Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Special Issue: Skill Development: Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education

Ancient Indian literary works such as Banabhatta's Kadambari described a good education as knowledge of 64 kalaas’ or arts. Here 64 arts were not only subjects such as painting and singing. It also includes: 1. Scientific fields - Chemistry and Mathematics, 2. Vocational fields - Carpentry and Cloth making, 3. Professional fields - Medicine Engineering, 4. Soft skills - Communication Discussion and Debate. Skill development is the critical enabler for improving employment outcomes and higher productivity leading to faster and sustainable economic growth. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides an overarching framework for exposing at least 50% of all learners to vocational education by 2025 and its integration with formal education. Around 28 million young people enter the workforce in India each year. So, skill education can bring equality to society and India will be marching towards a more balanced society. The conference will provide the platform to the teaching fraternity, colleges, research scholars, industry experts with various opportunities and overcoming challenges in Higher Education.