‘Learning combined with skill development is most essential for success’

Kanta Nayak, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Authority, on Tuesday, said greater progress can be achieved when learning is combined with skill development. Students should not fear failure but must focus on innovation and creativity, she advised.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 45-day K-SET and UGC-NET coaching camp organised by the Competitive Examination Training Centre of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), she urged students to acquire skills in line with their interests and passion to achieve their goals.

“Today, technology, along with skills, has become an inseparable part of professional life. Participating in Skill Olympics provides an opportunity to showcase professional skills, and the government even offers scholarships,” she added.

Ms. Nayak advised teachers to use Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT, Grok and Gemini to improve classroom teaching.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath underlined that technology is an integral part of life and must be embraced, adding that technological adaptation is key to success.

Former Bengaluru City University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lingaraja Gandhi said empowerment is not possible without skills as they are essential complement to education. Skill centres, he said, have become a ray of hope for rural youth aspiring to excel in education. Along with technology, values, humanity and social harmony must also be nurtured and teachers have a greater role to play in ensuring this, he added.

KSOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sharanappa V. Halase urged trainees to set clear goals, practise time management and place faith in their hard work.

Academic dean Prof. Ramanatham Naidu, Study Centre dean Dr. N.R. Chandregowda, and coordinator Jainahalli Satyanarayana Gowda among others were present.