The state-level selection for the prestigious India Skills Competition 2021 was hosted by V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) at the sprawling campus in Raia. This was the first time an event on par with international standards was conducted by the Directorate Of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship (DSDE) in Goa.
After going through rigorous stages of selection and screening at the district level, 15 finalists competed fiercely where 10 emerged victorious across categories. The winners will go on to compete at the national level.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the executive arm of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has organized the India Skills Competition 2021 to promote international standards of vocational training in India.
Participants were judged on the basis of their skills in five categories which were Bakery, Patisserie & Confectionery, Cooking, Restaurant Service and Hotel Reception. It all boiled down to how good the skills of every participant was which would lead to their qualification for the next round. Two competitors from each skill are adjudged as the toppers to represent Goa at the Regional selections, National and thereon at the International level.
India Skills is part of an international event known as ‘World Skills’, where a student who is less than 20 years old can participate. The competition progresses from a screening-level to a district level, then onto a state, regional, national, and finally to the international level – World Skills competition.
Said Mr. Akshay Shirwaiker, Asst. Controller of Examination, Directorate of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship who was a part of the coordination team at the India Skills 2021 event held at VMSIIHE, “The Goa rounds of India Skill Competition was held for the very first time in the state and we are delighted that it was hosted at VMSIIHE. The infrastructure is true of world-class standards and is perfectly aligned with the requirements of the India Skills Competition. The initiative was born under the visionary leadership of Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi”.
The Director/Principal of VMSIIHE, Prof. Irfan Mirza shared his views on the India Skills competition saying “ We thank the state government for choosing our Institute as well as the Department of Skills Development and the initiative taken by the Central government in collaboration with the State government”. Prof. Mirza also added a word of advice to students in the hospitality industry encouraging them to take advantage of the great opportunity to develop their skills and do well in their future careers.
All in all the event was a grand success marking the beginning of a brighter and stronger hospitality and tourism industry in the state of Goa.