Nothing in this world is permanent. In other words, change is the only constant, governed by the law of nature. The world is currently undergoing various transformations – from normalising after an unprecedented pandemic to experiencing rapid globalisation, a rise in Artificial Intelligence, easy access to information, and an understandable sense of impatience. Amidst all these changes, two crucial pillars of socio-economic development remain indispensable, just as they continue to evolve: education and skilling.

India is undergoing significant transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements and dynamic changes in the job market. This makes it essential for us to invest in human capital and equip the younger generation with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. To ensure India’s leadership in the tech-decade, nothing is more vital than providing high-quality education to every individual, starting from preschool and continuing throughout their careers. The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) is a landmark policy that emphasises the way forward in this regard.

In today’s world, education must prepare children for a changing landscape, characterised by advancing technology, increased interconnectedness, and evolving forms of employment. Mere content knowledge is no longer sufficient in the age of Google. To excel in this dynamic environment, students need a broad range of skills, including academic competencies like literacy, numeracy, and science, as well as vital soft skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, communication, persistence, and creativity is crucial. These skills are interconnected, and young people must become agile learners who can quickly adapt and acquire new knowledge in this fast-changing environment.

In the past, Odisha was often labeled as a backward state grappling with issues like starvation, poverty, and natural calamities. However, over the last 20 years, the state has defied these stereotypes, achieving remarkable progress in various areas such as education, health, women’s empowerment, skilling, tribal development, and industrialisation. Odisha has emerged as a leader in these domains and is paving the way for further growth and development.

Overall, in this ever-changing world, continuous emphasis on education, skill development, and adaptability will be the key to success for individuals, communities, and nations alike.