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India at the Crossroads: Skilling the Youth for a Competitive Future

Gaurav Bhagat, Founder, Gaurav Bhagat Academy

India, a nation that boasts the world’s largest youth population, stands at a crossroads of immense potential and pressing challenges. Every time I look at the sheer number of young people—over 50% of our population under the age of 25—I see a country brimming with talent and opportunity. But as exciting as this is, there’s an underlying issue we can’t ignore. According to a 2024 study by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the skill gaps in high-demand sectors like information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and renewable energy are glaring. It’s clear that the need for skill, up-skill, and right-skill programs is more urgent than ever, and it must start in schools.

  The Skill Gap: A Persistent Challenge
Despite India’s impressive strides in education, the reality on the ground is sobering. The skill gap continues to be a major obstacle, especially when it comes to employment and economic growth. The India Skills Report 2024 reveals that only 49% of Indian youth are employable. Just imagine: almost half of our young population is not ready for the workforce. And it doesn’t stop there. When a leading Indian engineering and construction firm advertised for freshers in 2022, they received over 75,000 applications but could extend offer letters to only 1,500 candidates. Even those selected had to go through a year-long induction training program to become job-ready. This training cost the company over ₹100 crore in just a couple of years!

 According to TeamLease, India has over 500 million people in the working-age bracket, but one out of every two individuals is not employable due to the existing skill gap. This mismatch between academic qualifications and industry demands is one of the biggest reasons for the supply and demand imbalance in our job market. As someone who has seen the immense potential of our youth, this gap feels like a missed opportunity for both individuals and the nation.

 NEP 2020: A Step Toward Transformation
Thankfully, initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 are working to change the narrative. The policy recognizes the critical need for skill development and introduces vocational training from as early as Class 6. This forward-thinking approach ensures that by the time students leave school, they not only have academic knowledge but practical skills, too. In fact, one of the highlights of NEP 2020 is its focus on industry collaboration, ensuring courses are relevant to market demands. I’ve personally seen how this can bridge the gap between what we teach and what the industry needs.

 But it’s not just about hard skills like coding or engineering. NEP emphasizes the importance of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience—skills that are crucial in every field, from healthcare to corporate environments. In my view, this focus on ‘life skills’ is what will set India apart. Soft skills are often the invisible force behind every successful company, shaping how businesses hire, manage teams, and build client relationships.

 Other Initiatives: Skilling from the Ground Up
Let’s be honest: our traditional education system, while good at imparting knowledge, often falls short when it comes to practical skills. We need to shift our focus from grades to real-world skills. Every child has unique interests and talents, but how often do we see these being nurtured in schools? Personally, I’ve witnessed how a lack of early skill development limits young people’s ability to thrive in the real world.

 Schools should be the breeding ground for creativity and practical learning, offering opportunities in sports, arts, science experiments, coding, and music, to name a few. Such activities not only help the active students reach their full potential but also bring out the hidden talents in quieter students. Building a culture of learning from a young age instills lifelong curiosity and equips students with essential skills for the world beyond the classroom.

Tata Motors Expands Presence in Kolkata with OSL Future

Kolkata, 17th September, 2024: Tata Motors proudly announces the grand opening of its new exclusive dealership, OSL Future, in Kolkata. This premier facility, boasting 18,000 sq. ft. of showroom space and 54,000 sq. ft. of workshop area, represents a significant step in Tata Motors’ strategic expansion in the region.

The inauguration ceremony of New Tata passenger Vehicles Dealership at Raikva (Beliaghata Crossing), Kolkata was attended by: Mr. Amit Sinha, Zonal Manager, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.; Mr. Gumeet Pal Singh, Zonal Customer Care Manager, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.; Mr. Charchit Mishra, Dealer Principal, OSL Future Pvt Ltd. and many other eminent personalities.\

Speaking to the media, Mr. Amit Sinha, Zonal Manager, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “ We are thrilled to open the OSL Future dealership in Kolkata, a significant milestone in our expansion journey. This state-of-the-art facility not only underscores our commitment to providing exceptional service but also highlights our dedication to innovation in the automotive industry. With the introduction of the CURVV.EV and our focus on delivering unparalleled customer experiences, we are excited to set new benchmarks in excellence and customer satisfaction in this vibrant market.”

