Bhubaneswar: The 60-member Indian team taking part in WorldSkills 2024 in France consists of 15 bright talents from Odisha, the most representatives from any state.
The participants from Odisha are competing against around 1,400 competitors, under the age of 22, from 70 countries in different skills such as Mobile Applications Development, Bricklaying, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Electrical Installations, Electronics, Renewable Energy, Plumbing and Heating, Water Technology, Welding, Robot Systems Integration, etc.
Among Odisha’s candidates at WorldSkills 2024 is Kamini Kumar Ram — a standout contestant in Welding, a traditionally male-dominated field. A wild card entry for IndiaSkills 2024, Kamini showed tremendous resilience to break stereotypes, despite initial setbacks. Her determination helped her earn the right to represent India at WorldSkills 2024.
Another candidate Disha Darsini from Paradip has excelled in Health and Social Care. A student of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Paradip Port, and Gouri Shankar Residential English Medium School, Bhubaneswar, Disha embraced the mantra, ‘Failure is an option, but giving up isn’t.’ Her dedication and hard work culminated in her triumph at the national competition, to fetch her a spot at the prestigious world competition.
Akhil Gedela is another standout contestant, who hails from Paralakhemundi. Representing India in Water Technology, Akhil’s journey has been defined by rigorous training and innovative approach to solving challenges in his field. He has prepared well to try and make a significant impact at WorldSkills 2024.
World Skills Competition, referred to by many as the Olympics of vocational skills, is the world’s largest event dedicated to vocational education and skill excellence.
The Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organises the IndiaSkills Competition to identify and train candidates who will represent India at the World Skills meet.
Odisha dominated the national competition by securing top spot in IndiaSkills 2024 – for the second year in a row – and also won the most medals (51).
ODISHA’S MEMBERS IN INDIAN TEAM
Sasmita Bardhan — Bakery
Pratyush Kumar Dalabehera — Bricklaying
Rajendra Bindhani — CNC Milling
Ajaya Sethi — CNC Turning
Baruna Sahu — Electrical Installations
Vijay Kumar Mahto — Electronics
Disha Darsini — Health and Social Care
Soumyaranjan Sahoo — Mobile Applications Development
Kirteeparna Sadangi — Plumbing and Heating
Amaresh Kumar Sahu — Renewable Energy
Subhrajit Patra — Restaurant Service
Abhishek Kumar — Robot Systems Integration
Agrata Kalp — Robot Systems Integration
Akhil Gedela — Water Technology
Kamini Kumari Ram – Welding.