76th Republic Day Celebrations at NIRDPR
76th Republic Day Celebration was celebrated at NIRDPR on 26 January 2025.
Dr G Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General, NIRDPR unfurled the national flag as the Chief Guest and addressed the audience.
Celebrates Republic Day in The States
Celebrates Republic Day in Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir
Himayat celebrated Republic Day with full enthusiasm and gaiety across all the training centers in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Activities like chart making, rangoli making, songs, dances, symposiums, debates, etc., were organized. COO-HMMU unfurled the National Flag in the office of HMMU.
On the eve of Youth Day a cultural event was organised by PIA G.S.Techno Innovations Pvt. Ltd. at their DDU-GKY Himayat training center in Kathua on 25th January 2025. Smt. Shubkarni Devi (Sarpanch Badl) attended the program as chief guest. Around 105 candidates participated in the event.
UISS Malappuram Lights Up with Vibrant Republic Day Celebrations, Kerala
UISS Malappuram celebrated the 74th Republic Day on 26th January with immense enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. The event was inaugurated by the State Head, Mr. Muhammed Shanith, whose inspiring words set the stage for the day’s vibrant activities.
A standout moment of the celebration was the motivational speech by Domain Trainer Mr. Ajin Shadath, who highlighted the significance of Republic Day and the ideals of the Indian Constitution.
Students showcased their talents through engaging events such as the Quiz Competition, skillfully hosted by Domain Trainer Mr. Vipin Raj as the Quiz Master, testing their knowledge of India’s history and culture.
The Drawing Competition brought out creative artistry, while the Tableau Competition, with its theme Lakhpati Didi, captured the spirit of women’s empowerment and self-reliance.
A Speech Competition provided a platform for students to express their thoughts on the essence of Republic Day, delivering passionate and thought-provoking insights.
The celebration was a resounding success, bringing the UISS Malappuram community together in a spirit of unity, creativity, and national pride.
Celebrated The Republic Day at Brainware Skills Campus, West Bengal
Brainware Skills celebrated the 76th Republic Day on 26th January’25. This year students gathered during the morning session of flag hoisting and paying homage to the great patriots of India. Senior members from Brainware Skills and Brainware University gave a brief speech narrating the significance of this day. Students also came up with their extempore and participated in various cultural activities. Students expressed that it’s one of the most memorable Republic Day celebrations of their lives. This program would remain one of the prominent examples of Brainware Skills’ collaborative efforts and creative aspects.
Alumni meet organised in UT of Jammu and Kashmir
Himayat (DDU-GKY) has played a transformative role in empowering the youth of Jammu and Kashmir by equipping them with essential skills and opening doors to meaningful career opportunities. To build on this success, Himayat organized a meeting with its Alumni on 11th January 2025 aiming to celebrate achievements, share experiences, and inspire future beneficiaries. This event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, professional networking, and fostering collaboration that drives mutual growth and career advancement.
Hon’ble Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Govt of UT of J&K Jenab Javaid Ahmed Dar was the Chief Guest of the Event.
Cedefop’s Labour and Skills Shortage Index (LSSI)
Cedefop’s Labour and Skills Shortage Index (LSSI) aims to provide a standardised measure of occupational shortages that can inform decision-making.
Read more to understand how employment growth, replacement needs, and skills imbalances will affect EU labour markets. This could be an opportunity for trained rural youth of India.. https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/files/9202_en.pdf
Training program conducted in the month of Jan, 2025
The Training & Development team conducted 1 program in January’25. One online program was conducted during the month on the topic of Project Closure Procedure. In this program, 69 officials of SRLMs/ PIAs were up-skilled.
Support to SRLMS in Capacity Building
As CTSA DDU-GKY has provided handholding support to the SRLMs as per their demand. In the month DDU-GKY team facilitated a 2-day capacity-building program on DDU-GKY for SRLM officials & PIAs of Haryana on 21st – 22nd Jan’25 at Panchkula. In this workshop, 45 officials of SRLM & PIA participated. In this program, Shri Piyush Kumar & Shri Sasti Roy were the Resource Person for this workshop.
Glimpses of Activities for the Month
Online Training Program in the month
Offline Training Program in the month
SUCCESS STORIES
Rupali Hasda
- Name: Rupali Hasda
- DoB: 01/01/1995
- Home Address: Hatibondha, Charaideo, Assam
- Work Location: Own Enterprise at Hatibondha, Charaideo.
