Skill development conclave highlights women’s role in India’s growth story
A Skill Development Conclave aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat was organised by FICCI FLO on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 under the leadership of its 42nd President Poonam Sharma, with Pooja Chauhan as Initiative lead and Nidhi Goel as Co-Chair. The conclave brought together key voices including Info Edge Founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Atal Innovation Mission Head Deepak Bagla and Times Now Group Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar to deliberate on skilling, employability and the future of women in India’s rapidly evolving economy.
Held in New Delhi, the event focused on building a skilled workforce with special emphasis on women and youth, particularly within the orange economy and innovation-driven sectors. The discussions explored how India can harness talent across urban and rural landscapes while creating inclusive pathways to employment by 2047. Poonam Sharma spoke about the pivotal role women must play in shaping India’s economic future.
She emphasised that skilling initiatives must not only create opportunities but also confidence, resilience and leadership among women professionals. The central theme of the conclave was employment generation, with Sanjeev Bikhchandani offering key insights into why skilling initiatives often fail to translate into jobs. He emphasised that skills are built not only through knowledge but through sustained and repeated practice. Drawing from personal experience, Bikhchandani shared how he once struggled with stage fear, which he overcame only through continuous practice, reinforcing his belief that confidence and competence develop over time.
He stressed about the importance of on-the-job training and apprenticeship-style models, stating that training without real workplace exposure limits employability. According to him, Government schemes that initially appeared apprehensive have significantly strengthened the skilling ecosystem by encouraging structured learning and industry participation. However, he cautioned that skilling must always lead to employment, calling it the responsibility of industry, institutions and policymakers alike.
Bikhchandani also raised concerns around the migration of women from small towns and villages, Bikhchandani said that mobility must be supported by safety and infrastructure. He pointed out that parents often hesitate to send their daughters to cities due to fears of insecurity. Better facilities such as secure hostels, reliable transport and broader societal support systems are essential to make migration smoother and more acceptable.
Deepak Bagla spoke about the role of innovation and mentorship in shaping a skilled workforce. Sharing his experience of mentoring over 400 children during a hackathon, he highlighted the transformative impact of early exposure and guidance. Bagla emphasised the need to focus on creating social impact rather than purely financial success, stating that innovation should address real problems at the grassroots level. He also spoke about the importance of collaboration between organisations and institutions to strengthen rural innovation ecosystems.
Navika Kumar briefly touched upon the growth of the orange economy and the need for stronger skill depth and mentorship, particularly for women. She emphasised that women must actively support one another and create professional spaces rather than waiting for opportunities to be granted.
The conclave concluded with a creative touch as the afternoon featured do-it-yourself skill activities, including lip balm making, along with tarot card readers, reinforcing the conclave’s blend of professional insight and experiential and practical learning.The event stood as a example that skilling is not merely about employment but about empowerment, confidence and collective responsibility in shaping a truly inclusive Viksit Bharat.
