The Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) has implemented a scheme called the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) for the upliftment of rural youth. This program has not only helped the candidates achieve confidence but also helped them achieve employment and thereby financial independence, as stated by Smt. Pankaja Munde, the Minister for Child & Women Development.
Smt. Pankaja Munde inaugurated the DDU-GKY program along with The Art of Living’s Youth Leadership Development Program on 10th November 2017. Some of the dignitaries present were Mr. Vishwasrao Devkate, Chief Zilla Parishad, Smt. Asha Buchke, Member Zilla Parishad, Smt. R. Vimala, CEO, MSRLM, Mr. Daulat Desai, CEO ZP, Mr. Dinesh Doke, PD-DRDA ZP, Art of Living’s representatives Mr. Shekhar Mundada, Mr. Amol Yewle, Mr. Sarang Jagtap, along with other dignitaries.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between MSRLM and Art of Living for providing Youth Leadership Development Program to DDU-GKY candidates on a pilot basis. This was followed by distribution of certificates to the candidates who have completed their training, by Smt. Pankaja Munde.
According to Smt. Pankaja Munde, the DDU-GKY program is very encouraging for rural youth to explore different means of livelihoods. The youth despite having the required capabilities, face hurdles due to lack of financial stability and other problems. This program would help them achieve financial stability and enable them to meet the basic needs of their families too.
She also said, to succeed in life in addition to education one needs to develop mentally. Therefore, along with the DDU-GKY curriculum a course on The Art of Living has been introduced to develop the candidate’s personality. She also pointed out that the candidates should not feel insecure about their poor background and look upto their parents, she inspired the candidates to fight against all odds and move up the ladder towards progress and be proud of themselves. She also urged them not to get addicted to things which may go against the objective of the program. She said stick to your goals and constantly strive to achieve them.
According to Mr. Vishwasrao Devkate, If our mind is stable we can create wonders. He advised candidates to make good use of this platform to become successful.
Smt. R. Vimala, said while getting education students should not only focus on getting certified but also on acquiring knowledge. They should select courses as per their liking and take full advantage of the available opportunity for the betterment.
The other dignitaries present on stage also shared their thoughts. A final vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Dinesh Doke, PD-DRDA (Pune). Mr.George Bernard Shaw, State Mission Manager, MSRLM and Ms. Trapti from NABCONS coordinated this inauguration program along with Pune District DRDA team.