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the CURVV.EV, Tata Motors’ latest innovation in electric vehicles. The CURVV.EV showcases the company’s dedication to advancing safety, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

Olam Agri Accelerates AI Journey with RISE with SAP on AWS

India, 17th September 2024 — SAP today announced that Olam Agri, a global leader in the agri-business sector, has selected RISE with SAP on Amazon Web Services (AWS) to power its cloud transformation journey, so that it can better manage its complex supply chain and accelerate its path to an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled future.

Headquartered in Singapore, Olam Agri sources, trades, processes, and distributes essential food and agriculture products globally. It has a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and its products include grains and oilseeds, feed and protein, rice, cotton, wood, and rubber products amongst others. The company is led by its purpose to transform food and agriculture for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

A key factor driving Olam Agri’s decision to adopt RISE with SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition is the platform’s seamless integration with SAP Business AI. SAP Business AI is built into the SAP applications that power critical business processes and comprises a range of AI innovations that have been developed using extensive industry-specific data and deep process knowledge, all created using responsible AI practices. It includes tools such as SAP’s AI co-pilot Joule, which also runs on AWS infrastructure, and Business Integrity Screening.

Joule makes access to information easier and transactions faster, enabling business users to be more efficient. AI-powered business integrity screening will enable Olam Agri to identify anomalous activity quickly using flexible rule sets and predictive analyses that can help uncover and mitigate business risks.

Initial use cases with AI that Olam Agri has identified for Joule range from predictive maintenance for their critical equipment to improve overall productivity, to quality control of commodities from farm to table, and improving customer service.

Shivram Ramakrishnan, Chief Digital and Information Officer, Olam Agri, said, “Our goal with the implementation of this new technology is to drive greater agility and innovation within our organization and ensure that we are well placed to meet the evolving needs of our customers and all other stakeholders.”

Driving operational excellence and supply chain efficiency

SAP and AWS recently announced an expansion of a strategic collaboration to transform modern cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) experiences and help enterprises drive new capabilities and efficiencies with generative AI. Olam Agri has chosen to deploy RISE with SAP on AWS to further accelerate its AI adoption and build a more resilient, secure, and sustainable global food supply chain. By moving to a cloud ERP model, Olam Agri expects to streamline its business processes and improve operational efficiency.

Olam Agri manages a complex global supply chain, and its ability to monitor and optimize every link in the chain is crucial. With RISE with SAP’s integrated data platform, Olam Agri is expected to gain operational efficiencies resulting in improved outcomes for its partners.

Additionally, Olam Agri expects to utilize SAP innovations to assist progressing on key business imperatives like sustainability, automating and streamlining business processes to continuously deliver value.

Verena Siow, President and Managing Director, SAP Southeast Asia, said, “Olam Agri’s transition to RISE with SAP marks a pivotal step in its digital transformation journey, enabling the company to accelerate to innovate and improve its operational efficiency and sustainability. By embracing the cloud, Olam Agri is not only future-proofing its processes with the seamless adoption of advanced technologies like AI, but it is also enhancing its ability to support farmers and farming communities, while driving greater sustainability across its global operations.”

A collaborative journey with implementation partner Mindsprint

The decision to move to RISE with SAP resulted from a strong collaboration between Olam Agri, SAP, and Mindsprint – a silver partner in the SAP PartnerEdge program. As the partner managed cloud provider for RISE with SAP in this transformation project, Mindsprint plays a critical role in guiding Olam Agri through the complex migration process and brings its industry expertise to tailor the SAP S/4HANA Cloud solution to fit the unique requirements of the agri-business sector.

