The Youth 20 Summit-2023 under the framework of the G20 Presidency of India supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organized the Y20 Talk event on “Future of Work: Industry 4.0, Innovation, and 21st Century Skills” in association with Kongunadu Arts and Science College and DOBBS Public School, Saravanampatti, at the KASC Auditorium on September 23, 2023.
The event was graced by Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, the Governor of Telangana & Lt. Governor of Puducherry, who attended as the Chief Guest. Notable dignitaries including Namassivayam, Home Minister of Puducherry, Chandira Priyanga, Minister of Transport, Puducherry, Nainar Nagendran, Member of Legislative Assembly, Tirunelveli, and Vanathi Srinivasan, Member of Legislative Assembly, Coimbatore South, were also present as the Guests of Honour.
The welcome address was delivered by Abisheak Asir, State Convenor of Y20 India, and C.A. Vasuki, Secretary & Director of KASC, delivered the Presidential address. Karthikeyan, Correspondent of DOBBS Public School, Coimbatore, and Shridaar, State Co-Convenor of Y20 India, graced the occasion as well.
C.A. Vasuki, KASC Secretary, expressed that it is crucial to channel the potential of youth towards constructive endeavours, providing them with the necessary tools and platforms for self-expression.”
She emphasized the importance of holistic youth development, including upskilling and reskilling, along with preserving India’s rich heritage and culture to address both national and global challenges.
She pointed out the significant growth of India’s innovation and startup ecosystem, citing that in February 2023, there were 92,683 startups, with 80% of them being managed by individuals below 35 years of age. She praised the government’s support for youth-driven startups.
Furthermore, she mentioned that their college had received a message from ISRO about being selected to exhibit ISRO’s Exhibition during World Space Week on their campus, which brought great happiness.
The Chief Guest celebrated the 33% reservation for women as a victory for women’s empowerment. She emphasized that while G20 represents governments, Y20 is the platform for youth to lead the nation to greater heights.
Highlighting the importance of economy, environment, education, health, and sports, she urged youth to protect the environment by reducing plastic use, planting trees, and cutting carbon emissions. She praised India’s self-reliance, with Indian products gaining respect globally and startups exceeding 90,000.
She proudly noted India’s production of over 2 lakh PPE kits per day during the COVID-19 crisis and reiterated the goal of achieving a 5 trillion-dollar economy. She emphasized the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and encouraged resource conservation and entrepreneurship. She concluded by stressing individual transformation as the key to national progress.
The event featured prominent guest speakers including Anmol Sovit, Chair of Y20 India, Ramanatha Kumaragurubara Swamigal from Siravai Adheenam Kaumaramadalayam, Preethaa Ganesh, Vice President of Vels Group of Institutions in India, Singapore, & the United Kingdom, Kirthika Shivkumar, Executive Director of The Indian Public School, Executive Director of CK Hospital, and Nainar Balaji, a Social Worker.
One of the event’s highlights was the panel discussion on the topic of “Youth Leadership for 2047 – Shaping the Youth of Bharath,” which featured insights from five distinguished panellists.
