Mindtree co-founder to lead Odisha youth skill dev't programme

Subroto Bagchi, co-founder of Mindtree and renowned IT entrepreneur, has been invited by Shri Naveen Patnaik, honourable chief minister of Odisha, to develop a unified body to guide, implement and supervise all skill development programmes in the State. He was given the rank of cabinet minister and all the support necessary to make a positive impact to the youth of the State.

Bagchi, who assumed office on May 1, 2016 that also coincided with the World Labour Day, reports to the chief minister.

Accepting the invitation of the State, Bagchi said, "I am deeply humbled and honoured to serve my motherland. This is the state that nourished me. Now it is time to give back."

Bagchi will draw a salary of ₹1 per year for his services to the State. He will begin his work with a visit to all the 30 districts of the State to get a first-hand understanding of the initiatives on the ground and submit his recommendations based on which, a detailed programme will be worked out.

Odisha Skill Development Authority will unify the initiatives on the ground and create momentum for thousands of young boys and girls of the State to receive skill training in a truly professional manner so that they are valued in the national and international job market. This will benefit their families across Odisha, bringing them better and more secure livelihoods.

Krishnakumar, executive chair of Mindtree, expressed his great joy at the development and said, "The entire Mindtree family is very proud and excited that Subroto is going to serve a hugely important initiative. He has the unique capability to drive large scale change and we wish him the very best."