Dharmender Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, Mindsprint, said, “As the implementing partner, Mindsprint collaborates closely with our customers to unleash the utmost potential of their digital investments. Our deep relationship with customers like Olam Agri provides valuable insight into their businesses and industries, enabling us to maximize the impact of their new and existing IT infrastructure to achieve business success. With over 600 SAP experts, we are confident that we can guide Olam Agri through this large transformation and deliver tangible value to our customers.”

A collaborative cloud journey with AWS

Priscilla Chong, Country Manager, Singapore, AWS, said, “AWS are proud to support Olam Agri’s digital transformation journey as their trusted cloud provider, and to deliver on its farm-to-table value proposition with AI-powered technology. Our scalable infrastructure and commitment to innovation will empower Olam Agri to drive efficiency, ensure total quality management of its end-to-end commodities value chain, enhance the customer experience for its farmers, retailers, and distributors, and unlock new opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector.”

Govt. of India Hosts ‘Special Handloom Expo’ at Handloom Haat, New Delhi

New Delhi: The Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and National Design Centre (NDC) organize a Special Handloom Expo with the theme “ Sutraratnam” gems of threads” at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi from 15th to 22nd September 2024 at Handloom Haat, Janpath, Delhi. The expo will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m daily.

The Special expo aims to showcase the rich heritage of India’s traditional Handloom weaving and its evolutionary journey. 75 Weavers from across the country will display their unique handloom products. The exhibition will feature wide range of sarees viz, Bhagalpuri, Tussar Silk, Kosa, Kota Doria, Pochampally Ikat, Patola, Paithani, Kancheepuram, Banarasi, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Jamdani, Cotton sarees, Matka Silk, Mushroom Silk, Salwar Suits, Dupatta, Pashmina and other shawls, stoles, Kurta, Dhoties, Bedsheets, Home furnishings, Durries etc. etc.

The real handloom Silk & Cotton sarees, suit-dupatta sets, Shawls, Stoles, Bed Sheets, Home Furnishings, Dhoties, Kurtas, Durries etc. from different states of India viz; Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal will be available under a single roof at this special expo.

The expo will present the remarkable journey of threads and showcase the wonderful weaves of India. This will also represent the diversity of traditional attires from India. The event aims to promote the artistry and craftsmanship of India’s weavers and artisans while empowering them. The exporters, wholesalers, customers/ general public is invited to take advantage this unique opportunity to see the rich diversity of India’s textile heritage and experience the shopping of diverse Indian attires and the exceptional artistry and heritage of India’s Handlooms up close.

Vardaan Arora Unveils ‘Good Things’ as the First Track of His New Four-Track EP, Infused with NYC Vibes

The vibrant spectrum of Indian pop music shines even brighter with the release of “Good Things,” a fresh and uplifting single that hit the airwaves this August. The latest track from Vardaan Arora, a dynamic young talent hailing from the heart of India, brings a distinctive blend of catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.

Encapsulating the essence of Vardaan Arora’s unique sound—a blend of infectious rhythms, heartfelt lyrics, and a fresh modern vibe with a touch of classic pop nostalgia. The single is now available across all major streaming platforms, offering a taste of what promises to be a transformative musical journey.

The track is more than just a musical release for Vardaan; it’s a personal affirmation set to melody—a reminder to hold on to hope even when the future looks uncertain. After a series of light-hearted hits, Vardaan felt the need to release a single that merges upbeat production with deep emotional lyrics. With its uplifting lyrics and compelling composition, “Good Things” aims to resonate with listeners, offering them solace and inspiration in their own times of doubt. It encourages listeners to hold onto hope and recognize that enduring the darker days is not just necessary but an act of bravery. The track serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of maintaining hope.

