Lucknow: On World Youth Skills Day, Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow turned into a showcase of emerging skills, local enterprise, and vocational training as the Kaushal Mela offered young people and entrepreneurs a platform to present their talent.
The event, themed “Skilled Uttar Pradesh, Self-Reliant Uttar Pradesh,” reflected growing interest in skill-based livelihoods across rural and urban communities.
Over 100 stalls presented work across sectors including electronics, healthcare, textiles, handicrafts, and food processing. NGOs, vocational institutes, and startups displayed training modules and live demos, while soft skill workshops in English speaking, CV writing, and interview preparation provided practical guidance to job seekers.
The food zone was a strong crowd-puller, featuring regional favourites such as Lucknow’s Bhelpuri, Agra’s Petha, Ayodhya’s vinegar, Muzaffarnagar’s Kachori, and Pratapgarh’s Amla products blending culinary tradition with small business promotion.
Among the standout features of the fair was the participation of women and rural girls trained by institutions like RSWM Pvt. Ltd. and Shri Siddhi Vinayak Education Society. Ayushi Nigam of RSWM explained that girls from rural backgrounds are offered free training in IT and soft skills, along with meals, lodging, and healthcare.
Their creations including potli bags, cushion covers, jute crafts, and wall hangings were showcased at the event, promoting both self-reliance and sustainability.
Trainer Shivani Singh highlighted how three-month residential courses are leading to employment in private hospitals and companies, particularly in cities like Noida. Graduates of these programs are also beginning to start small ventures of their own.
While the fair was organized with government support, the focus remained on grassroots skill-building and enterprise. The event emphasized community-led development, enabling youth and women to translate training into employment or entrepreneurship. For many, it was not just a showcase of skills, but a step toward changing their economic futures.
