CELEBRATING WORLD YOUTH SKILLS DAY IN KASHMIR

World Youth Skills Day, observed every year on July 15, is a global recognition of the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need for employment, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in society. Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, this day is more than a symbolic gesture it is a clarion call to governments, institutions, and civil society to invest in the youth and bridge the skill gaps that hinder economic growth and social inclusion. In the context of Kashmir, this observance takes on even more significance. A region that has long grappled with conflict, economic challenges, and limited industrialization, Kashmir is now witnessing a powerful transformation led by its youth. From the bleak shadows of uncertainty, a new generation of skilled, ambitious, and innovative young Kashmiris is emerging building start-ups, mastering trades, breaking stereotypes, and redefining the narrative of the valley.

This article delves deep into the relevance of World Youth Skills Day with a special focus on the evolving skill ecosystem in Kashmir, the challenges, success stories and the road ahead. According to the International Labour Organization, young people are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than adults. Moreover, many who are employed often face poor working conditions and limited upward mobility. This global crisis is amplified in developing and conflict-prone regions like Jammu and Kashmir. World Youth Skills Day aims to: Highlight the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. Promote dialogue between youth, educational institutions, private sector, and policymakers. Celebrate innovation, creativity, and resilience among young people across the world. In 2025, as the world emerges from the shadows of post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical uncertainty, youth skills are not just a developmental agenda they are a survival necessity.

Kashmir has long been associated with political instability, militancy, and unemployment. For decades, the narrative around the youth in Kashmir was painted in hues of despair, radicalization, and hopelessness. However, this narrative is rapidly shifting. In recent years, a silent revolution has been brewing in the form of skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship. This shift is not only a result of government schemes and external interventions but also of a deep, internal desire among Kashmiri youth to reclaim their future.They are not waiting for opportunities to come to them. Instead, they are creating their own. With the expansion of 4G and now 5G internet services in Kashmir, young people have started to harness the power of technology to learn, earn, and innovate. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and YouTube have become virtual classrooms.

Azhar from Pulwama Village, once a college dropout due to financial constraints, now earns in dollars by freelancing as a web developer for foreign clients. Youth led start-ups like Fast Beetle, a delivery and logistics platform based in Srinagar, are providing jobs to hundreds and empowering small businesses across the valley. Kashmir has a rich legacy of craftsmanship be it papier-mâché, walnut wood carving, Pashmina weaving, or carpet making. What’s new is that the younger generation is now reviving these traditional skills through modern branding, digital marketing, and e-commerce. 25-year-old female graduate from Budgam, has turned her grandmother’s shawl weaving skills into an Instagram-powered business, exporting to clients in France and Canada. Institutions like Craft Development Institute in Srinagar are now training youth in quality control, international standards, and modern design aesthetics. From international cricket commentators like Zahid Nisar from Anantnag to national-level athletes in martial arts, football, and winter sports, Kashmiri youth are showcasing excellence in physical disciplines. Many are now being trained as fitness trainers, gym instructors, trekking guides, and winter sports coaches—fields that were earlier ignored but are now emerging as viable career options.

With Kashmir once again becoming the top tourist destination in India, the demand for skilled youth in hospitality management, tourist guiding, culinary arts, and travel services has exploded. Bilal, a hotel management graduate from Ganderbal, now runs a homestay and food vlog that helps tourists experience authentic Kashmiri cuisine and culture. Government programs like Hunar Se Rozgar Tak are helping youth get certified training in hospitality sectors. The digital revolution has birthed a new breed of storytellers in Kashmir. Young journalists, vloggers, photographers, and video editors are using their skills to present a fresh, positive, and ground-reality-based narrative of Kashmir to the world. Platforms like The Kashmir Dialogues, run by independent journalists, are powered by young researchers, writers, and editors who document local issues and positive developments.

Influencers like RJ Umar from Srinagar have massive youth followings and use humor and commentary to talk about societal issues and motivate youth to stay away from drugs and violence. The Central and Union Territory governments have launched several skill-based schemes and vocational training programs specifically for Kashmiri youth: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana Providing short-term training in trades like plumbing, electricals, welding, and tailoring. Himayat Scheme Aims to provide market-linked skill training and placement to 1 lakh youth over 5 years. Skill India Mission Empowering youth through National Skill Development Corporation certified training centers across Kashmir. Polytechnic Colleges and Industrial Training Institute and Information Technology and Infrastructure Services Being upgraded to teach Artificial intelligence, drone technology, and coding to school pass outs. Despite challenges, the enrolment in these institutions has seen a sharp rise in the past three years, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 created a more favorable environment for central schemes and private partnerships. While the progress is inspiring, the road ahead is still fraught with challenges:

Lack of Industrial Infrastructure: Absence of large-scale industries limits job absorption capacity. ntermittent Internet Disruptions: Affect digital learning and e-commerce ventures. Limited Market Access: Youth-led products struggle to reach national or international markets. Social Stigma: Vocational careers are still considered less prestigious than traditional degrees. Gender Gaps: While women are stepping out, cultural barriers still limit full participation in several districts. However, these barriers are being actively challenged by the youth themselves, often with minimal external support proving that the intent to grow is far stronger than the obstacles.

Mudasir Dar, Pulwama: A youth icon who organizes sports tournaments in vulnerable areas to keep youth away from drugs and terrorism. His grassroots initiatives have created hope and employment for many. Tania from Baramulla: Trained in fashion design under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, she now runs her boutique employing five other girls. She dreams of launching a ‘Kashmir Women’s Apparel’ brand for international markets. Feroz Ahmad, Kupwara: After completing a short-term course in solar panel installation, he now works as a renewable energy technician in Bengaluru, sending money back home and inspiring his village. Kashmiri Youth Volunteers: During the 2024 floods, trained first-aid providers, young nurses, and drone pilots rescued hundreds. They were all graduates of Red Cross and disaster response training courses conducted in Anantnag and Baramulla.

Private organizations and Non-Government organizations   have stepped in to bridge gaps in state infrastructure EduTech platforms like BYJU’S and Unacademy have offered scholarships and mentorships to Kashmiri students. Tata strive and Microsoft are collaborating with local institutions to train youth in Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and business communication. Non-Government organizations like Elfa International are teaching youth in Ganderbal and Bandipora how to use YouTube and Instagram as monetized storytelling platforms.

To truly harness the potential of Kashmiri youth, the focus should now shift from just training to placement, incubation, and entrepreneurship. Key steps include: Establish skill hubs in each district. Promote entrepreneurship clusters with financial support and tax benefits. Ensure gender-inclusive training models. Develop a Kashmir Skill Index to track sectoral growth and training effectiveness. Boost exports of youth-led local brands in fashion, food, and handicrafts. World Youth Skills Day 2025 is not just a date on the calendar it is a testimony to the courage, creativity, and commitment of Kashmiri youth. From battling bullets to balancing budgets, from being seen as burdens to becoming builders of a new economy, the youth of Kashmir are scripting their own success stories. Their skills are not just tools for employment they are weapons of transformation. They are changing Kashmir from within, one skill at a time. As policymakers, educators, employers, and citizens, it is now our collective duty to ensure that every young person in Kashmir has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Because when Kashmiri youth rise with skills, Kashmir rises with them.