“Good Things’ is more than just a song; it’s a message of unwavering positivity,” Vardaan explains. “It’s about trusting that better times are just around the corner, even when they feel out of reach. This song is very special to me, especially since it’s the first one I’ve released in almost a year. Now that I’m releasing music again, I feel motivated, and excited – which is something I’m grateful for.”

Coordinating with his long-time collaborator Ming, a producer and artist residing in Canada, geographical boundaries were not a barrier to his creativity. Despite the challenges of working remotely, including technical difficulties and time lags, the duo have successfully continued their creative partnership. The single has garnered attention for its optimistic message and intricate production, highlighting how digital collaboration can result in high-quality, emotionally resonant music.

“Good Things” sets the tone for the forthcoming four track EP, which Vardaan describes as a collection of songs that resonate deeply with his artistic vision and personal growth. Fans can look forward to the next single, scheduled for release in September, with the full EP expected to follow shortly thereafter. If all goes as planned, listeners will experience a series of releases that showcase Vardaan Arora’s evolution as an artist and his continued commitment to producing profoundly resonant music.

Vardaan Arora’s big break came with the release of his debut single “Feel Good Song”. His debut EP was “Heartbreak On The Dancefloor.” Vardaan has gained significant recognition across Spotify’s Viral 50 globally, and across notable music publications such as Billboard and Rolling Stone India. Arora currently has over 7 million Spotify streams under his belt.

KIIT College of Engineering Celebrates Engineers’ Day with Hackathon Hack.Build.Shine

Gurugram: KIIT College of Engineering marked Engineers’ Day by organizing an internal hackathon, “Hack.Build.Shine,” as part of its preparation for the upcoming Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024, a prestigious AICTE-sponsored event. The hackathon aimed to foster creativity and problem-solving skills among students while aligning with national initiatives.

During the event, 15 innovative ideas were presented by students, offering potential solutions to real-world problems proposed by various ministries of India. These ideas will be further developed and refined for submission to the Smart India Hackathon 2024, where participants will have the opportunity to win prizes worth up to ₹5 lakhs.

 The Guest of Honour, Mr. Vivek Rajan, Head of Partnership at Classplus Private Limited, emphasized the significance of platforms like this in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. He encouraged students to embrace innovation and contribute to national problem-solving through initiatives like the SIH.

Dr. Neelima Kamrah, Registrar of KIIT College of Engineering, expressed her pride in the students’ creativity and dedication. She said, “Our internal hackathon is a great stepping stone for students as they prepare to compete in national-level events like the Smart India Hackathon. It’s exciting to see their enthusiasm and their commitment to solving real-world challenges.”

The event was a great success, with students eagerly looking forward to the next stages of the hackathon journey and the possibility of showcasing their solutions on a national platforms.

Finolex Pipes and Fittings Unveils Captivating Ganesh Chaturthi Campaign: ‘Peedhiyan Badlengi, Parampara Nahi’

Pune, 17th September 2024 – Finolex Pipes and Fittings, India’s leading pipe manufacturer, has launched an innovative campaign for Ganesh Chaturthi titled ‘Peedhiyan Badlengi, Parampara Nahi’ (Generations Change, Traditions Don’t). This compelling initiative aims to showcase the enduring spirit of Ganeshotsav, highlighting how cherished traditions transcend time and generational shifts across India’s diverse cultural landscape.

The campaign features four distinct videos, each narrating a unique regional story of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. It builds on the popular ‘Peedhiyan Badlengi, Pipes Nahi’ campaign, drawing parallels between Finolex’s durable products and India’s lasting traditions. All four videos are already live and set to captivate audiences. The campaign encourages viewers to share personal Ganesh Chaturthi stories, fostering community engagement.

By artfully weaving together narratives from various corners of India, the campaign illustrates how Ganesh Chaturthi unites the nation through shared devotion while respecting regional nuances. This approach reinforces Finolex’s commitment to understanding and serving India’s multifaceted market.

