SHIMLA -19 September, 2025-Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla said that education drives skills and skills enhance the value of education, and only by combining both can society progress. “When society advances, the nation advances,” he remarked.

He was addressing the valedictory session of the three-day “EduSkills HR Summit 2025” in Shimla today as the Chief Guest. The summit witnessed the participation of academic leaders, including Vice Chancellors, Principals and Directors, along with over 100 HR professionals and corporate leaders.

The Governor said that ideas hold immense power, and artificial intelligence (AI) is a vital part of this evolving landscape. “We are at a juncture where the old foundation and the new construction meet. AI is a part of this new construction, and its use must be exercised with caution,” he observed.

Congratulating EduSkills Foundation for organising the summit, Shri Shukla said that it is a significant step towards nation-building. He stressed that in the age of rapidly changing technologies, innovation and global competition, the real wealth of the nation lies in the knowledge, skills and creativity of its youth.

“More than 65 percent of India’s population is young. To turn this demographic dividend into real strength, we must ensure that our students are not only educated but also skilled and employable. Skill development is not an option anymore, it is a necessity. It is the foundation on which the future of our youth, the growth of our industries, and the prosperity of our nation rest,” he said.

The Governor emphasized that empowering youth with knowledge, skills, and confidence is the true way to empower the nation.

He also appreciated initiatives like digital internships, Centres of Excellence and modern training programmes, through which EduSkills is empowering lakhs of students across the country.

On the occasion, Prof. K.K. Aggarwal, Chairperson of the South Asian University, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and Dr. Raghav Prasad Dash, Advisor at AICTE and Joint Secretary at Rajya Sabha Secretariat also shared their perspectives.

Earlier, Dr. Shubhajit Jagdev, Founder and CEO of EduSkills Foundation welcomed the Governor and briefed about the activities and initiatives of EduSkills.