Pune

Team India is all set to participate in the biggest exhibition of Skills at the WorldSkills Competition 2017, popularly known as “Skill Olympics” being organised in Abu Dhabi from October 14 to 19. 1200 competitors from 70+ member countries and regions would be participating across 51 skill competitions to prove their mettle in their field.

This year, among the 28 member strong Indian team, Karishma Gupta would be competing in the beauty therapy, Vibhor M Meshram and Samarth Goudar would contest in the Mobile robotics category, and Omkar Virendra Sawant would participate in the Welding category.

Karishma, a small-town girl from Pune, with a goal to become a successful Beauty Therapist, took up the course soon after finishing her high school. She attributes her personality to be fit for her profession – a keen observer, quick learner and gentle demeanor; making her determination strong to pursue her passion. She believes in her motto of providing service with a smile. Karishma had the privilege to work and train under some of the best trainers and beauty experts in India. She represented India at WorldSkills UK 2015 and further, undertook specialized training in Singapore. She is confident to give her best at the upcoming skills competitions at Abu Dhabi.

Vibhor is a robotics enthusiast who loves designing, fabricating and developing robots. Currently in his final year of Engineering at MIT Academy of Engineering Pune; he has already won a gold at IndiaSkills 2016 in mobile robotics. He also represented India at EuroSkills 2016, Sweden and is now aiming to prove his mettle at the WorldSkills Abu Dhabi.

Samarth is an engineer with a passion for robotics and automation. He has completed his Bachelors of Technology with specialization in Electronics and Telecommunication from MIT Academy of Engineering, Pune. He has been an active participant in various robotics competitions including the Indian robotics Olympiad (IRO) and the Robocon. He stood as a runner up at the final selections of WorldSkills India2015 in mobile robotics. He won a gold at the IndiaSkills 2016 and is now preparing hard to represent India at the WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.

Omkar is a young 21-year-old trainee welder, working with the leading automobile company Mahindra Ltd. in Pune. He was inspired by his peer Sachin Narale who won at Brazil 2015 and also selected him for his job at Mahindra. Under Sachin’s mentorship, Omkar has been putting a lot of effort into his training programs to improve his skill in welding. He has participated in national competitions and then, was selected to participate in IndiaSkills 2016, where he won a Bronze medal. Omkar stood first in the final round selection for World Skills and is now going to represent India at the WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.

Congratulating the candidates representing India at WorldSkills 2017, Manish Kumar, MD and CEO, NSDC said, “On behalf of NSDC, we would like to congratulate the candidates for being selected as the finalists to represent India at the WordSkills competition. Representing India on a global platform is a matter of great pride and honour for all our competitors, many of whom come from very humble background. We are elated to see them develop and utilise their skills with dedication, enthusiasm and passion. We are confident that Pune candidates and all others will perform their best at the competition and make India proud.”