Education, skills key to social progress: Himachal Governor

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said education drives skills and skills enhance the value of education and society can progress only by combining both. “When society advances, the nation advances,” the Governor said while addressing the valedictory session of the three-day “EduSkills HR Summit 2025” in Shimla. The summit witnessed the participation of academic leaders, including vice chancellors, principals and directors and over 100 HR professionals and corporate leaders.

The Governor said ideas hold immense power, and artificial intelligence (AI) is a vital part of this evolving landscape. “We are at a juncture where the old foundation and the new construction meet. AI is a part of this new construction, and its use must be exercised with caution,” he observed.

Congratulating EduSkills Foundation for organising the summit, the Governor said it was a significant step towards nation-building. He stressed that in the age of rapidly changing technologies, innovation and global competition, the real wealth of the nation lies in the knowledge, skills and creativity of its youth.

“More than 65 per cent of India’s population is young. To turn this demographic dividend into real strength, we must ensure that our students are not only educated but also skilled and employable. Skill development is not an option anymore, it is a necessity. It is the foundation on which the future of our youth, the growth of our industries, and the prosperity of our nation rest,” he said. The Governor emphasised that empowering youth with knowledge, skills, and confidence is the true way to empower the nation.

He also appreciated initiatives like digital internships, Centres of Excellence and modern training programmes, through which EduSkills is empowering lakhs of students across the country. On the occasion, Prof KK Aggarwal, chairperson of the South Asian University, Ministry of External Affairs, and Dr Raghav Prasad Dash, Adviser at AICTE and Joint Secretary at Rajya Sabha Secretariat also shared their perspectives.