The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) recently hosted its Annual Conclave 2024 at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. Themed "Collaborate, Empower, Accelerate, and Achieve," the event brought together key stakeholders from the automotive industry, including policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and training providers, to engage in high-level discussions on the future of automotive skills development in India.
The conclave featured Shri Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Shri Athawale emphasised the government's commitment to uplifting marginalised communities through skill development. He said, "The automotive sector provides numerous opportunities for India's youth, and through efforts like ASDC's programmes, we can ensure these opportunities are inclusive. It is essential that we focus on training and certifying the next generation of professionals, providing them with the tools they need to succeed."
Delivering the keynote address, F. R. Singhvi, President of ASDC, spoke about the critical role of skill development in addressing the challenges of the automotive industry. "As the automotive sector evolves, the need for skilled professionals becomes even more crucial. Today's conclave has showcased the tremendous potential that can be unlocked when we empower individuals with the right skills and knowledge. This collaboration will not only accelerate progress but also ensure sustainable growth for the entire industry."
Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President of ASDC, followed with his remarks, highlighting the importance of collaboration to drive innovation. "The Indian automotive sector is experiencing remarkable growth, and with such rapid expansion, the support of a skilled workforce becomes crucial. This is where the culture of skilling and the role of ASDC become paramount. The future of our automotive industry hinges on how effectively we collaborate to empower both individuals and institutions. By working together, we can strengthen the skilling ecosystem and ensure that India remains competitive on the global stage," he noted.
The conclave also featured panel discussions on topics such as CSR collaborations for purpose-driven impact and accelerating skills for an inclusive India, with prominent voices from organisations like Bajaj, Toyota, and Hero MotoCorp sharing their insights.
In line with its commitment to skill development, Bajaj has launched the BEST (Bajaj Excellence in Skill Training) programme, focusing on Robotics & Automation for graduates and diploma holders. ASDC is proud to be the assessment and certification partner for this programme, ensuring that the candidates receive industry-recognised credentials that will enhance their employability in the rapidly evolving automotive sector. This collaboration exemplifies the shared vision of ASDC and Bajaj to nurture future-ready professionals equipped with the latest technological skills.
One of the event's major highlights was the Certified Candidates Convocation, where candidates from ASDC's flagship projects SAKHI SAKSHAM, SHAKTI, SANKALP-SAARTHI, and SANKALP-JEEVIKA were awarded certifications, recognising their achievements and readiness to join the automotive workforce.
ASDC has made significant strides in empowering women through its focused skilling initiatives, even surpassing the number of male beneficiaries. The presence of 45 skilled young women trained by ASDC added a sense of grandeur and inspiration, showcasing the transformative impact of these programmes on their lives and careers. Their achievements stand as a testament to ASDC's commitment to fostering gender equality in the automotive industry and beyond.
WorldSkills Lyon 2024 winners and experts were also recognised for their exemplary performances on the global stage. Dhrumilkumar Dhirendrakumar Gandhi and Sathyajith Balakrishnan, who secured a bronze medal in the highly competitive Industry 4.0 category, were felicitated alongside Praful Ankush Pendhari, Vikash, and Prem Vasanth Kumar, who earned Medallions for Excellence in Automobile Technology, Car Painting, and Additive Manufacturing, respectively. This special segment celebrated their contributions to enhancing India's reputation at the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competitions.
The conclave concluded with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering partnerships that will strengthen skilling initiatives across the country. The event underscored the critical role of public-private partnerships in addressing the evolving needs of the automotive industry and in achieving global competitiveness.
