Kaushal Mela in Lucknow showcases a skilled and self-reliant UP

Lucknow : On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, Lucknow’s Indira Gandhi Pratishthan became the hub of talent, innovation, and self-reliance as the Kaushal Mela (skill fair) offered a vibrant display of Uttar Pradesh’s growing capabilities. Held under the theme “Skilled Uttar Pradesh, Self-Reliant Uttar Pradesh,” the event reflected the state’s evolving identity through a dynamic showcase of skill development, entrepreneurship, and cultural richness.

More than 100 stalls featured an impressive range of sectors including handicrafts, textiles, healthcare, electronics, and food products. Institutions affiliated with the state’s Skill Development Mission, along with various NGOs and startups, presented their training modules, services, and innovations. Live demonstrations at several stalls allowed young attendees to witness the practical processes and outcomes of skill-building first-hand.

Adding further value, the mela hosted workshops on soft skills such as spoken English, interview techniques, personality grooming, and CV writing, equipping youth with essential competencies for career advancement.

Complementing the skill exhibitions, the Food zone celebrated Uttar Pradesh’s diverse culinary heritage. Local delights like Lucknow’s Bhelpuri, Ayodhya’s vinegar, Muzaffarnagar’s Kachori, Agra’s Petha, and Pratapgarh’s Amla emerged as key attractions, offering visitors a flavorful glimpse of the state’s traditions.

One of the most remarkable highlights of the Kaushal Mela was the active participation of women entrepreneurs and rural girls. Ayushi Nigam, Central Coordinator of RSWM Pvt. Ltd., shared that their organisation provides free training in soft skills and IT to rural girls, along with free accommodation, food, and medical facilities.

The trained students learn how to make useful items from waste materials, jute, and fabric. They are also taught how to operate machines and understand each part and type of fabric. At the Mela, the government provided them with a free stall where the talents of these girls and their products were showcased. Items like potli bags, cushion covers, wall hangings, jute painting bags, doormats, and mats made by the students were displayed. These products are not only environment-friendly but also helping the girls become self-reliant.

Shivani Singh, a trainer from Shri Siddhi Vinayak Education Society, mentioned that they offer three months of free training, including accommodation, meals, and books. After completing the training, many youths are being placed in companies and hospitals in places like Noida.

These training programs, supported by the Yogi government, are not only helping youth get jobs, but also motivating them to start their own businesses. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, this initiative is encouraging young people from villages to improve their lives and inspire others. While some have started their own ventures, others are working successfully in various companies.