2. Intervention:
Training details:
- PIA Name: Aeon Market Research Pvt. Ltd, Assam
- Course: Sewing Machine Operator Trade
- Trade Duration: 3 Months (700 Hours)
3. Support received:
- Post Placement Support: Rs 1270 /-p.m. for 6 months
4. Pre DDU-GKY Training Situation:
- Academic: Class 9 pass.
- Economic Situation: Her family was quite impoverished, and their primary source of income was agriculture. Her
- father was the only source of income for the family.
5. Post DDU-GKY Training Situation:
Coming from a humble background, Rupali had to discontinue her education after the 9th standard due to financial constraints. Her mother, an active member of a local Self-Help Group (SHG), played a crucial role in keeping Rupali’s dreams alive. It was through a Jeevika Sakhi, Rupali learned about the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), a government initiative aimed at skill development and employment for rural youth. Seizing the opportunity, Rupali enrolled in the SMO Trade under PIA Aeon Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in December 2022.
After completing her course, Rupali secured a placement at KPR Apparels Mills. Ltd. Industries in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. For five months, she worked diligently, adapting to a new city and work environment. However, her heart remained in her native village, and she aspired to make a difference there.
- With savings from her five-month stint, Rupali returned to Hatibandha and established a Sewing and Cutting Center with a total investment of Rs. 50000/-. What started as a solo endeavor soon grew into an opportunity for others, as she employed another young girl in her shop. Today, Rupali’s center is not just a source of livelihood for herself but a beacon of hope and empowerment for her community. Before joining the DDU-GKY program Rupali had no identity but today she is an entrepreneur growing with confidence in her locality. Rupali’s present Annual Income is Rs. 1,10,000/- approximately.
6. Key Insights:
Rupali Hasda, a determined young girl from Hatibandha village in Udoipur Gram Panchayat, Under the Mahmora Dev. Block, Charaideo District, exemplifies how resilience and opportunity can transform lives. Despite facing the challenges of poverty, Rupali’s ambition and the support of her community paved the way for a remarkable success story.
Coming from a humble background, Rupali had to discontinue her education after the 9th standard due to financial constraints. Her mother, an active member of a local Self-Help Group (SHG), played a crucial role in keeping Rupali’s dreams alive. It was through a Jeevika Sakhi, Rupali learned about the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), a government initiative aimed at skill development and employment for rural youth. Seizing the opportunity, Rupali enrolled in the SMO Trade under PIA Aeon Market Research Pvt. Ltd. in December 2022.
After successfully completing her course, Rupali secured a placement at KPR Apparels Mills. Ltd. Industries in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu. For five months, she worked diligently, adapting to a new city and work environment. However, her heart remained in her native village, and she aspired to make a difference there.
With savings from her five-month stint, Rupali returned to Hatibandha and established a Sewing and Cutting Center with a total investment of Rs. 50000/-. What started as a solo endeavor soon grew into an opportunity for others, as she employed another young girl in her shop. Today, Rupali’s center is not just a source of livelihood for herself but a beacon of hope and empowerment for her community. Before joining the DDU-GKY program Rupali had no identity but today she is an entrepreneur growing with confidence in her locality. Rupali’s present Annual Income is Rs. 1,10,000/- approximately. Recently Rupali applied for the Entrepreneurship fund under the CM Aatma Nirbhar Assam Abhiyaan scheme to expand her Enterprise.
Mohituddin Barbhuiyan
- Mohituddin Barbhuiyan
- DoB: 17/02/1994
- Home Address: Bornagad, Algapur, Sribhumi, Assam
- Work Location: Own Enterprise at Algapur, Sribhumi, Assam
2. Intervention:
Training details:
- PIA Name: JIS Foundation, Guwahati, Assam
- Course: Hospitality Assistant
- Trade Duration: 3 Months (576 Hours)
3. Support received:Post Placement Support: Rs 1000 /-p.m. for 6 months
4. Pre DDU-GKY Training Situation:Academic: Class 9 pass.
Economic Situation: Mohit and his family are a resident of Village Barnagad under Algapur Dev. Block. His family background was much worse in earlier days. He lost his father at the age of 4 years. Losing his father at such a young age, placed a heavy emotional and financial burden on the family. The family struggled to meet even their basic needs which led to periods of extreme financial strain, with the possibility of relying on community support or other resources.
In 2011, after completion of Class 9 examination, Mohit discontinued his studies and shifted to Bengaluru and started work in an Automobile Company for only Rs 3600 starting monthly salary. He did all the odd and hard jobs to feed his family.
