Joy. It was an honor to have Paralympic gold medalist Navdeep Singh inaugurate this year’s marathon, whose journey embodies the power of perseverance. The funds raised today will go a long way in supporting the education of tribal children across rural India through Ekal Vidyalayas. We thank all our participants, volunteers, and sponsors for their unwavering support. Together, we are making a meaningful impact, one step at a time.”

Key Members:

FTS Yuva Board Members – Niraj Harodia – National Coordinator; Gaurav Bagla – President; Rishabh Saraogi, Vikash Poddar, Abhay Kejriwal – Vice President; Vinay Chugh – Advisor; Raunak Fatesaria – Secretary; Rohit Bucha – Jt. Secretary; Rishav Gadia – Treasurer; Rachit Chowdhary – Jt. Treasurer; Mayank Saraogi, Ankit Deewan, Yogesh Choudhury, Vaibhav Pandya, Ashray Tandon, Manish Dhariwal, Pankaj Jhawar – Executive Committee Member and Namrata Agarwal – Member.

MPS was also recognized with the Silver Medal in the School of Innovation category during the Youth Ideathon award ceremony at IIT Delhi. The Smart Thinkers stall also secured the second position among the Top 100 stalls at IIT Delhi, showcasing the skills and creativity of our young innovators. Additionally, MPS received the Top 100 Mentor Award, further highlighting the school’s commitment to excellence in education.

The Youth Ideathon, organized by ThinkStartup and the Management Entrepreneurship Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) in collaboration with the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), is India’s largest innovation competition designed specifically for school students. Over its three editions, the competition has inspired students to explore their passions, address societal challenges, and propose solutions that can improve lives.

The Smart Thinkers project focuses on enhancing road safety through a unique vehicle system that prevents the car from starting unless the driver is wearing a seatbelt. The innovative model also includes a gas detection sensor that activates a warning buzzer and red light if smoke is detected. An exceptional feature of this project is the integration of a health monitoring sensor, which can detect potential health issues in the driver and automatically find a safe place to park.

“It is an incredible achievement for MPS to be recognized among the top innovators in the country. Our students have demonstrated remarkable creativity and determination through their Smart Thinkers project. This accolade not only highlights their hard work but also emphasizes our commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within the school,” said Dr. Alka Kapur, Principal of MPS.

The Youth Ideathon provided an excellent platform for the students to present their ideas and skills in entrepreneurship, and this achievement reflects the essence of MPS’s mission to nurture innovative thinkers.

This drive, which commenced on September 17 and will run through September 25, 2024, marks a significant milestone in international labour cooperation.

A delegation of 12 Israeli officials arrived in India on September 16 to oversee this ambitious recruitment effort. Their presence underscores the importance of this initiative, which aims to fulfill Israel’s growing demand for skilled construction workers while offering Indian talent unprecedented international career opportunities.

The current phase of recruitment builds upon the resounding success of the initial drive conducted earlier this year in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana. To date, approximately 4,800 Indian workers have already been deployed to Israel, earning competitive salaries of around Rs 1.32 lakh per month and a monthly bonus of Rs 16,000. An additional 1,500 workers from the first cohort began their journey to Israel on September 18, 2024, bringing the total number of skilled Indian professionals in Israel to over 5,000.

Encouraged by these positive outcomes, Israeli employers have expanded their recruitment targets, seeking an additional 10,000 candidates in this round. The focus remains on four critical areas of expertise: Framework, Iron Bending, Plastering, and Ceramic Tiling.

This initiative is the fruit of a landmark Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement signed between India and Israel in November 2023. The Maharashtra Government has shown its full support behind the program, providing crucial infrastructure and logistical support at ITI Aundh. Deputy Director and in-charge Joint Director Ramakant Bhavsar, along with his team, are spearheading the recruitment efforts at the institute.

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) plays a pivotal role in this process, ensuring that India’s skilling programs align with global employment demands. Their tireless efforts guarantee that candidates are well-prepared for the technical and professional challenges they will face in Israel.

This recruitment drive represents a significant step in India’s journey to become a global supplier of high-quality human resources. It showcases the nation’s commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for its workforce in international markets, particularly in countries that value Indian expertise in labour-intensive industries.

