University of Hyderabad Hosts two-days National Workshop on on "Skill India for Viksit
Bharat"
The University of Hyderabad, in collaboration with UNNAT BHARAT ABHIYAN and the Ministry
of Education (Government of India), organized a two-day National Workshop on "Skill India for
Viksit Bharat: Empowering Rural Youth for Future Opportunities." The workshop, sponsored by
IoE-UoH, aimed to empower rural youth with essential skills for life, livelihood, and growth. The
inauguration session, held at the School of Life Sciences, witnessed esteemed dignitaries
addressing the gathering. Dr. Ravula Krishnaiah, Coordinator of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan at the
University of Hyderabad, delivered the welcome address. Prof. BJ Rao, Vice Chancellor of the
University of Hyderabad, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof. Rao asserted that the
knowledge and skills acquired in urban areas should be effectively applied in rural settings.
"Large-scale awareness programs are essential to encourage rural communities to contribute
meaningfully to society’s development," he added. The workshop featured Padma Bhushan Dr.
Krishna Ella, Chairman of Bharat Biotech, as the International Guest of Honor. Dr. Ella
emphasized the significance of skill sets over mere academic degrees. "The future of rural
development depends not only on formal education but also on the practical skills that can be
employed in various sectors," he stated.
Dr. Shreekant Sharma, Director of SEE at the National Institute for Micro Small and Medium
Enterprises, Hyderabad, reiterated that a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) can only be achieved
through proper skilling, which goes beyond merely utilizing natural resources. Dr. Sharma also
emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs in India's economy during a technical session on
"Industrial Support and Government Schemes for Entrepreneurs." "MSMEs are the backbone of
the Indian economy and the cradle for large industries," Dr. Sharma stated. "They contribute
approximately 30% of the country's GDP, 45% of manufacturing output, and provide
employment to 11 crore Indians, with 6.34 crore MSMEs operating in the country." Ms. Sandhya
Gopakumaran, Director of Training and Development at the National Institute of Rural
Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), presented on the critical aspects of skilling rural
youth. She emphasized the importance of capacity building, training, and development in
empowering rural youth with necessary skills for life, livelihood, and growth.
Dr. G. Pakki Reddy, Director of the Agri Biotech Foundation, presented on "Bio-EL:
Opportunities for Rural Youth." Dr. Reddy highlighted the potential of biotechnology in creating
employment opportunities for rural youth. "Biotechnology has the potential to transform rural
India by providing employment opportunities and improving livelihoods," he stated. Renuka
Bodla, Innovation and Digital Leader, Startup Mentor, and Investor, spoke on "Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship for Youth." Bodla emphasized the importance of skill
development and entrepreneurship in empowering rural youth. "Skill development and
entrepreneurship are key to unlocking the potential of rural youth and driving economic growth,"
she stated. The Technical Session 5 featured three presentations. Dr. S. Venkat Reddy
presented on "Opportunities in Agri Inputs," highlighting the potential for innovation and
entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. "The agricultural sector offers numerous
opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, which can help drive economic growth and
improve livelihoods," he stated. Dr. Sama Yella Reddy spoke on "Food Processing
Opportunities," emphasizing the importance of food processing in creating employment
opportunities and promoting rural development. "Food processing is a critical sector that can
help drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and improve livelihoods," he
stated. De A Karun Reddy presented on "Financial Inclusion for Rural India," highlighting the
need for financial inclusion and the role of technology in promoting financial literacy among rural
communities. The workshop also featured a poster presentation session, where participants
presented their research and ideas on the theme of "Skill India for Viksit Bharat: Empowering
Rural Youth for Future Opportunities." The session provided a platform for participants to share
their knowledge and expertise, and to learn from each other's experiences.
On Day two of the workshop, Technical Session Six was led by Dr. R Ramesh Rengasamy,
Associate Professor and CRL Coordinator, UBA-SEG, NIRDPR, Hyderabad. He delivered the
keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of innovation in addressing the complex
challenges faced by urban areas in India. His presentation covered innovation, creativity, and
ideation, highlighting the importance of technical innovation, its relation with skill development,
and various business models. This was followed by a special talk titled " Viksit Bharat @2047,
the voice of Youth" by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President of India. Prof. B J Rao,
Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad, chaired the session. The talk was part of the
workshop's efforts to promote skill development and empowerment of rural youth.
Speaking during the session Prof. PK Singh, Project Director, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, NCI, New
Delhi, emphasised the origins, vision, and mission of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan. He highlighted the
initiative's focus on rural development, community development, grassroots development, and
skill enhancement in rural areas. Prof. B J Rao, Vice Chancellor, University of Hyderabad,
welcomed Shri Naidu and emphasized the importance of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan in reaching out
to rural India with knowledge and resources. Speaking at the workshop Shri. M Venkaiah Naidu
stated that "India's development should benefit all 143 crore citizens, particularly the weaker
sections,". He emphasised that "We must increase the wealth, knowledge, and happiness of our
people. India is our motherland, and to serve it, we must have passion, not expectation " Shri
Naidu also stressed the importance of innovation being affordable and accessible. "Migration is
increasing from rural to urban areas. We need to find innovative solutions to address this
challenge," he said. Highlighting India's rich cultural heritage, Sri Naidu quoted the ancient
Sanskrit phrase "Vasudeva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). "We must work together to
uplift the weaker sections and ensure that the benefits of development reach everyone," he
said."Reform, perform, and transform – this is the mantra given by our Prime Minister," Sri
Naidu added. "We must transform the lives of our people, ensure justice is delivered without
delay, and make sure the benefits of government initiatives reach the public without diversion."
The special talk session was concluded by a vote of thanks by Dr. Ravula Krishnaiah,
Coordinator of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, University of Hyderabad. He expressed his sincere
gratitude towards Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu Ji for his presence at the workshop and the insightful
talk inspiring the participants. He stated that the youth play an important role in Nation building
and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan plays a key role in that regard. Technical Session Seven was led by
Shri M.C.V. Prasad, Renowned Agriculturalist & Rural Entrepreneur. He delivered the keynote
session on the importance of embracing wellness through Organic Farming and the super food
Millets. His presentation dealt with the benefits and issues of organic farming faced by the
farmers. He also emphasised how the nutrients in the food we consume are greatly influenced
by the soil it grows in.
The two-day workshop culminated in a valedictory session, marking the conclusion of the Essay
Writing Competition organized by UBA-HCU. The competition, themed "Vision for Viksit
Bharat@2047 Voice of Youth," was held on October 7, 2024. The winners for the competition
were M.Abhiram, Ipsita behera and Achyutha kusuma. The session was graced by esteemed
guests, including Shri Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Member of Parliament, Chevella, Telangana,
as the Chief Guest, and Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General, NIRD&PR, as the Guest
of Honor. Other distinguished guests included Prof P Prakash Babu, Director of MMTTC; Dr.
Devesh Nigam, Registrar, University of Hyderabad; and Dr. Ravula Krishnaiah, Coordinator of
Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, University of Hyderabad. In his closing remarks, Dr. Yenugu Suresh, Co-
Coordinator, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, University of Hyderabad, provided a comprehensive
overview of the two-day workshop. He highlighted the inspiring interactions among participants
and the valuable insights gained from the discussions.