After 2years he came back to his hometown, completed his HSLC exam, and again went back to Bengaluru. This time he was promoted and his salary was Rs 13000 monthly.
5. Post DDU-GKY Training Situation:
In 2016, Mohit again came back to meet his family and during this time he attended a Mobilization Camp on DDU-GKY conducted in Sashi Bhusan B.Ed.College, Hailakandi . After the camp he stepped first willingly to go for the training under the PIA JIS FOUNDATION, Guwahati but the process took some time and he did not have enough time to decide he finally took the decision to go back to Bengaluru.
As it was not at all easy for him to take such a bold step to stop his work and join DDU-GKY training for 3months without any single penny, he gave all of his savings to the family to manage their basic amenities during these 3months. He completed the Hospitality Assistant course of 3 months from 20/10/2016 to 13/01/2017 under JIS Foundation PIA.
6. Key Insights:
Mohit successfully completed the 10 days On the Job training course with a grade ‘A’ for Trainee Hospitality Assistant conducted by Hotel MayFlower facilitated by JIS Foundation. Later during Placement, he was also selected by 2-3 Companies but he decided to join as an Assistant at Chai Point (Mountain Trail Foods Private Ltd.). He joined his first job after the training with a starting salary of Rs 8197 only.
It was quite hard for him to manage his family with such a low income as he was the only breadwinner of the family. He kept patience and worked hard for which he was promoted in the interview amongst 250 candidates. He was promoted to post ‘BOXC PARTNER L2’. His new income was Rs 197155 per annum but he was able to earn Rs 20,000 with Overtime duty and tips from customers. He was also receiving a yearly bonus of Rs 30,000.
Mohituddin with his incredible passion and dedication to work was awarded as BEST PERFORMING CANDIDATE UNDER DDU-GKY IN TERMS OF CAREER PROGRESSION on the occasion of “AAAJEVIKA EVAM KAUSHAL VIKASH DIWAS 2018” in Guwahati University.
7. The Leap to Entrepreneurship
After gaining valuable work experience in the hospitality sector, Mohit felt confident that he was ready to take the next step that is opening his hotel. However, just as he was planning to launch his venture, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the world came to a halt. During the lockdown, Mohituddin had to return home, uncertain about the future. Having lost his job, he faced many months of unemployment. But instead of feeling defeated, he used this time to reflect and plan for his entrepreneurial venture.
Drawing on his work experience, he decided to take a bold step and opened a small restaurant-cum-hotel in Algapur Bazar, Hailakandi. Despite the difficulties brought on by the pandemic, Mohit focussed on building his dream into reality but unfortunately, he had to run his restaurant at a loss for almost six months. His family advised him to shut down the restaurant and search for something else that would help him to earn money without any suffering and stress but he with only one staff managed well to run his restaurant.
In 2021, just as Mohituddin’s hotel business began to show promise, the second wave of COVID-19 hit with full force. The pandemic’s return proved devastating. Restrictions were re-imposed, customers stayed away, and his business dropped once again. Mohituddin’s hotel, which had been slowly gaining popularity, saw a sharp decline in footfall. With no partners to help rebuild and finances stretched thin, Mohituddin found himself at a crossroads. His dream seemed to be slipping away as his business faltered. For a while, he struggled with the harsh reality of unemployment, isolation, and uncertainty. But even in the face of adversity, Mohituddin refused to give up.
Rather than letting the setbacks define him, Mohituddin took the time to regroup. He began by revisiting his core values: quality, service, and community. After the lockdown eased, he decided to start afresh. He took financial help from his friend circle. He recruited three dedicated staff members all of whom shared his passion for quality and hard work. With a smaller, more cohesive team, Mohituddin focused on rebuilding his brand by offering personalized service and a menu that resonated with his local customers.
Gradually, the restaurant began to gain attention again. In 2023, Mohit took another bold step to expand his business by opening a second hotel. His first hotel had already gained a strong reputation in Algapur Bazar, and now, with the confidence of experience, he set out to grow further. As both hotels began to flourish, Mohit realized the potential of merging them — combining the staff, resources, and equipment from both locations to streamline operations and offer even better service.
Mohit’s hotels quickly gained more customers, even in a competitive market. His attention to detail, excellent food, and warm hospitality became the foundation of his success. By 2023, his business was running smoothly, and he employed 11 dedicated staff members. Their salaries range from ₹12,000 to ₹25,000, with additional benefits like free lodging, food, bonuses, and yearly increments, ensuring a motivated and loyal team.