Mr. Pradeep Vedula, President of Marketing and Sales at Finolex Industries, elaborated on the campaign’s vision: “Traditions form the bedrock of our society, much like how our pipes form the foundation of modern infrastructure. ‘Peedhiyan Badlengi, Parampara Nahi’ is our homage to Ganeshotsav’s timeless appeal – a festival that bridges generations and cultures. Through this campaign, we aim to ignite a sense of pride in our shared heritage and the values that bind us together.”

Finolex invites everyone to participate in this celebration of tradition by watching the series of heartwarming videos as they’re released, sharing personal Ganesh Chaturthi stories and experiences on Finolex’s social media platforms, and reflecting on the beauty of traditions that have stood the test of time in their own families and communities.

Finolex Pipes and Fittings has been a trusted name in Indian households for decades, known for its high-quality, durable piping solutions. The company’s commitment to excellence mirrors the enduring nature of Indian traditions, making this campaign a natural extension of its brand ethos.

This is Finolex:

We are India’s most trusted PVC pipes and fittings manufacturer. Over the last 43 years, we have impacted the sanitation-plumbing and agricultural sectors with prudent investments across our value chain. Right from the sourcing of quality raw materials and resin production, to manufacturing, storage, transport, sales, marketing and even further downstream to include customer engagement

To stay focused on making superior quality pipes and fittings, and nothing else but that, for forty years, is no mean feat. Aligning every decision, every action, every resource towards delivering quality pipes and fittings. To choose to do just this one thing, and do it well. So that once our customers install our pipes, they completely forget about us. We take great pride in this dependable quality that has not only earned us ISO 9001:2015 certifications across plants, but also earned us the sincere affection of farmers, plumbers, homeowners, partners, associates and shareholders. They have all come to expect the world from us. Because that’s exactly what we expect from ourselves.

When we choose to diversify, it’s upstream with an open sea jetty to manage our raw materials, and downstream into last mile fulfilment. When we evolve, it has to be in our understanding of customer expectations and finding better machines and processes to meet those expectations. When we choose to expand, it is into newer markets, delivering our pipes and fittings to newer customers. And when we measure our growth, it is in reputation. The effect of which reflects in our bottom line – growing manifold in the last decade.

This quality focus is not just restricted to our products, but defines every aspect of our functioning. Whether quality support for our dealers, vendors and suppliers. Quality opportunities to our employees. Superior quality of life, education and health of the people we serve through our various social responsibility initiatives.

Over the last forty years, we have steadily added depth to our company, instead of spreading ourselves wide and thin. Consistently delivering the exact same products that fulfil the exact same promise. Every time. That’s what makes us a strong brand, with a strong network, and even stronger goodwill. We are Finolex Industries Limited.

NIIT Foundation & Spandana Sphoorty Financial Limited Empower Communities

National, September 17th 2024: NIIT Foundation, in partnership with Spandana Sphoorty Financial Limited (SSFL), has introduced a Digital & Financial Literacy Program aimed at empowering communities. This initiative offers a 5 hour training course designed to allow the participants aged between 18 to 60 with personal finance management skills and digital literacy. The program aims to bridge the knowledge gap in financial planning and digital transactions, addressing a critical need in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.

 The program will be covering essential topics such as budgeting, savings, investments, loan management, insurance, and digital payments. The initiative equips individuals with the tools to make informed financial decisions, plan for their future, and navigate the digital financial ecosystem. The training is structured to be both accessible and practical, focusing on real-world applications of financial concepts that can lead to improved financial well-being and quality of life for participants.

 “Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in the world – with over 100 million credit cards (as of February 2024) – only around 27% of our population is financially literate. With that in mind, SSFL has partnered with NIIT Foundation to enhance financial empowerment in beneficiaries, resonating with our firm belief that financial empowerment is key to community development. This program reflects our commitment to fostering financial inclusion and digital literacy, which are crucial skills in today’s economy,” said Bhanu Prakash, Vice President – CSR & Sustainability at SSFL.

