AP: National Skill Development Meet Begins at Prasanthi Nilayam
Organised by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations–India, the meet on October 9 and 10 brings together representatives from across the country to discuss measures to improve the functioning and reach of the centres.
Addressing the delegates, R.J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, stressed that skill development should empower individuals, build character and serve as an instrument of Seva.
He called for identifying new training opportunities, improving product quality and establishing systematic mechanisms to strengthen the centres and extend their services to more beneficiaries.
More than 300 skill development centres across India are producing over 3,700 varieties of products, including bags, handicrafts, jewellery, traditional food items and other goods.
The centres offer training in areas such as sewing, carpentry, agriculture and mechanical repairs, besides several other vocational skills.
The programmes seek to equip people from less privileged backgrounds with practical skills and livelihood opportunities through structured training and self-help groups, enabling them to support their families and achieve economic independence.
Recalling Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vocational training initiatives launched in the 1970s, Rathnakar highlighted their relevance in addressing present-day social and economic needs.
He also referred to the response to a recently concluded 40-day Tally and GST training programme for women in Puttaparthi, which had generated interest among prospective trainees.
Rathnakar visited an exhibition showcasing products made by beneficiaries of the centres and appreciated their quality, creativity and workmanship.
The meet will provide a platform for delegates to exchange experiences and discuss strategies to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of the centres.
S. Koteswara Rao, National Seva Coordinator; Capt. (Retd.) V.K. Kadam, National Skill Development Programmes In-charge; A. Saravana Kumar, Deputy National Activity In-charge for Skill Development; R. Lakshmana Rao, State President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Pradesh; and R. Chandrasekharan, Joint National Seva Coordinator, were among those who attended.