Mohituddin’s success extended beyond his business. He reconstructed his family home, fulfilling a long-held dream. He also married off his sister, a significant milestone, and soon after, he got married himself. Despite the tough competition in the area, Mohit’s unwavering commitment to quality and customer care helped his hotel stand out, earning him a loyal customer base and continued growth.
Today, Mohituddin’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and smart decisions. From a struggling entrepreneur during the pandemic to a successful hotel owner with a happy family life, Mohit’s story shows that with determination, vision, and the support of a dedicated team, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.
In addition to offering top-notch food and service, Mohit is deeply committed to supporting his local economy. Every week, he invests ₹1-1.5 lakh in groceries sourced from nearby vendors, helping small businesses thrive. His dedication extends further as he purchases approximately ₹2 lakh worth of poultry products each month, supporting local poultry farmers, sustaining their livelihoods, and promoting sustainable farming practices. With a net monthly sale of around ₹10 lakh, Mohit plays a crucial role in the community’s economic well-being.
Moreover, Mohit contributes ₹15,000 each month as rent to the property owner of his hotel, ensuring that local property owners also benefit from his success. On top of this, he donates 15% of his monthly income to help those in need, pledging to continue aiding the less fortunate in any way he can.
Himayat J&K Success Stories
| Name | Seemu Jan |
| Address | Gutligund Verinag, Dooru, Anantnag J&k -192212 |
| PIA | G S Techno Innovations Private Limited |
| Trade | Hospitality(F&B) |
| Designation | Senior Associate |
| Current Employer | Al-Aqah beach-intercontinental Resort, UAE |
| Joining Date | 15-Jan-2024 |
| Current Salary | 2624.85 AED (INR 60709.95) |
| Bio |
| Seemu, from Anantnag district in Kashmir, grew up in a family of five with two younger brothers. As the eldest, she aspired to be a role model and support her family’s finances. Driven by passion and determination, she sought opportunities beyond traditional education. Discovering the DDUGKY Himayat project, Seemu was inspired by its benefits, including job placement, certifications, and financial support. She began her journey by enrolling in the Counter Sales Executive domain at HIMAYAT Anantnag. |
| Career progression |
| After completing the course, Seemu joined Hotel Snow Land, Srinagar, as an F&B Steward with a salary of INR 8,000, including food and accommodation. After 18 months of dedicated service, she secured an international position as Senior Associate in F&B Service at Al-Aqah Beach-Intercontinental Fujairah Resort, UAE, with a package of 2,624.85 AED. This opportunity enabled her to support her family and advance her career. |
| Testimonial |
| I am very thankful to Himayat for teaching me important life skills and helping me get a job. It is the best option to start a career instead of staying idle at home. Himayat gave me the chance to follow my dreams and inspire others. |
| Name | Rohit Pandita |
| Address | Jagti, Nagrota, Jammu, J&K |
| PIA | Dons Bosco tech Society |
| Trade | Hospitality |
| Designation | Steward |
| Employer | Barbeque Nation |
| Joining Date | 19th June, 2013 |
| Salary | 8000/month |
| Current Designation | Restaurant Manager |
| Current Employer | Barbeque Nation |
| Current Salary | Rs 28,000 (plus incentives) |
| Bio |
| Rohit Pandita, from a Kashmiri Pandit family that migrated to Jammu in the 1990s, lives in Jagti Township with his wife, daughter, and parents. His father, a retired teacher, struggled to support the family during the migration years. Despite challenges, Rohit completed his 12th grade and began job hunting to assist his family. His efforts were unsuccessful until he founded the Himayat scheme, which offered free vocational training, placement, and financial support. |
| Career progression |
| Rohit Pandita started as a Steward at Barbeque Nation after training under the Himayat scheme. Over a decade, he rose to Restaurant Manager, excelling in sales and operations. Starting with Rs 8000/month, he earned Rs 28,000 by 2023, with incentives up to Rs 50,000. |
| Testimonial |
| The Himayat scheme transformed my life. It allowed me to break barriers, grow professionally, and achieve what I once thought impossible. From a trainee to a Restaurant Manager, I’ve exceeded sales targets, led large teams, and contributed to business success. Rohit Pandita’s journey from adversity to success through skill development highlights the power of Skill Training in transforming lives. His achievements demonstrate the impact of dedication, hard work, and community engagement, making him an inspiring figure and a true skill icon. |
