The Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) marked its 10th Foundation Day with a formal gathering in the national capital, bringing together senior industry leaders, policymakers, academic representatives, and skill development stakeholders to review a decade of progress and outline priorities for the future workforce.
Held at Taj Vivanta, Dwarka, the event reflected both a retrospective assessment of MEPSC’s contributions to India’s professional skills ecosystem and a forward-looking discussion on emerging workforce demands shaped by technology, globalisation, and evolving business models. Over the past ten years, MEPSC has positioned itself as a key institution in aligning skill development initiatives with industry requirements, focusing on employability, entrepreneurship, and professional competency standards.
The evening was led by Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo, Chairman of Dempo Group of Companies and Chairman of MEPSC, alongside members of the Council’s Board and senior representatives from organisations such as Air India, All India Management Association (AIMA), Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., GAIL, Deloitte, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The presence of these stakeholders reflected the collaborative framework that MEPSC has built across sectors to address India’s skill gap and workforce readiness challenges.
Opening the event, Col. Anil Kumar Pokhriyal, CEO of MEPSC, set the tone by highlighting the organisation’s journey since its inception. He emphasised that MEPSC has consistently worked to develop industry-aligned occupational standards, expand partnerships with training institutions, and support learners in acquiring skills that translate directly into employment opportunities.
Col. Pokhriyal noted that the nature of work has undergone rapid transformation over the past decade, driven by digital adoption, automation, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence across sectors. He stressed that MEPSC’s approach has evolved in response to these changes, with a stronger focus on integrating technology-driven competencies into training frameworks.
He stated that the Council’s priority remains clear: bridging the gap between education and industry expectations. According to him, this requires continuous engagement with employers, curriculum updates that reflect real-world requirements, and scalable training models that can reach diverse segments of the workforce. He also acknowledged the role of the media in bringing attention to issues related to skill development and workforce preparedness, noting that public awareness plays an important role in driving participation in skilling initiatives.
A key moment during the celebration was the unveiling of MEPSC’s 10th anniversary commemorative logo. The logo represents the Council’s decade-long journey and its efforts to create a structured and responsive skilling ecosystem. The visual identity reflects collaboration, growth, and the integration of traditional professional skills with modern competencies required in a rapidly changing economy.
Alongside the logo unveiling, MEPSC launched a commemorative coffee table book documenting its milestones, initiatives, and contributions over the past ten years. The publication captures the Council’s work in developing qualification packs, establishing training standards, certifying professionals, and supporting entrepreneurship-led growth. It also highlights partnerships with industry bodies and academic institutions that have enabled MEPSC to expand its reach and impact.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “A Decade of Professional Skilling: Reimagining Industry-Integrated Learning for the Future Workforce.” The session brought together senior industry leaders and human resource professionals who shared perspectives on how workforce expectations have evolved and what organisations now look for in skilled professionals.
Panelists discussed the increasing importance of adaptability, digital literacy, and problem-solving abilities in today’s workforce. They pointed out that traditional skill sets are no longer sufficient on their own, and that continuous learning has become essential for career progression. The discussion also highlighted the need for closer collaboration between industry and academia to ensure that educational programmes remain relevant and aligned with current market demands.
One of the recurring themes during the panel was the role of experiential learning. Industry leaders emphasised that practical exposure, internships, and on-the-job training are critical in preparing individuals for real-world challenges. They noted that institutions must move beyond theoretical instruction and incorporate hands-on learning modules that reflect workplace scenarios.
Another important aspect discussed was the growing influence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation. Panelists observed that these technologies are reshaping job roles across sectors, creating new opportunities while also requiring workers to upgrade their skills. They stressed that skill development frameworks must be flexible and responsive to these changes, enabling workers to transition smoothly between roles and industries.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo reflected on MEPSC’s evolution over the past decade. He stated that what began as an initiative to strengthen professional and managerial skills has grown into a platform that connects industry, training providers, and aspiring professionals. He described the Council as an important component of India’s broader skill development ecosystem, contributing to workforce readiness and economic growth.
Mr. Dempo highlighted that the future of work will be shaped by rapid technological advancements and changing business environments. He emphasised that organisations like MEPSC must remain proactive in identifying emerging skill requirements and developing frameworks that prepare individuals for these shifts. He reiterated the Council’s commitment to supporting both employment and entrepreneurship, recognising that self-employment and small business creation play a significant role in India’s economy.
He also acknowledged the contributions of MEPSC’s past chairmen, including Mr. Sunil Kant Munjal, Chairman of Hero Enterprise and the founding chairman of MEPSC; Mr. Hemant Nerurkar, former Managing Director of Tata Steel; and Mr. R. Mukundan, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Chemicals. Their leadership, he noted, helped establish the foundation on which the Council has built its current initiatives and partnerships.
Throughout the event, speakers underscored the importance of a coordinated approach to skill development. They noted that addressing India’s workforce challenges requires collaboration between government bodies, industry associations, educational institutions, and training providers. MEPSC’s model, which brings these stakeholders together, was highlighted as an example of how such collaboration can lead to effective outcomes.
The discussion also touched on the role of entrepreneurship in workforce development. Participants noted that encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and supporting small business creation can help generate employment opportunities and drive economic growth. MEPSC’s initiatives in promoting entrepreneurship were recognised as an important aspect of its overall strategy.
As India continues to expand its economy and integrate with global markets, the demand for skilled professionals is expected to increase across sectors. Speakers at the event pointed out that this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While there is potential for job creation, there is also a need to ensure that the workforce possesses the skills required to meet industry demands.
In this context, MEPSC’s work in developing competency standards and certification frameworks was highlighted as a key contribution. By defining clear benchmarks for professional skills, the Council helps ensure consistency and quality in training programmes. This, in turn, enhances the employability of individuals and supports organisations in identifying qualified candidates.
The event also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to network and exchange ideas. The networking dinner that followed the formal programme enabled participants to discuss potential collaborations, share insights, and explore ways to strengthen the skilling ecosystem. Such interactions are seen as an important part of MEPSC’s approach, fostering connections that can lead to new initiatives and partnerships.
Media engagement for the event was coordinated by Ms. Nisha Singh from MEPSC’s Brand and Corporate Communication team. She acknowledged the role of the media in highlighting developments in the skill development sector and keeping the public informed about initiatives that impact workforce readiness. Over the past decade, MEPSC has worked across multiple sectors to develop training standards and certification programmes that align with industry needs. Its initiatives have focused on areas such as management, entrepreneurship, and professional skills, addressing gaps in traditional education systems and providing learners with practical competencies.
As the Council enters its second decade, the focus is expected to remain on expanding its reach and adapting to new challenges. This includes integrating digital tools into training programmes, enhancing access to skilling opportunities in underserved regions, and strengthening partnerships with industry and academia. The event concluded with a sense of continuity and purpose, as participants reflected on the progress made over the past ten years while recognising the work that lies ahead. The emphasis on collaboration, adaptability, and innovation underscored the direction in which MEPSC aims to move as it continues to contribute to India’s professional skills ecosystem.
The 10th Foundation Day celebration served not only as a milestone for MEPSC but also as a platform to reinforce the importance of skill development in shaping the country’s economic future. The conversations and commitments that emerged from the event are expected to influence the Council’s initiatives in the years to come, as it works towards building a workforce that is prepared for both current and future challenges.
