The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), successfully organized the valedictory and certificate distribution ceremony for the specialized training programme titled “Future-Ready EV Workforce: Skilling Rural Youth in Installation, Operations, and Maintenance” at the TERI premises in New Delhi. This landmark initiative represents a concerted effort to address the burgeoning demands of India’s rapidly expanding electric mobility ecosystem by cultivating a highly capable, technically proficient, and forward-thinking workforce drawn from rural and semi-urban communities.
Designed to bridge the persistent skill gap within the clean transportation sector, the comprehensive training programme focused intensively on building robust technical capabilities among rural youth from the National Capital Territory (NCT) and surrounding regions. Participants received rigorous, hands-on instruction covering vital operational aspects of the electric vehicle value chain, with a primary emphasis on electric vehicle charging infrastructure installation, routine operations, and long-term maintenance practices. Beyond technical proficiencies, the initiative aimed to foster deep awareness regarding the myriad emerging employment, livelihood, and entrepreneurial opportunities rapidly taking shape within India’s green economy.
The high-profile valedictory ceremony served as a convergence point for a diverse array of stakeholders, bringing together key representatives from TERI, NABARD, prominent industry leaders, and specialized training partners. The proceedings featured a series of engaging sessions and discussions dedicated to examining the core objectives of green skilling, evaluating training contexts and outcomes, analyzing future prospects for an EV-ready workforce, and highlighting the instrumental roles played by both TERI and NABARD in advocating for sustainable development practices across the country.
Setting the tone for the formal proceedings, Dr. P.K. Bhattacharya, Director of the Knowledge Resource Centre at TERI, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Bhattacharya contextualized the critical importance of targeted skill development initiatives within emerging green sectors, emphasizing that India’s transition toward sustainable energy paradigms requires a synchronized effort to uplift grassroots communities through practical education. Following this, Mr. Dhananjay Raghunath Gajare, Assistant Manager at NABARD, took the floor to elaborate on the overarching institutional objectives of green skilling. He detailed its direct relevance in generating sustainable, long-term livelihood opportunities that can effectively uplift rural economies while aligning with broader national environmental goals.
A pivotal contribution to the event came from Mr. Avinash, CEO of DIY Guru, who delivered an insightful address emphasizing the imperative need to systematically develop a future-ready electric vehicle workforce to effectively support India’s large-scale transition toward sustainable mobility. Highlighting DIY Guru’s extensive experience in hands-on EV skill development and specialized technical training since 2016, Mr. Avinash underscored the indispensable value of practical learning modules. He noted that specialized instruction spanning EV architecture, advanced battery management systems, charging infrastructure deployment, routine maintenance, and electronic diagnostics is essential. According to Mr. Avinash, fostering such industry-oriented training programs successfully bridges the prevailing skill gap, unlocking diverse avenues for gainful employment and dynamic entrepreneurship among the nation’s youth.
The keynote address for the ceremony was delivered by Dr. Dipankar Saharia, Senior Fellow and Senior Director at TERI, who elaborated on the institution’s multifaceted role in advancing green skills and institutionalizing sustainability practices across diverse sectors. Dr. Saharia stressed the urgent necessity of equipping the younger generation with competencies directly aligned with contemporary environmental and technological challenges. He advocated for approaches that inherently promote environmental sustainability, optimal resource efficiency, and long-term climate resilience. Furthermore, Dr. Saharia underscored that realizing India’s ambitious sustainability transition necessitates robust, multi-sectoral collaboration involving research institutions, government bodies, private industry players, and specialized vocational training organizations to create a seamless pipeline of skilled professionals.
Delivering the formal Valedictory Address, Shri Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager of the New Delhi Regional Office at NABARD, offered a comprehensive perspective on NABARD’s strategic involvement in championing green skills and sustainable operational frameworks. Shri Roy emphasized that green skilling acts as a powerful catalyst for empowering rural youth, enabling them to secure dignified and sustainable livelihoods. He strongly urged the assembled participants to embrace the ethos of becoming skilled, future-ready workers by diligently acquiring practical technical expertise that enhances their market employability and allows them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s green transition.
Drawing direct attention to national developmental frameworks, Shri Roy referenced the prestigious Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) initiative. He actively encouraged the young participants to complete their registrations, engage deeply with the platform, and leverage the myriad opportunities it provides for youth civic engagement, advanced skill development, and active participation in broader nation-building activities. Additionally, Shri Roy warmly congratulated TERI for its exceptional efforts in successfully mobilizing students from across the entire Delhi-NCR region, creating an inclusive and vibrant learning environment. He expressed deep appreciation for the infectious enthusiasm and consistent participation demonstrated by the students throughout the training duration, urging them to maintain this momentum as they explore emerging horizons in sustainable livelihoods and green entrepreneurship.
The ceremonial highlight of the event was the formal distribution of certificates to all successful trainees, formally recognizing their dedication, perseverance, and successful completion of the rigorous training curriculum. Following the certificate presentation, several trainees stepped forward to share their personal experiences, feedback, and key takeaways, reflecting on the profound learning curves and valuable professional exposure they gained over the course of the programme.
The proceedings concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Pallavi Singh, Fellow at TERI, who expressed gratitude to all collaborating partners, institutional leaders, trainers, and participating youth for ensuring the resounding success of the initiative.
