On World Youth Skills Day, DIKSHa Celebrates Transformative Power of Skilling in Rural India

 

Midnapore : Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd., is transforming lives in rural India through its flagship skill development initiative, DIKSHa (Dalmia Institute of Knowledge and Skill Harnessing). At its Midnapore Centre, DIKSHa is empowering local youth by equipping them with industry-relevant skills, helping them access sustainable livelihoods, dignity, and self-reliance. One shining example is Ms. Rakhi Betal, a 22-year-old from Goalapara, Paschim Medinipur. Financial hardships forced her to discontinue her education. She joined the General Duty Assistant course at the DIKSHa centre in Medinipur, where she received hands-on training, industry exposure and placement support. Today, she is employed at Portea Medical in Kolkata, earning Rs 1.38 lakhs annually, supporting her family, and inspiring other young women in her village to take charge of their futures.

 

Rakhi’s story is one of many success stories created by DIKSHa. Till date it has trained over 885 youth in fields such as Healthcare, Electrical and Customer Relationship Management at its Midnapore Centre.

 

Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO of Dalmia Bharat Foundation, said, “On World Youth Skills Day, we are reminded that building an Atmanirbhar India begins with empowering our youth at the grassroots with the right skills. At Dalmia Bharat, we are committed to creating real opportunities through practical training to build a stronger and more self-reliant nation. Stories like Rakhi’s show how skill development can truly transform lives. We are proud to support India’s youth and will continue to invest in their growth.”

 

DIKSHa’s skill training programme stands out for its holistic approach, combining practical training, career counselling, and placement support. Courses are industry-aligned, certified by NSDC and sector skill councils, and strengthened through strategic partnerships with other organisations like NABARD, BOSCH, and Schneider Electric. Many graduates have also launched their own ventures, boosting incomes and confidence in underserved communities. In FY25 alone, 6925 youth were trained across 20 centres, with many securing jobs or starting businesses within three months. With over 50% women trainees, DIKSHa continues to advance gender equity through economic empowerment.

 

As the world marks World Youth Skills Day, Dalmia Bharat Foundation reaffirms its commitment to empowering India’s next generation through skill-building, strategic collaboration and inclusive development.