New Delhi, December 2023.

Dharamraj Thiyagarajan, from SeenaichanPalayanam village at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, never considered becoming an entrepreneur. Now, he runs Dotworld Technologies, focusing on Mobile Robotics, Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR). It's all because of a skill competition organized by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). 

In 2015, he represented India in WorldSkills, securing 9th place, and subsequently found his way into a professional job through campus interviews. In 2018, he ventured into entrepreneurship with Dotworld Technologies. Dharamraj did his bachelor's in mechatronics engineering from Shri Krishna College of Engineering in Coimbatore.

He is not just alone. IndiaSkills goes beyond being a competition; it's a commitment to aligning our training standards with global benchmarks. Participants undergo a challenging selection process at district, state, zonal, and national levels, aiming to represent India in the 2024 WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France.

The 2023-2024 edition of IndiaSkills has just begun, and registration has started on the Skill India Digital website. 

In his experience, Dharamraj Thiyagarajan said, "My journey from overcoming financial hurdles to clinching the 9th position at WorldSkills has been transformative. Participating in the competition showcased my skills and opened doors to a professional career. Every challenge has been a stepping stone, and today, I believe in the power of perseverance and passion in shaping one's destiny."

 (Varad Patil)

Similarly, Varad Patil participated in the WorldSkills Competition, a global standard for skill excellence, in the Mechanical Engineering Aided Design (MCAD) category in 2013. From there to today, appearing with his colleagues in the second edition of The Shark Tank, Varad has certainly come a long way.

His organization, AyuSynk- an IIT Bombay startup, has recently received funding of INR 1.5 crore from Namita Thapar, CFO of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, for 3.5% equity.

Varad advocates for IndiaSkills and WorldSkills competition as he realizes that many young, talented minds must polish their skills and transform their lives.

He actively keeps in touch with IndiaSkills candidates and trains them to participate in WorldSkills competition.

 (Mahima Gandhi)

For Mahima Gandhi, the founder of Mahima Gandhi Makeup & Nail Studio in Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, it was more of a self-belief. She participated in WorldSkills 2019-20, where she discovered more than just skills; she found self-belief.

In 2021, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mahima, coming from a humble family background, established her makeup studio in Rudrapur, showcasing the transformative power of skills in real-life situations. She faced an additional challenge.

She had her final exams for B.Com Pass on the same day as her Nationals at IndiaSkills. Despite this, she prioritized IndiaSkills, emerged with the 1st position, and proudly represented India on the international stage.

(Mohit Dudeja)

The story of 27-year-old Mohit Dudeja is a bit different. After dropping out of college in Delhi, he pursued a diploma in baking science and pastry arts in Bengaluru.

During his six-month internship in a private hotel in Mumbai, his journey took a fortunate turn, where he learned about WorldSkills. He participated in the competition, and now he owns a Channel 9 patisserie, a bakery and a cake shop in Sonipat. The shop stands as a testament to his dedication.

Adding to this, Mohit Dudeja said, "Reflecting on my journey through IndiaSkills, it's more than a competition; it's a transformative chapter that sculpted my path. Every step, from dropping out in Delhi to the academy in Bengaluru, prepared me for the challenge. WorldSkills became the canvas where skills met passion. The experience was not just about winning or losing but about evolving."

Varad, Mahima, Dharamraj and Mohit are not just success stories; they represent the tangible impact of skills in building successful ventures.

As registration opens, it's an open invitation for individuals nationwide to showcase their talents and embark on a journey where skills become the compass guiding them towards success. In IndiaSkills, we witness dreams transforming into reality, one story at a time.

IndiaSkills 2023-24 is not just a competition; it's a practical journey reflecting the heartbeat of our nation.