Bhubaneswar: The true strength of any nation lies in the potential of its youth. By strengthening our skilling ecosystem, we are not just preparing youth for livelihoods. We are empowering them to innovate, lead, and contribute to a stronger Odisha and a Viksit Bharat, said MSME Minister of State (I/C) Gokulananda Mallik, emphasising the importance of empowering youth through practical capability and innovation.
The minister was attending the IndiaSkills Regional Competition 2025–26 (East Region) at Skill Development Institute, Taraboi. Regarded as eastern India’s largest celebration of skill, innovation and technical excellence, the four-day competition will culminate March 3.
Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and supported by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the event has brought together over 200 competitors from fi ve eastern states and one Union Territory. Participants are competing across 59 skill domains, ranging from traditional crafts to advanced and emerging technologies, showcasing the region’s diverse and evolving talent base.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Union Minister of State (I/C) Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the growing aspirational value of vocational excellence. “India’s growth story will be shaped by the immense potential of our youth and their ability to translate talent into excellence. IndiaSkills is nurturing a culture where vocational mastery is aspirational, competitive, and aligned with global benchmarks.
The determination we witness in the eastern region reflects a confident, future-ready generation—disciplined, ambitious, and prepared to measure itself against the highest standards. This collective commitment will power our journey towards a truly Viksit Bharat.” The IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26 has recorded one of its broadest participation footprints so far, with 3.65 lakh candidates registering from 35 States and Union Territories across 63 skill categories through the Skill India Digital Hub.
The regional stage serves as a crucial pathway for top performers to advance to the national-level IndiaSkills Competition and potentially represent India at international platforms such as WorldSkills International. The eastern regional competition features participants from Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, along with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Of the 59 skill categories, 37 are being conducted onsite with live demonstrations of technical proficiency, while 22 are evaluated through offsite formats to ensure comprehensive assessment.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries including Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar Director Shreepad Karmalkar, Biju Patnaik University of Technology VC Amiya Kumar Rath and senior officials from the state government and MSDE.
