The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) have announced a partnership aimed at empowering marginalized communities through vocational training programs. This strategic collaboration will provide essential skills and opportunities for tribal and underprivileged youth across multiple states in India.
The initiative, designed to uplift youth from tribal and marginalized backgrounds in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, marks a significant step towards inclusive growth and development. The partnership will focus on delivering industry-relevant training through short-term courses conducted jointly by NSDC and ISKCON. Participants will receive industry-recognized certifications via the Skill India Digital Hub platform, enhancing their employability prospects within the country and beyond.
One of the key highlights of this partnership is the establishment of a Culinary School by ISKCON, aimed at empowering tribal youth from regions such as Palghar and Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, as well as neighboring states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Graduates from this school will have the opportunity to be employed at the prestigious Maha Kumbh Kitchen in Prayagraj in 2025, with provisions for international mobility facilitated by NSDC International.
“NSDC’s Skill India Centers have a proven track record of providing resources and support to empower youth in various sectors, facilitating their entry into the workforce and exploring international mobility opportunities. Through pre-incubation and entrepreneurship development training, budding entrepreneurs will receive crucial support in areas such as prototype development, accessing credit, mentorship, and establishing market linkages,” ISKCON stated.
The overarching objective of this collaboration is to bolster local economies through the establishment of ECO villages and training centers. With a keen focus on providing skill development opportunities to tribal youth, women, and other marginalized communities, the partnership aims to foster sustainable development and inclusive growth across the targeted regions.
In addition to these initiatives, two additional projects will be implemented under the partnership. The first project seeks to replicate the success of the Govardhan Eco Village (GEV) in Palghar, Maharashtra, by establishing similar self-sufficient and sustainable establishments in regions such as Nandurbar (Maharashtra), Jaipur Rural (Rajasthan), and Mandla and Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh). The second project will focus on skill development in sectors such as Hospitality, Retail, and Logistics, with the establishment of Skill India Centers in partnership with ISKCON.
This collaboration underscores the commitment of both NSDC and ISKCON to drive social impact and sustainable change through skill development and empowerment initiatives. By providing access to quality vocational training and employment opportunities, the partnership aims to create a brighter and more inclusive future for marginalized communities across India.
