Sumit Virmani, EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer, and a respected board member, is renowned for his dedication to meaningful causes. Recently, he shared insights from his participation in the eVidyaloka Trust Rubaru 24 summit, a gathering focused on bridging the gap between education and employability, especially in rural India. Sumit Virmani’s involvement underscores his commitment to leveraging his position at Infosys Foundation for positive societal change.
At the eVidyaloka Trust Rubaru 24 summit, Sumit Virmani had the privilege of engaging with individuals who are deeply committed to empowering communities through education. This annual summit serves as a platform for reflection and celebration, bringing together teams, volunteers, and donor partners dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities in the remotest corners of India. Sumit Virmani’s presence at this event highlights Infosys Foundation’s dedication to supporting initiatives that drive social impact and promote access to quality education.
During the summit, Sumit Virmani addressed the critical issue of the disconnect between education and employability in India. Despite achieving universal enrollment in primary education, a significant portion of rural youth struggles with basic literacy skills. This discrepancy is exacerbated by various challenges, including a shortage of teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and socioeconomic barriers that force children to prioritize earning a livelihood over continuing their education.
Sumit Virmani emphasizes the urgent need to address this issue, as the consequences of an education system that fails to prepare students for the workforce are far-reaching. Not only does it perpetuate the cycle of poverty and unemployment, but it also undermines the perceived value of education within vulnerable communities. To tackle this challenge, Sumit Virmani advocates for bridging three crucial gaps: aspirations, skills, and resources.
One of the key challenges identified by Sumit Virmani is the lack of career guidance and counseling for students, leading to a mismatch between the skills they acquire and the demands of the job market. Additionally, financial constraints force many students to drop out of school, further limiting their opportunities for skill development and employability. Sumit Virmani stresses the importance of prioritizing practical STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills, as they are increasingly essential for future job opportunities.
To address these challenges, Sumit Virmani emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that involves collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and corporate partners. By leveraging their collective resources and expertise, these stakeholders can work together to create a more seamless transition from education to employability for millions of young Indians.
Sumit Virmani’s call to action resonates with his broader vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. By investing in education and equipping youth with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, Sumit Virmani believes that India can unlock its full potential and create a brighter future for generations to come.
Sumit Virmani’s advocacy for the education-to-employability pathway underscores his commitment to driving positive change in India’s education system. Through his leadership and collaborative efforts, Sumit Virmani is working to ensure that every young Indian has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
