Skill Darpan: Bringing Job Skills to Rural India, One Local Language at a Time
Imagine wanting to learn new skills for a better job, but all the good courses are too expensive, too far away, or not taught in your own language. This is a common challenge for millions of young people in India's smaller towns and villages. But a new company called Skill Darpan is changing that, one local language course at a time.
Founded in January 2024 by Dayanand Kumar Mehta and Supriya Prabhat, Skill Darpan is an education technology (edtech) startup with a big heart and an even bigger mission: to make job-ready skills accessible and affordable for students in rural India. Dayanand himself grew up in a small town and understood firsthand the struggles of finding quality training in one's native tongue. He wanted to create what he wished he had – a "Mirror of Skills" (which is what "Skill Darpan" means) to help others see and sharpen their potential.
Based in Patna, Skill Darpan got its start with support from various government and incubation programs, which helped them build their foundation. Their small but dedicated team focuses on creating practical, in-demand courses.
So, what makes Skill Darpan different? They tackle the "vernacular skills gap" head-on: * Affordable Prices: Courses cost between just Rs 999 and Rs 2999. * Relevant Skills: They teach modern tech skills like data analysis and design software (AutoCAD), which are highly sought after in today's job market. * Local Languages: All instruction and mentorship are in Hindi and other regional dialects, making learning much easier and more comfortable. * Job Support: They even help students find internships and jobs after completing their courses.
In a short time, Skill Darpan has already made a huge impact. They've trained over 5,000 students, partnered with more than 20 engineering colleges, and even gained national attention. Their focus on digital learning means they can reach the vast majority of India's students who live outside big cities.
Looking ahead, Skill Darpan plans to expand to more states, add courses in new areas like healthcare, and even launch their own job platform. Their ultimate goal is ambitious yet inspiring: to empower over a million learners, helping them build brighter futures right in their own communities. Skill Darpan isn't just teaching skills; they're building confidence and opening doors for a new generation.
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