ICCC panel discussion session – ‘How Can Schools Create Leaders of the Future‘. This was a very serious discussion among the panelists foremost of whom was Dr. Snehal Pinto Director of Ryan International. There were several other very highly esteemed educationists with futuristic visions doubtless! I am led to mention Dr Snehal Pinto, as I find her extremely promising in our urgent need for quality leadership in the area of Education in the Indian Subcontinent.

There is an urgent need to upskill our Christian educators in remote areas and in satellite towns in order to avoid the great human and economic wastage that was evident during my long-term missions in various regions of India over a period of several years. For a positive turnaround to take place, there needs a new awakening among Christian leaders themselves, as real change happens organically and through outside forces or pressures. In short, despite the large-scale distribution of Christian tracts and millions of copies of The Bible, light is yet to dawn, as ongoing resistance is apparent to foreign workers who only desire the best without handing over raw money.

The stubborn resistance to positive organic transformation is the major problem even to this day in large parts of India. India is recovering and transforming at a fast pace but numerous are to be left behind if they do not wake up from their decades of sleep. Attitudinal change is the need of the hour. Skill development must be given greater importance than money.

Regardless of the exact numbers of secondary-aged children and youths ranging from 18 to 25 years, upskilling and providing education and training opportunities for the youth in the Indian Subcontinent is generally considered important. Here are a few reasons why upskilling is crucial:

1. Employment Opportunities: The job market is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements and changing industries. Upskilling equips youths with relevant skills to match the demands of the job market, increasing their employability.
2. Economic Growth: A skilled workforce contributes to economic growth by driving innovation and productivity. Upskilling can lead to the development of new industries and the expansion of existing ones, fostering economic development in the region.
3. Global Competition: With increased globalization, the Indian Subcontinent is competing on a global scale. Upskilling can help the region’s workforce remain competitive and relevant in an interconnected world.
4. Reducing Unemployment: Unemployment among youths can lead to social and economic issues. Upskilling can reduce unemployment rates by ensuring that young individuals possess the necessary skills for available job opportunities.
5. Poverty Alleviation: Upskilling can help break the cycle of poverty by providing individuals with the means to access better job opportunities and higher earning potential.
6. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Upskilled individuals are better equipped to innovate and start their own businesses, contributing to economic diversification and technological advancement.
7. Social Stability: A skilled workforce can contribute to social stability by providing a sense of purpose and opportunities for personal growth, reducing the likelihood of discontent and social unrest.
8. Technological Advancement: Upskilling in areas like technology and digital literacy is essential to harness the benefits of digital transformation and bridge the digital divide.
9. Human Capital Development: Investing in upskilling is an investment in human capital, which is a key driver of sustainable development and progress. For this, the teachers themselves need to be highly trained in the area of personal development. A holistic national blueprint must be set into place to which every school and training institute must refer while building their unique organizational culture.

Overall, being still a developing region greater emphasis should be given to upskilling, which should be aligned with the needs of the job market and should include a focus on both technical and soft skills. Additionally, efforts to improve education quality, accessibility, and relevance are also crucial in preparing the youth for the future.