Bhubaneswar: In a proud moment for Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today felicitated the state’s participants in the prestigious WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition at a ceremony held at Lok Seva Bhavan. The event highlighted Odisha’s growing prominence in the global skills arena, as the state’s youth excelled on the international stage.
Amaresh Sahu, from Deogarh district, who won the bronze medal in Renewable Energy, was honored with a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh. Meanwhile, Gedela Akhil from Gajapati, who received the Medallion for Excellence in Water Technology, was awarded Rs 5 lakh. Commending their achievements, the Chief Minister lauded the skills of Odisha’s youth, stating that their talents have drawn global attention.
“We are committed to building a developed Odisha by 2036 and 2047, and our talented youths will be the real drivers of this transformation. Our youth are our identity, and they form the foundation of our future. Their skill is our strength and glory,” CM Majhi remarked. He further emphasized that the state’s skill development program would be turned into a movement, ensuring that skill-building reaches every level of society.
The WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition, held in France from September 10 to 15, saw the participation of 60 contestants from across India, 15 of whom were from Odisha. Sahu’s bronze medal and Akhil’s recognition for excellence are testament to the talent emerging from the state. Their success at the global level, the Chief Minister stated, is a new standard of efficiency for Odisha’s youth.
Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister of Industries, Skill Development, and Vocational Education, noted that 25% of India’s contestants in the WorldSkills competition hailed from Odisha. He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the state’s skill development initiatives would continue to flourish and reach the grassroots level, giving more children the opportunity to compete on international platforms.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja echoed this sentiment, stating that Odisha’s skill development program has set a unique benchmark. “The skills of Odisha’s children have now been recognized on the world stage,” he said, underscoring the state’s commitment to fostering global talent.