As this initiative continues to gather momentum, it sets a powerful precedent for international labour mobility and demonstrates the mutual benefits of collaborative partnerships between nations. The success of this program is expected to pave the way for many more such international placement opportunities in the future, further cementing India’s position as a key player in the global skilled workforce arena.

The objective of organizing such a conference was to imbibe leadership qualities and diplomatic skills among the student participants, preparing them for future roles in international relations and global problem-solving. The grand opening ceremony saw an inspiring blend of music, culture, and intellectual discourse. Mrs. Sheila Alexander, Principal of the International Campus, delivered an empowering address, emphasizing the importance of nurturing diplomacy and negotiation skills among students. This was followed by an important panel discussion that covered important facets of international relations, foreign policy, and the fundamentals of MUN.

The students took on diplomatic roles in the United Nations Security Council, United Nations Human Rights Council, Disarmament and International Security Committee, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Special Political and Decolonization Committee, Historical Crisis Committee, International Court of Justice, World Bank, International Atomic Energy Agency, Salem Witch Trials, All India Political Parties Meet and International Press Corps. This gave them the chance to hone their public speaking, diplomacy, critical thinking, and negotiation skills. Delegates were deeply involved in recreating global political crises and working towards creative resolutions, which strengthened their adaptability and persuasive communication skills. Each committee witnessed passionate debates and deliberations.

“The passion and commitment displayed by each delegate at GWH MUN 2024 were truly commendable, with many participants tackling complex global issues through diplomacy, critical thinking, and collaboration,” said Ms. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School, in appreciation of the participants’ efforts. “Their capacity to interact meaningfully with real-world problems emphasizes how crucial these experiences are in forming the next generation of leaders. The objective is to establish a setting that fosters cognitive development and worldwide consciousness, and these youthful brains have demonstrated their capacity to have a constructive influence on the global arena.”

The concluding event featured a brief cultural presentation, succeeded by a powerful speech delivered by Vice Principal Mr. Nishant Nagavar. In it, he raised awareness among the students about the importance of diplomacy in times of war, citing personal experiences to illustrate the need of fostering relationships through thick and thin. GWH MUN 2024 was enthusiastically welcomed by the attendees. The occasion gave students a platform to share their expertise and foster a collaborative learning atmosphere and gave them a chance to demonstrate their leadership, progressive thinking, and global perspective.

Sciative Unveils AI-Powered Pricing Solutions at PRAWAAS 4.0, Transforming the Future of Bus Industry Leadership

17th September, India 2024 – PRAWAAS 4.0, a landmark event in the bus and public transport sector, celebrated innovation and the future of mobility. As a leading force in AI-driven dynamic pricing solutions, Sciative – We Price Right took a prominent role.

In India, an impressive 350 million people travel by bus daily, with 60 million of them choosing intercity routes. This highlights the vast potential for growth in the Indian bus market. Acknowledging this surge in demand, governments are making substantial investments in road infrastructure to support the expanding number of travelers.

Alongside travel, the Indian consumer landscape has also undergone a profound transformation in recent years. With the rising income levels of the younger generation, expectations for quality services, including comfortable and efficient transportation options, have soared. This demographic shift is reshaping the travel industry, driving a demand for innovative and customer-centric solutions.

To address this evolving demand, the bus industry must embrace a forward-thinking approach. This sentiment was explored in one of the most energizing moments at PRAWAAS 4.0, known as the BOCI Yuva event. Sciative’s Co-founder, Vijeta Soni, hosted this compelling session where a confluence of generations came together to discuss the evolving role of youth driving innovation and growth, blending fresh perspectives with the experience of industry veterans.

“As someone deeply involved in driving innovation within the bus industry, I see the sector undergoing a significant transformation. It’s crucial that our mindset evolves alongside this change. The future of the bus industry hinges on the fresh, innovative perspectives of young leaders to tackle its most pressing challenges to ensure the legacy built by industry veterans endures. Technology adoption is a bedrock of this transformation. Whereby embracing cutting-edge solutions, we can drive efficiency, sustainability, and a better momentum in the industry as a whole.,” said Vijeta Soni, Co-Founder of Sciative.

