Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 25: In celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2026, the Indian Institute of Skill Development and Research (IISDR), entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru at the college campus on Saturday, July 25.
The Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed by Arundathi Hegde, deputy director, IISDR, and Sr Dr M Venissa A C, principal, St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, marking the beginning of a collaborative partnership aimed at strengthening industry-academia engagement and enhancing employability among students through quality skill development initiatives.
Building upon this powerful heritage, this collaboration directly reinforces our commitment to breaking gender barriers, fostering equal opportunities, and bridging the gap between education and employability. The partnership is envisioned to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations while preparing students to meet the challenges of the rapidly evolving global workforce.
The programme was graced by several distinguished academicians, industry leaders, and professionals including Dr Devaraj K, P Suresh, Shamlal Yermal, Dr Laxmish Rai, Advocate Samit Shamlal, Dr Steevan Pinto and Sr Dr Roopa Rodrigues A C (vice-principal), Sr Dr M Vinora A C (PG coordinator), and Melson D'Souza, assistant professor from St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru. Their presence added significance to the occasion and reflected a shared commitment towards empowering youth through education, innovation, and practical skill development.
Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries emphasised that collaborative initiatives between educational institutions and skill development organizations are essential for nurturing future-ready professionals. They highlighted the need to equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with practical competencies, professional ethics, digital capabilities, and leadership skills that are increasingly demanded by employers across sectors.
Sr Dr M Venissa AC, principal, St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, noted that such strategic collaborations will create a robust ecosystem for continuous learning, industry exposure, and capacity building. She expressed confidence that the partnership would facilitate meaningful opportunities for students and faculty through joint projects, workshops, seminars, research, and certification programmes aligned with national priorities on skill development.
Dr Ronald Sequeira, executive director, IISDR, coordinated the programme and reiterated IISDR's commitment to fostering strong institutional partnerships that contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat by creating a skilled, innovative, and employable workforce. He appreciated the wholehearted support extended by the management and faculty of St. Agnes College in making the collaboration a reality.
The programme concluded with a reaffirming the commitment of IISDR and St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru to work together in creating sustainable opportunities for students, promoting excellence in higher education, and advancing skill development through collaborative academic and industry engagement.