
Tell us about yourself, your background and what you do currently skills
Tell us about any current projects or initiatives you wish to promote
Despite the political will, private sector interest and demographic advantage, India continues to struggle to bridge the Demand – Supply gap. Experts have cited lack of integrated education and skills system and sustainable business models as two factors slowing the pace of the skills development in the country. To look into this deeply and look at the merits of an integrated, industry led system, my research project is focused on studying – “Do Investments in Vocational Education and Training have long – term social and economic impact” – using the German Dual System of Training as a case. I am looking at evolving a cost – benefit analysis taking specific examples from the Construction, Automobile and Retail industry in Germany. The outcomes of this project shall form an empirical case for encouraging the large number of Corporate, Medium & Small Enterprises to adopt Skills Development practices that improve their productivity. I am also hopeful that more than 150 Institutions across Germany, Europe and India shall support my project.
My company, Atom Advisory, is an India based International Development Consulting which works in the key areas of Market Entry, Development Communication and Solution design. We chose our projects very carefully giving utmost importance to outcomes and long term people impact. Although in its formative stages, Atom is actively providing inputs on skills development and contributing towards the dream of Skills for All.
What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success?
What has been your greatest achievement personally?
My involvement with Skills Development started in 2007 when it wasn’t even recognised as a sector in India. We worked tirelessly with the industry and policymakers to provide numerous inputs through sector dialogues, pilot projects and international exchange. Being part of that journey has been a steep learning curve. Today, when the Honorable Prime Minister of India announces Skill India as his KRA engaging the top leaders of Industry, it is indeed a proud moment for us all who worked tirelessly then. However, the last ten years have just been the beginning. Many more initiatives and much concerted effort is required to realise the potential of Indian youth.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
That’s a very interesting question. I think I would definitely have been a travel show host discovering some of the most unknown places and sharing people-centric experiences. I believe that in a lifetime, for any working person, life presents a maximum of 30/35 opportunities for holidays where you can cut your self off from the world. Most people lose out on these because of other responsibilities always keeping experiences for self as secondary. I would have launched hand curated & customised journeys for all in form of a life travel plan.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
It has to be my mother. She is a superbly talented lady who is an ocean of wisdom and knowledge of life sciences, ayurveda, nature and many other subjects. Her capabilities and hard work are my motivation. Although she is a homemaker, she has shown us courage, humility, care for others and respect for environment in many different ways.
From the world of business, I am very inspired by the Mrs Indira Nooyi of PepsiCo. I can only imagine her will power and talents that have made her reach such heights in both professional and personal life.
What does the future hold for you?
The future holds new opportunities and possibilities to position India as the Skills capital of the World. I am very hopeful that my company Atom Advisory will make its mark and will be one of the top Development consultancy firms in the next five years. I am an optimist so the future will be very bright not only for me but for all of us, together.