The BOCI Yuva session epitomized this forward-thinking vision, with young leaders presenting innovative ideas and solutions from dynamic pricing models to eco-friendly operations, that are poised to revolutionize the way buses are operated, managed, and experienced. Senior leaders, meanwhile, emphasized on the need to foster youth empowerment. By providing opportunities for young professionals to take on key roles, the industry can benefit from their novel ideas.

With increasing urbanization, sustainability initiatives, and fluctuating passenger demand, the bus industry cannot operate on traditional models anymore. They are being challenged by the need for greater efficiency and improved customer experiences. With AI, data analytics, and automation playing central roles, operators will be able to make real-time decisions, dynamically adjust fares based on demand and maximize on revenue. Sciative’s innovative solutions are addressing these challenges head-on, helping bus operators optimize pricing and better meet customer needs.

As a trusted partner to bus operators, Sciative is committed to driving progress in the industry by offering transformative technology to build a sustainable, customer-centric future that benefits both the business and the public.

Bengaluru, September 4, 2024: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organized a send-off ceremony for one of its largest contingents ever—the WorldSkills India Team, comprising 60 participants. These skilled individuals will compete across 61 categories against the best from over 70 countries in Lyon, France. The international competition, set to take place from September 10-15, 2024, at Euroexpo Lyon, will see more than 1,400 competitors and over 1,300 experts. This grand event is expected to attract over 2.5 lakh participants.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for the Ministry of Education, Govt of India extended his best wishes for success to the young Indian contingent during a send-off ceremony as they prepare to represent the nation at the biennial WorldSkills competition.

“At the last edition in 2022, we finished at the 11^th rank. Our team is quite talented and we are sending our largest contingent. So I’m hopeful this time we’ll be in the top 10. In the eyes of the nation, you’re already winners and your talents will be sought after by various global industries. Representing India is not a small feat and you’ve faced incredible challenges. This is a special occasion for our participants. We hope our participants will stay connected with the Skill India Mission as ambassadors and spread our work, schemes and initiative to the grassroots level,” he said.

Often considered as the Olympic Games of international skilling events, India is sending 60 competitors to compete across 52 skill categories, with 70+ countries sending their participants. Over 52 WorldSkills experts, along with training support from 100+ industry and academic partners, have been involved in training and preparing the India Contingent, one of the largest groups representing their country at WorldSkills Lyon.

The rigorous training programs, supported by leading companies like Toyota Kirloskar, Maruti, Lincoln Electric, and many others, have been instrumental in preparing the India Contingent. This year, the training was further enriched by the expertise of various industry leaders and institutions from across the country—from Festo India in Industry 4.0 to NIFT Delhi in Fashion Technology, and L&T in Bricklaying and Concrete Construction. Such collaborations ensure the highest standards of training and highlight the critical role that industries play in shaping the future of our skilled workforce. This year’s team also represents a breakthrough moment, with women competing in traditionally male-dominated fields like Welding, Plumbing, and Heating. The team reflects the incredible diversity of India, with participants from every region, including our farthest corners—from Mizoram to Jammu and Kashmir, from North to South, East to West, and even the island territories of Andaman and Nicobar.

During the send-off ceremony, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE said, “This is a moment of reckoning for the skilling community. We need to change the mindset where degrees are considered more important and bring back credit-based skill education to build the future of Viksit Bharat 2047. From North to South, East to West, these 60 young champions embody the spirit, diversity and the best of India’s talent. As they face against 1400 competitors from 70 countries, this is a moment of reckoning for the skilling community. Our women youth’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields and their rigorous preparation, supported by industry leaders, reflect the nation’s commitment to breaking barriers and setting new standards.”

The send-off ceremony was held at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. During this ceremony, Shri Jayant Chaudhary unveiled the official ceremonial attire which the participants will wear. The attire is designed and stitched by fashion designer Manish Tripathi, who is well-known for crafting the Poshak of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya. The attire for the Indian contingent which will be worn during official ceremonies at the WorldSkills 2024 embodies the essence of India. Made from Banaras silk, Eri silk from Assam and cotton silk from Madhya Pradesh, the attire is further accentuated with intricate Mithila art. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, handcrafted and handwoven, showcasing the skills of the country’s weavers and artisans on the global stage.

