Permanent Skill Development Centre to Be Established Soon at Puttaparthi: R.J. Rathnakar
Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh), Sept 6 (TNT): R.J. Rathnakar, Managing Trustee of the Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, on Sunday announced that a permanent Skill Development Centre would soon be established at Puttaparthi to provide continuous training and employment-oriented opportunities for local youth and women.
He made the announcement while inaugurating a 38-day free “Tally with GST” training programme for women at Meda Guest House, Puttaparthi.
The programme is being conducted under the Sri Sathya Sai Skill Development Programme of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Sri Sathya Sai District, with the support of Canara Bank RSETI.
The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has provided computers for the programme, in which 35 women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are participating.
Addressing the gathering, Rathnakar stressed the importance of equipping youth with practical skills that can create opportunities for employment and self-employment.
He said young people should be encouraged to learn new skills and provided with the necessary training, resources and support.
He said acquiring a new skill not only creates livelihood opportunities but also builds confidence and helps young people become self-reliant.
He particularly called for greater support to girls and youth from economically disadvantaged families.
“This is not merely a training programme; it is an opportunity that can transform a life,” he said, stressing the importance of certification in helping trainees pursue employment and livelihood opportunities.
Rathnakar said a good training programme, certification and encouragement could bring significant change in the lives of young people and called upon families and society to support those with a desire to learn.
The proposed permanent Skill Development Centre at Puttaparthi, he said, would offer continuous training, guidance and pathways towards employment and self-employment, creating a sustained platform for empowerment and self-reliance.
Speaking on the occasion, R. Lakshmana Rao, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations, Andhra Pradesh, said around 20,000 youth had been trained across Andhra Pradesh over the past four years in employment-oriented courses including computer skills, Tally with GST, AC repair, jute bag making, tailoring, beautician training, bedside assistance, maggam work, fabric painting and cell phone repair.
He said 23 permanent Skill Development Centres are currently functioning across Andhra Pradesh. With the support of the Skill Development Corporation, healthcare-related courses would soon be introduced in six districts, while additional programmes are being taken up in various districts with the support of RSETI.
S. Koteswara Rao, National Seva Coordinator, and Ms (Dr.) L. Shashi Bala, National Seva Coordinator (Women), spoke about the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for youth and women.
Ms N. Shanthi Priya, Director, Canara Bank RSETI, explained the relevance of Tally with GST in the present employment and business environment and outlined the training and certification support provided by RSETI.
K. Suryanarayana Murthy, President, Sri Sathya Sai District, welcomed the gathering.
The programme was coordinated by K. Naga Prasad, State Skill Development In-charge, while Suresh, District Youth Coordinator, proposed the vote of thanks.
P.R.S.N. Naidu, President, Visakhapatnam District, along with State and District office-bearers, Seva Dal members and devotees, participated in the programme.
TNT KM
