175/2023-2024

Aizawl, the 14th August 2023 : A Walkathon for Skill Development with the theme "Youth Skills and Learning for a Transformative Future" was organised by Labour, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department today, i.e. on the 14th of August 2023, at 6:00 AM from Vanapa Hall to Millennium Centre, as a part of India's Independence Day celebration and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

At the opening of the Walkathon, at Vanapa Hall, the Chief Guest, Pu Zothantluanga, Hon’ble MLA and Vice Chairman, Man Power Development Board, delivered a short speech encouraging the young participants to pursue skill development. He pointed that India has the largest youth population in the world with immense potential. He emphasised that although the so-called developed nations may not always have the best natural resources, they are nonetheless regarded as advanced and powerful nations because of importance given to Human Resource Development and the employable skills that their young people have acquired and developed. He further pointed that despite having high educational qualifications, there is a growing number of unemployed youths in Mizoram or without a job to match their qualifications. He urged the students to focus on developing their employable skills while striving for academic excellence and highlighted the role of youth in the nation’s growth and prosperity.

The Chairman of the event, Pu Lalramsanga Sailo, IRS, Secretary, LESDE Deptt also addressed the participants and said that the Walkathon has been organized by the department to celebrate India’s independence, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India’s G20 presidentship and the primary focus is on inculcation of patriotism and youth empowerment through skills and learning for their better future. He encouraged the youths to approach and utilize the employment and skill training services offered by LESDE Department, Government ITI’s, and Government Polytechnics.

The closing function of the Walkathon was held at Millennium Centre, Zarkawt where Director of LESDE Department, Pi Angela Zothanpuii delivered vote of thanks and urged the participating students to take on the challenge of learning and acquiring at least one skill by the end of the year while remaining focused on their studies.

All the young participants took oath to learn relevant skills for life. This is the second Walkathon for Skill Development organized by LESDE Deparment. Around 400 students and teaching staffs from schools, colleges and institutes viz. Mizoram Institute of Comprehensive Education (MICE), NEUHOF, Govt. Hrangbana College, Govt. Aizawl College, Govt. Aizawl West College and ICFAI University participated in the Walkathon. Apart from educational Institutions, Skill training students and teachers from Mizoram Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (MBOCWWB), Mission Foundation Movement (MFM), Vocational School of Education (VSE), Accent Plus, Vakiria Computerized Embroidery, Medhavi PMKK Centre as well as Department Officials also participated in the event.