The WorldSkills 2024 competition in Lyon, France, witnessed a remarkable performance by the Indian contingent, showcasing the country’s growing prowess in various skill domains on the international stage. With an impressive haul of 4 Bronze medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence, India has firmly established itself as a rising force in the global skills arena.
Medal Achievements
Bronze Medalists
India’s exceptional performance was highlighted by four Bronze medals in diverse categories:
- Patisserie and Confectionery: Ashwitha Police (Telangana)
- Industry 4.0: Dhrumilkumar Dhirendrakumar Gandhi and Sathyajith Balakrishnan (Gujarat)
- Hotel Reception: Joethir Adithya Krishnapriya Ravikumar (Delhi)
- Renewable Energy: Amaresh Kumar Sahu (Odisha)
Best of Nation Award
Ashwitha Police, the Bronze medalist in Patisserie and Confectionery, also clinched the Best of Nation Award, marking her as the most outstanding competitor from Team India. Her journey from a childhood fascination with creating sweets to becoming a symbol of Indian culinary excellence is truly inspiring.
Medallions of Excellence
In addition to the Bronze medals, India secured 12 Medallions of Excellence across various trades, including:
- Mechatronics
- Web Technology
- Cabinet Making
- Jewellery
- Beauty Therapy
- Automobile Technology
- Cooking
- Car Painting
- Graphic Design Technology
- Cyber Security
- Water Technology
- Additive Manufacturing
The Significance of India’s Achievement
Global Recognition
India’s success at WorldSkills 2024 is particularly noteworthy given the scale and prestige of the competition:
- Over 1400 participants from more than 70 countries
- India competed in 52 skills against global powerhouses like China, Japan, Korea, Germany, and the United States
Sectoral Breakthroughs
- Culinary Arts: Winning a Bronze in Patisserie and Confectionery in France, the epicenter of fine pastry, signifies India’s rising prowess in this field.
- Emerging Technologies: Medals in Renewable Energy and Industry 4.0 position India as a leader in future-focused sectors.
- Diverse Skill Set: The Medallions of Excellence highlight India’s expertise across traditional crafts and cutting-edge technologies.
Voices of Achievement
Competitor Perspectives
Ashwitha Police, Bronze medalist in Patisserie and Confectionery, expressed her elation: “It’s a dream come true to represent my country and win a medal. The journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding.”
Government Recognition
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), lauded the team’s efforts:
“This is a moment of immense pride for our country. The Bronze medals and Medallions of Excellence are not just personal triumphs but a testament to the nation’s growing emphasis on skills. These young competitors have not only showcased their individual brilliance but also reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving global excellence in skills development.”
The Path to Success
Training and Preparation
The Indian competitors’ success is attributed to:
- Rigorous training programs
- Mock competitions
- Exposure to latest technologies
Collaborative Effort
The achievement was made possible through the combined efforts of:
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
- Industry partners providing mentorship and technical expertise
Industry Support
Valuable contributions came from organizations such as:
- Lavvone Academy
- Leela Hotels
- NamTech
- Toyota Kirloskar
- Maruti
- NIFT Delhi
- L&T and many others