India wins a Silver in the Skills Olympics

India has won a Silver Medal at the World Skills Competition currently being held at Calgary, Canada. India’s N. Priyadarshan of Coimbatore won Silver Medal along with Japan in Mould making category. Gold medal in this event went to Korea.

The World Skills Competition, popularly known as World Skills Olympics, is being attended by 900 competitors from 51 countries participating in 45 skills categories ranging from manufacturing mechatronics, polymechanics automation, Mechanical engineering Design-CAD, CNC turning, CNC Milling, Mould making, Information technology software applications, welding, plumbing, electronics, industrial control, robotics to carpentry, jewelry, floristry, hair dressing, beauty therapy, confectionary, landscape, gardening, restaurant service and caring, etc. The event is held every two years.

India became member of the World Skills International, a body consisting of 51 countries, in 2007 and participated in 39th world skills competition for the first time in 2007 in Shizuka, Japan with 5 participants. This year, India sent a team of only two – Mould making and Information Technology software applications.

Apart from N. Priyadarshan the other participant was S Siddharaju from Bangalore who participated in IT Software application and did well.

Delegation to Calgary was headed by Shri Sharda Prasad, Director General Employment & Training and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Employment.

This event, 40th in the series, showcased the best of talents in 45 Skill categories from across the world. This has been the largest event so far in the history of World Skills International, which was created in 1950. The 41st World skills Competition will be held in London in 2011.(EOM)