Shillong: Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, laid the foundation for the Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and skill development. The event was attended by Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, and Minister for Health Ampareen Lyngdoh.
In his address, Vice-President Dhankhar highlighted the transformative potential of the Skill and Innovation Hub in driving economic progress in Meghalaya. He emphasized that skilling and innovation are critical to tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit of the state’s youth. “Laying the foundation stone for the Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub is not a small step. It will bring about big change, giving our human resources a qualitative edge,” he said.
Dhankhar also launched the CM Business Catalyst, a Student Business Plan (B-Plan) challenge, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among students. He encouraged the youth to become catalysts for change, invoking the visionary efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade to empower the nation.
“Skilling is the need of the hour, and ₹ 60,000 crore has been earmarked to skill 5 lakh youth over the next five years across India. This empowerment will trigger an economic upsurge in the country,” he stated.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, in his address, reaffirmed the state’s focus on supporting entrepreneurship and addressing manpower shortages through initiatives like the Skill and Innovation Hub. He emphasized that Meghalaya’s youth are its greatest asset, with over 85% of the population under the age of 45. “The strength of our youth is being channelized into programmes that will build a stronger, more innovative Meghalaya,” said Sangma.
Empowering the Nation’s Future
Vice-President Dhankhar also emphasized the importance of rural and semi-urban areas becoming hubs for skill development, citing the significant potential for economic growth, particularly in sectors like tourism. He urged the youth to embrace innovation, not fearing failure but seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow. “There is no step our youth cannot take. If you get an idea in your mind, don’t make your mind a parking place; instead, make it a crucible of innovation,” he advised.
Closing his address, Vice-President Dhankhar called on the youth to be the driving force behind India’s rise as a developed nation by 2047. “You are the most vital contributors to our future. The rise of Bharat is unstoppable, and your potential is the engine driving this growth,” he declared.
He also invited students and dignitaries to visit the new Parliament building in batches, as part of an initiative to engage the youth in the democratic process and inspire them to be active citizens.
The Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the state’s economy by providing youth with the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
