As Manipur grapples with ethnic violence, which has lingered on for over sixteen months. An impressive 58 youth have secured honourable employment in renowned Hotels across India, thereby ushering a new ray of hope in their lives.
The Skill Development Program conducted jointly by the Assam Rifles and ‘We Care Skill Solution’ from 10 June 2024 as part of an MoU between Assam Rifles and ‘We Care Skill Solution’ led to the inspiring saga of these youth bubbling with aspirations and determination for success – aptly supported by the Assam Rifles and We Care Skill Solutions, Imphal.
Having realised the natural talent of youth in Manipur, tailor-made programs in hospitality and retail were conceptualised by the Assam Rifles. The need was felt to hone the intrinsic skills of these youth and empower them with skill sets for employment across the Nation. The humble, yet genuine vision of the Force, aptly known as ‘Sentinels of the North East’, gained traction when it collaborated with ‘We Care Skill Solutions’ – an Imphal based Organisation imparting vocational training for almost five years. In a bid to wean away youth from violence and opening their avenues for employment, the IGAR (South) and We Care Skill Solutions got into a Memorandum of Understanding on 3rd of Jun this year. As part of this Understanding, it was decided that Assam Rifles will provide training infrastructure and assist in identifying potential candidates, while We Care Skill Solutions will provide Faculty for the Program.
The journey of these youth set sail on 10th June this year, when the first Skill Development Program on Hospitality and Retail commenced at Imphal under aegis of the Assam Rifles. A total of 96 youth registered for this Program through an online selection process. 89 out of these have successfully completed the twelve-week Course, which terminated on 13th of September. Over twelve weeks, lives of these ‘selected few’ were transformed by channelising their energy, shaping their personalities and grooming their inherent potentials. The enthusiasm and zeal of these youth were exceptional. The spells of disruption caused by floods in Imphal and frequent Bandh calls did not deter them, as the classes continued online. This motivated the Assam Rifles and Faculty to give in their best to ensure that the candidates are imparted the best possible training.
Of the 89 students who triumphantly completed the course, 47 are women, highlighting the program’s significant role towards women empowerment in the State. 58 students were eligible for employment and were put through Online Interviews of reputed Hotel/ Retail Chains. Armed with ambition and confidence, all 58 eligible candidates have been selected for employment by different reputed organisations.
On 18 September 2024, these successful candidates were felicitated in an event organised at Mantripukhri. The proud parents of these youths were invited in the program, during which the Employment letter and National Skill Development Corporation certificates were handed over.
The successful placement of these youth during the ongoing violence in Manipur is a testimony of their unwavering commitment, dedication and resilience to stand on their own feet – an inherent talent among the youth of Manipur, that largely remains untapped. The grand success of this first Skill Development Program by the Assam Rifles has generated huge interest among the youth who are now demanding similar initiatives in future.
Source: IGAR, South
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
