Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi felicitated the contestants who participated in the World Skill Competition (WorldSkills Lyon 2024) ) at Lok Seva Bhavan today.
In this international competition, Amaresh Sahu, who won the bronze medal, was awarded a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, while Gedela Akhil, who won the Medallion for Excellence, received Rs 5 lakh. On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the skills of Odisha’s youths have drawn global attention. Skill development will be turned into a movement in Odisha in the coming days.
“We are prepared to build a developed Odisha by 2036 and 2047. Our talented youths will be the real drivers of our developing Odisha. Our youth is our identity; they are the foundation of our faith,” he added. The CM further stated that the skill of youth power is our strength and glory. “We have to turn our skill development program into a movement. We will continue our efforts to develop skills at every level.”
Notably, 60 people from the country participated in the World Skill Competition held in France from September 10 to 15, while only 15 from Odisha participated. Among them, Amaresh Sahu of Deogarh district won the Bronze Medal in Renewable Energy, and Gedela Akhil of Gajapati won the Medallion for Excellence in Water Technology.
Addressing the gathering on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that out of 60 contestants from all over the country, the participation of 15 from Odisha was a great success. This is shining proof of the hope in the abilities of Odisha’s children. This is the new standard of our efficiency, Majhi said.
Minister of Industries, Skill Development and Vocational Education Sampad Chandra Swain stated that out of all the contestants who participated from the country, 25% were from Odisha. Odisha’s children have the talent to compete on international platforms. Efforts have begun under the Chief Minister’s leadership to spread it to the grassroots level.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said that Odisha’s skill development programme has a unique benchmark. The skills of Odisha’s children have been recognized at the world level, he added.