 In an era of increasing digital financial transactions, the program recognizes the critical importance of cybersecurity awareness. A significant portion of the curriculum is dedicated to educating participants about various online frauds, including ATM skimming, phishing, vishing, and mobile wallet scams. This aspect of the program addresses the growing need for digital vigilance, ensuring that as individuals become more financially literate, they are also equipped to protect themselves from cyber threats and financial fraud.

 Further highlighting the significance of the program, Charu Kapoor, Country Director at NIIT Foundation noted, “While financial/economic concepts like inflation and recession are well-known to the masses, concepts like saving accounts, budgeting, making financial plan, digital banking system and interest rates are often overlooked, resulting in higher financial illiteracy among people. A survey conducted by the RBI indicates that 41% of the respondents do not have a monthly budget – which potentially leaves them in an unstable, unpredictable financial situation. Through this collaboration with SSFL, we aim to reach out to rural communities across 6 States (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana and Odisha) and provide them with the tools they need for financial stability and success.”

 Looking ahead, the initiative aims to train 20,000 beneficiaries across 6 states in India. The partners are committed to continually updating the curriculum to address emerging financial trends and cybersecurity challenges, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex financial world. Through this initiative, SSFL and NIIT Foundation aspire to create a lasting impact, fostering a culture of financial prudence, digital savviness, and cybersecurity awareness that will benefit individuals and communities for years to come.

Kaagaz Writer Ankur Suman Calls Writing “Most Non-Glamourous Function Of Filmmaking”: There Is No Star…

In an exclusive chat with Zoom, writer Ankur Suman opens up about the fact that writers in Bollywood should get more recognition. He also names THIS writer who has made a name for himself recently.

 The man who penned Kaagaz and Kaagaz 2 – Ankur Suman started out doing advertisements. The versatile writer has now made his mark in Bollywood. Zoom exclusively caught up with Ankur and in the chat, he Spoke about why he thinks writers should get more recognition and how the writer duo Salim-Javed are irreplaceable.

 Ankur Suman on writing being ‘non-glamourous’

 Ankur also spoke about the importance of writers in a project and said, “My favourite line for writers is, ” Ye wo kadhai hai jo sabse pehle chulhe pe chadha diya jata hai. (Writers are the wok that is put on the stove first). Even if there is no budget to put oil, the wok is on the flames, because everything starts with the script.” He said that when anyone has an idea for a project, they are asked to ‘develop’ it first and that is where the work of the writer starts, ” I think, writing starts much earlier and it goes on till dubbing at times.” Ankur said that his intuitive thinking about why writers do not get their due credit is because it does not have stars. “Writing is the most non-glamourous function of filmmaking. There is no star involved or actor involved.” He added, “I know writers in Mumbai who have assigned desks at Starbucks. So, if you have to meet the writer, he would be in Starbucks!”

 “Real filmmakers and people who understand cinema do respect writers. It’s not that writers are completely unnoticed. But they are talked less (about) because maybe the visibility is not there. I was very happy to see Niren Bhatt, the writer of Stree. Maddock is a Production House that has written the writer’s name very prominently. As far as I am concerned, I got lucky to work with people who respected writers. But yes, writers must get their due and get acknowledged.

 Ankur Suman on Salim-Javed

 Talking about writers who paved the way and are iconic – Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar – Ankur said, “There will be no one like them. That kind of aplomb, flamboyance, and respect, which also included the monetary compensation. The kind of glory they brought to writing, nobody else did that before. They brought it to the fore, they brought their names to the poster. So, there was a lot of excitement when people saw that documentary. As writers, most of us in India have followed their work. They already have books on them. I was fortunate that I got to work with Satish Kaushik, who was mentored by Javed Saab. I was like Eklavya. I had a very brief interaction with him where I told him I am like Eklavya. I have heard so much about you from Satish sir that I have learnt a lot from you. “