At the WorldSkills send-off ceremony was graced by Vijender Singh – India’s first Olympic boxing medallist, Aman Sehrawat – who is the rising star of Indian wrestling and has won multiple international accolades, and Sharman Joshi – a versatile actor with a rich career in theatre and films, who shared their journey and experiences to encourage and motive the young competitors to follow their passion and craft their paths. Their words of encouragement and shared experiences left a lasting impact on Team India as they prepared for their grand finale.

The WorldSkills Competition showcases excellence in skills across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, information technology, and creative arts. Competitors, typically under the age of 23, engage in rigorous testing, completing tasks that reflect contemporary industry standards. For the first time, international trainers were invited to the country and competitors were also sent to countries like South Korea, Japan, Austria, Thailand, and Dubai, with Switzerland for international exposure and rigorous training.

The India contingent reached Delhi on 1^st September and undertook the last leg of training which included yoga sessions, psychological tests to improve mental strength, nutritional advice and various other guidance.

The National edition of the competition witnessed over 900 participants. Conducted at district, state, and national levels, culminating in the IndiaSkills National competition, this platform showcased skills across traditional crafts to modern technologies. In the 2022 edition, India saw the highest participation in this event with over 56 competitors, out of which 11 were women and 12 candidates qualified from ITIs.

Along with this, India finished the event at the 11^th rank. The nation received 13 Medallions of Excellence with two silver medals and three bronze medals. The country began participating in 2007 and has witnessed steady progress in the competition. In 2017, India won 19 medals and built up on this success in 2019 coming in at 14^th position.

The regional competitions saw over 2.5 lakh registrations who were digitally pre-screened via SIDH in the first round. Over 200 workshops were conducted both through physical and online mediums to drive increased participation.

IndiaSkills is an initiative by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It serves as a national platform for skill competitions, aiming to identify and nurture talented youth in various vocational fields.

• Ambuja Cements is transforming lives of youth in Nalagarh through its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI).
• Najma from Himachal Pradesh and Amarjeet Singh from Punjab overcame significant social and physical challenges to achieve financial independence through SEDI programmes.
• SEDI initiatives focus on vocational training, personal development, and sustainable livelihoods.

Bengaluru, 4 September 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, continues to make significant strides in community development through its Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SEDI) in Nalagarh. The institute has empowered numerous individuals, helping them overcome social and physical challenges to achieve financial independence and personal growth. The inspiring stories of Najma and Amarjeet Singh showcase the transformative impact of SEDI’s programs.

Life posed significant challenges for Najma from Nalagarh, following a difficult situation at home and the sudden passing of her father, the sole breadwinner of the family. Her journey towards self-sufficiency began when her cousin, who was undergoing training as an Assistant Electrician, introduced her to SEDI, Nalagarh. Desperate for employment, she enrolled in the General Duty Assistant course, and the on-the-job training at Dua Hospital, Nalagarh secured her a job opportunity at the same hospital.

A few months later, Najma joined G. Healthcare at Home Centre in Jalandhar, Punjab, where she now makes upto Rs. 25,000 each month. Her quality of life has significantly improved. Najma has been able to support her family in various obligations, including making some small investments for the future. Najma urges every youth to follow her brave footsteps and move forward towards developing a career. She testifies that training at SEDI helped her gain confidence, build self-esteem and improve her personality. Through SEDI, she was equipped to pursue her dream and get a job she desires.

Amarjeet Singh from Chakarma village in Punjab faced a severe accident that left his leg permanently damaged, plunging his family into debt due to medical expenses. Determined to support his middle-class family of seven, he began working at a salon and learned about SEDI, Nalagarh. After enrolling in SEDI’s Assistant Beauty Therapist course, Amarjeet opened his own salon, earning Rs. 45,000 per month and employing three people.

Despite personal hardships, Amarjeet continued his work with dedication. He credits SEDI for all his success, highlighting the training’s impact on his skills, confidence, and self-esteem. Amarjeet encourages others to join SEDI to achieve their dreams, emphasising the institute’s role in providing meaningful employment and personal development.

Ambuja Cements’ SEDI is dedicated to providing vocational training to underprivileged youth, enabling them to secure sustainable livelihoods. SEDI’s programs are designed to enhance employability and promote entrepreneurship, fostering socio-economic development in communities.