Skill Leaders’ Conclave and Skill Fair–2026
New Delhi, 7th February 2026 : The Skill Leaders’ Conclave and Skill Fair–2026 was organized on Saturday at the Gandhi Satyagraha Auditorium, Rajghat, New Delhi. On this occasion, a resolution was taken to strengthen the country’s skill ecosystem in accordance with future needs.
The conclave and skill fair were inaugurated by the chief guest, former Union Minister and Vice Chairman of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, Mr. Vijay Goel. The conclave was organized by Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Palwal, in collaboration with Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University and Assam Skill University.
While inaugurating the conclave, Mr. Vijay Goel said that India can become a developed nation only through skills and innovation. He stated that skill universities are not only teaching students in classrooms but are also imparting skills through industry exposure, which is strengthening the nation’s skill ecosystem. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promoted skill development in the country and strengthened this concept. He also urged students to learn from the life of Mahatma Gandhi, who faced immense struggles and was never afraid of failure. Mr. Goel visited the skill fair and appreciated the skill-based projects presented by the students.
Hosting the conclave, the Vice Chancellor of the country’s first state-run skill university, Professor Dinesh Kumar, said that skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship will play a vital role in making India a developed nation. He stated that by 2027, 44 percent of skills will undergo change. With this objective, Shri Vishwakarma Skill University organized the conclave of all skill universities, which will help strengthen the country’s skill ecosystem. He further said that the university has presented a model of skill education to the nation, which is now being followed by many universities across India. Professor Dinesh Kumar also announced that a conference of Vice Chancellors of skill universities would be organized soon.
Prof. (Dr) A. K. Nagawat,Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University, highlighted continuous efforts toward skill development in skill universities. He explained the key features of the DSEU model and suggested its implementation in other institutions, stressing the need for deeper industry collaboration.He also emphasized on the importance of India’s traditional skills, stating that they can play a significant role in boosting the country’s GDP.He mentioned that short-term skill courses offered by DSEU have empowered a large number of women. He added that DSEU has signed MoUs with over 200 industries. Emphasizing that the shelf life of skills is limited, he stressed the need for continuous upgradation and the importance of using skilled professionals to train and upskill others.
The Chairman of the Haryana State Higher Education Council, Professor Kailash Chandra Sharma, called for promoting skills under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework by giving recognition to traditional knowledge systems.
The Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister of Haryana, Dr. Raj Nehru, said that job market trends are changing rapidly and that artificial intelligence has transformed the skill landscape.
The Director General of Kaushalya Skill University, Professor S. P. Singh, said that meritorious students must be encouraged to move toward skill-based education. The Director of the National Institute of Open Schooling, Mr. Akhilesh Mishra, emphasized the need to align skill development with the National Education Policy (NEP).
On this occasion, Mr. Suhas Deshmukh, Director of NCVET, along with Milan Sahu, Sarika Dixit, and Manish Kumar, delivered presentations during a technical session on the skill education model.
The Academic Dean of SVSU, Professor Vikram Singh, presented the vote of thanks. Mementos were presented by SVSU Vice Chancellor Professor Dinesh Kumar and Registrar Professor Jyoti Rana.
Also present at the event were Professor R. S. Rathore, State Project Director; Professor Sanjay Goyal, Indian Skill Development University; Mr. Kuldeep Sharma, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Medhavi Skill University; Ms. Chanchal Bhardwaj, Director of IRA; and several other heads of universities and institutions associated with the skill ecosystem. Eminent personalities from the skill sector and distinguished guests also visited the skill fair. Students showcased their skill-based projects during the fair.
