Celebrating its centenary year to mark 100 glorious years of education and empowerment, two institutions of Delhi University, Centre for Innovation in Infectious Diseases, Research, Education and Training (CIIDRET) and Delhi School of Skill Enhancement & Entrepreneurship Development (IoE-DSSEED) joined hands to celebrate the valedictory ceremony of ‘100 Days Skill Festival’. More than 400 participants from 90 different institutions and courses across the nation have been trained and upskilled.

Aligned with Skill India Mission’s objective of empowering the youth of the country with adequate skill sets to increase their employability in relevant sectors and improve productivity, the festival commenced on 17 December 2022 at University of Delhi South Campus. It has not only created an ecosystem that encourages learning, but also provided a platform for collaboration, and networking by bringing together students, instructors, academicians, industry, and facilitators.

The 100 Day Skill Festival has established the effectiveness of “Beyond Classroom Learning”, which has been CIIDRET’s motto since its establishment. The event witnessed 13 training workshops in these 100 days on subjects like Basic Techniques in Microbiology, Techniques In Genomics, Python for Biology & Its Practical Approach, NGS And Genomic Data Science And Analysis and protection of new knowledge as Intellectual Property through Patents. Customised courses on different topics and learning levels were created for skill development of students, research scholars, teachers, and scientists. Additionally, theoretical workshops/Faculty Development Programmes (online) on advanced technologies employed in biotech research, process and product development were organised.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “Skilling, reskilling, and upskilling initiatives are critical for the development of India’s youth and the overall growth of the country. Congratulations to Delhi University, CIIDRET and DSSEED for taking a step towards building an ecosystem that promotes learning, collaboration, and networking. The exposure to tools and techniques gained through these courses will not only increase employability but also inspire innovation and entrepreneurship. Today, as we celebrate the University of Delhi’s centenary, we must continue to embrace upskilling and reskilling as crucial components of a holistic skill environment, preparing our youth for the extensive socio-economic change that lies ahead.”

Prof. Amita Gupta, Director, CIIDRET, said, “Empowering youth through Hands-on workshops in Beyond Classroom mode will add value to their education for better employability and also drive them towards Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Skilling is not only as a path for employability; Skilling is the gateway to technology creation and self-reliance. Skilling hubs fostering innovation with upskilling must be established and promoted.”

Prof. V.K. Chaudhary, Director (Hon.), DSSEED, said “100 days Skill Festival is an example that needs to be expanded to other subject areas so that skilling becomes an inherent and inseparable part of education curriculum at all levels.”