| Name | Suraj Bhat |
| Address | Jagti Township, Nagrota, J&K |
| PIA | Dons Bosco Tech Society |
| Trade | Hospitality |
| Designation | F&B Service Associate |
| Employer | Barbeque Nation |
| Joining Date | February 2014 |
| Salary | 6,900/month. |
| Current Employer | The Vibes of Hunger (Self Empl) |
| Current Salary | 40,300 /Month |
| Bio |
| Suraj Bhat, a resilient individual from the migrant Kashmiri Pandit community, overcame significant personal and societal challenges to achieve success. Born in Kashmir, his family relocated to Jammu in the 1990s amid regional conflict. Now residing in Jagti Township, Nagrota, Suraj comes from a modest background, with his father working in a private firm and his mother managing the household. |
| Career progression |
| Suraj Bhat joined the Himayat scheme in 2013, completing a hospitality course at Don Bosco Tech Society. Starting at Barbeque Nation in 2014, he became a Business Manager in 2017. After gaining experience at MAD GLAD and Hotel Shree Hari Niwas, he launched his venture, “The Vibes of Hunger,” in August 2023. |
| Testimonial |
| Himayat scheme transformed my journey from an entry-level employee to a business manager, instilling perseverance and hard work through its training and support. Inspired by Ted Turner’s words, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win,” I hope my story motivates others to dream big and achieve more. Suraj Bhat embodies resilience and ambition, rising from humble beginnings in the migrant Kashmiri Pandit community to become a successful entrepreneur. From completing a hospitality course under the Himayat scheme to excelling as a Business Manager at Barbeque Nation and founding his venture, “The Vibes of Hunger,” his journey reflects determination and exceptional skill. A true icon of perseverance, Suraj’s story inspires others to dream big and achieve greatness. |
| Name | Pooja Devi |
| Father | Babu Ram |
| Address | Mahanpur, District Kathua, UT of J&K |
| PIA | Don Bosco Tech, Himayat Training Center |
| Trade | Hospitality (Food & Beverage) |
| Designation | Guest Service Associate |
| Employer | Hotel 17 Miles |
| Joining Date | October 2016 |
| Current Designation | Front Desk Manager |
| Current Employer | Hotel Miracle Resort |
| Current Salary | INR 25,000 /Month (plus incentives) |
| Bio |
| Pooja Devi hails from a low-income family in the remote village of Mahanpur, 50km from the district headquarters of Kathua. Her father, Sh. Babu Ram is a farmer with a seasonal income, and her mother is a homemaker. Pooja has two younger brothers. The family’s financial condition has been challenging due to the low income from farming. This situation motivated Pooja to pursue higher education and seek employment to support her family. |
| Career progression |
| In October 2016, armed with training in Hospitality from Don Bosco Tech at Himayat Training Center Mahanpur, Kathua, Pooja began her inspiring journey of determination and self-reliance. Starting with a Rs 3,000 job at Hotel 17 Miles, she advanced to Supervisor earning Rs 10,000. Balancing work and education, she graduated and became an F&B Trainer with IL&FS and Sun Retail Limited, inspiring others through the Himayat Scheme. Now a Front Desk Manager at Hotel Miracle Resort, earning Rs 25,000, her career showcases remarkable growth and resilience. |
| Testimonial |
| Success is the result of hard work, determination, and the right opportunities. Himayat gave me the wings to chase my dreams, equipping me with both technical and life skills. My goal was always to be independent and support my family, and I’ve achieved that. I’m now more confident, secure, and empowered, and this is just the beginning. Despite coming from a financially challenging background, Pooja refused to let her circumstances define her future. As an F&B trainer, she has made a significant impact on the lives of many candidates, particularly young girls, inspiring them to pursue careers in the hospitality industry. Through her work with Himayat, IL&FS, and Sun Retail Limited, Pooja has shown unwavering dedication to skill development and empowerment. Her career journey—from Guest Service Associate to F&B Trainer, and eventually to Front Desk Manager—serves as both a remarkable achievement and an inspiring milestone for others to follow. |
CONTRIBUTORS are from DDU-GKY RC, NIRDPR
- Abhishek Jairaj Guria, T&D
- Binu Kumar GS, Kerala
- Salman, Haryana
- Sasti Roy, West Bengal
- DDU-GKY SIRD, Meghalaya
- Sumeet Mahajan, J&K
- SPM (PIA Coordination and Development) Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission Panjabari, Guwahati, Assam
- Reports Compiled by: Nithin Rao Kadham
Articles for Kaushal Samachar may be sent to: ddugkytraining@nirdpr.org.in or nithinrao.nird@gov.in
