- 21st Century Skills Conclave marks a defining milestone in India’s skilling journey
- Over 12 lakh lives touched through technology-enabled skilling initiatives
- Multi-stakeholder dialogue charts pathways for job-ready, future-focused youth
- 40 inspiring young achievers from across India celebrated for career breakthroughs
- Foundation aligns skilling with Skill India mission and future of work
NE YOUTH BUREAU
MUMBAI, JAN 30
Reliance Foundation marked a major milestone in its national skilling journey this week, announcing that over 3 lakh youth have been skilled and more than 1.8 lakh youth have secured employment, reaching over 12 lakh people nationwide—a powerful testament to the scale and impact of its youth-centric initiatives.
The achievement was showcased at the 21st Century Skills Conclave in Mumbai, which brought together industry leaders, skilling practitioners, policymakers and young leaders to deliberate on India’s evolving skills landscape and the future of work, while celebrating youth who have successfully transitioned from learning to earning.
Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside conversations and first-hand youth narratives, the Conclave aimed to accelerate skilling and employment outcomes in alignment with India’s Skill India mission, at a time when technology is rapidly redefining job roles and workplace expectations.
Capabilities Over Credentials
Highlighting the growing importance of soft skills and adaptability, Madhavi Sardeshmukh, Director of Vocational Education and Training, Government of Maharashtra, said: “Capabilities matter the most today. We are moving towards building capabilities rather than focusing only on degrees to create a strong and future-ready workforce. I congratulate Reliance Foundation for its impactful skilling initiatives and milestones achieved, and urge industry to collaborate through public–private partnerships such as PM-SETU to develop an upgraded, industry-ready workforce.”
Turning India’s Demographic Dividend into Growth
Speaking at the Conclave, Nupur Bahl, Head – Skilling and Employment programme, Reliance Foundation, underscored the long-term vision behind the initiative: “India’s demographic dividend can translate into sustained national growth only when young people are equipped with future-ready skills. For decades, Reliance has believed in the transformative power of India’s youth. Today, this legacy continues through technology-enabled skilling initiatives that go beyond training to enable meaningful employment and long-term career pathways, towards enhanced lives of young people.”
Power of Partnerships at Scale
Emphasising collaboration as a force multiplier, NSDC CEO Arunkumar Pillai said: “The successful completion of the first phase of the Future Ready Skill Initiative, reaching thousands of candidates, is a strong testament to the impact that collaborative efforts can create at scale. Our partnership with Reliance Foundation has enabled learners to acquire industry-relevant skills and improve their employability. As we move into the second phase, we remain committed to deepening this impact by expanding access to future-ready skills and strengthening India’s workforce for emerging opportunities.”
A Future-Focused Skilling Ecosystem
Reliance Foundation’s skilling initiatives address critical skills gaps by leveraging technology, AI and personalisation, bridging aspiration, employability and industry demand to create sustainable livelihood pathways.
As the nature of work evolves, the Foundation’s programmes are anchored in three core approaches:
• Strengthening human and workplace skills
• Enabling digital and technology fluency
• Fostering lifelong learning
Nationwide Reach, Personal Impact
Across 28 states, Reliance Foundation’s skilling programme focuses on:
- Preparing young people—especially graduates who are not in education, employment or training (NEET)—for first-time formal jobs, building capabilities such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability and collaboration, alongside exposure to emerging technologies.
- Partnering with higher education institutions, and working closely with AICTE and NSDC, to strengthen the education–employability–industry link.
- Driving the Reliance Foundation Skilling Academy, an open-access digital platform offering AI-enabled personalised learning pathways and over 100 self-paced courses, including NSDC-recognised certifications.
Celebrating Youth Who Made It Happen
A key highlight of the Conclave was the felicitation of 40 young achievers from across India, recognised for their perseverance and professional success.
Among them was Kashish Sawant, a 24-year-old skilled candidate who secured her first job through Reliance Foundation’s 21st Century Skills Initiative, progressed rapidly along an accelerated career path, and gained clarity, confidence and direction through skill acquisition.
As India positions itself for a technology-driven future, Reliance Foundation continues to strengthen India’s skilling ecosystem through partnerships, digital innovation and AI-led learning—ensuring young Indians are not only employable today, but ready for tomorrow.
