National Tribal Research Institute Hosts Workshop to Empower Tribal Youth with New Age Skills

The workshop addressed a variety of topics including the acquisition of new age skills, government initiatives for fostering entrepreneurial skills, and vocational training for a sustainable future.

The National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, hosted a workshop titled ‘Empowering Tribal Youth with New Age Skills’ in New Delhi today. The event aimed to equip tribal youth with the contemporary skills and knowledge essential for thriving in today's rapidly evolving world. Shri Nirupam Chakma, Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, presided over the workshop as the Chief Guest.

The workshop addressed a variety of topics including the acquisition of new age skills, government initiatives for fostering entrepreneurial skills, and vocational training for a sustainable future. It featured sessions led by professionals and scholars from universities, government and non-government organizations, start-up incubators, and successful tribal entrepreneurs.

In his inaugural address, Shri Nirupam Chakma emphasized the adaptability of tribal youths to new challenges and technologies. He highlighted the significance of integrating new age skills such as computer literacy, data science, and artificial intelligence into the curriculum for tribal youths. Chakma also noted the United Nations General Assembly's designation of July 15 as World Youth Skills Day.

Shri Surendar Nath Tripathi, Director General of the Indian Institute of Public Administration, underscored the importance of primary education in local dialects for both tribal and non-tribal youths. Special Director of NTRI, Prof. Nupur Tiwary, described the workshop as strategically significant for preparing youth for employment, academic pursuits, and entrepreneurial development. She cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of skill development as crucial for achieving an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).

Prof. Deepak Kumar Behera, Vice Chancellor of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), spoke about the need to include new age knowledge in tribal areas, focusing on communication skills, mobile learning, community involvement, and vocational programs. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Nayak, Vice Chancellor of Ravenshaw University, emphasized that acquiring new-age skills is essential for bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern technology, promoting innovation, and fostering self-reliance.

The workshop also featured contributions from officials of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Atal Incubation Centre of NITI Aayog, National Council for Vocational Education and Training, SIDBI, Ministry of MSME, policy experts, social entrepreneurs, and tribal scholars. They collectively stressed the importance of equipping tribal youth with new age skills to enhance their opportunities and potential.

The workshop underscored the critical role of skill development in empowering tribal youth and aligning their capabilities with the demands of the contemporary job market.