The Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024 witnessed the presence of the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, during the inaugural session on “Building Workforces for the Future: Development of Skills for Industry 4.0.” Held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the summit attracted prominent industry leaders, entrepreneurs, officials of the Gujarat Government, and other dignitaries.
Reflection on India’s Developmental Journey:
Speaking at the event, Shri Pradhan highlighted the significance of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 as a platform for reflecting on India’s developmental journey and setting national priorities. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for elevating India’s standing on the global stage and recognized the role of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the nation’s development.
Gujarat Model of Development and Skill Synergies:
The Minister credited the leadership of Prime Minister Modi for making the Gujarat model of development a guiding force for states’ skilling efforts, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Shri Pradhan emphasized that the synergies brought about by the National Education Policy (NEP) in the education and skill ecosystem would make India’s youth future-ready.
Demography, Demand, and Decisive Government:
The Minister underscored the factors of the “India moment” – Demography, Demand, and Decisive Government. He praised India’s start-up and innovation culture, transforming the nation into a hub of knowledge and skills.
Industry 4.0 and India’s Youth:
Shri Pradhan highlighted the importance of enhancing the proficiency, productivity, skill, and competency of India’s vast demography. He emphasized that India, with its young population, is well-positioned to leverage Industry 4.0, which is revolutionizing the global industry and innovation landscape.
Youth Contribution for ‘Viksit Bharat’:
Acknowledging that India’s youth is its greatest strength, the Minister stated that experts predict the country will lead in terms of the working-age population in the next 25-30 years. He called for collective contributions, especially from the youth, to realize the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Gujarat’s Inclusive and Participative Model:
Shri Pradhan praised Gujarat’s development-oriented, inclusive, and participative model, highlighting the strength of ‘Women-led development’ as a key aspect of the ‘Gujarat Model.’
Implementation of National Education Policy 2020:
Commending Gujarat’s efforts in driving the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, Shri Pradhan emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering greater synergy between education and skills. He noted that the world looks to India for low-cost, quality, sustainable, and scalable solutions to global challenges.
Conclusion:
The Union Minister’s address at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024 reflects the government’s dedication to aligning education and skill development with industry needs. The summit serves as a crucial platform for discussing national priorities, showcasing India’s potential, and fostering collaborations for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s insights underscore the importance of Industry 4.0, youth empowerment, and innovative models of development in shaping India’s future.