Mangaluru : Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said job opportunities in private sector have increased manifold now, when compared to the last few decades and the youths must make use of these opportunities by utilising their skills in the best possible way.

He was speaking at the Vishwa Konkani Student Scholarship presentation ceremony organised by Vishwa Konkani Kendra at T V Raman Pai Convention Centre on Friday.

Prabhu said some youths have a tendency to look at government jobs. “There are also good opportunities in private sector. Adding up educational qualifications in terms of degrees doesn’t help. One should have the ability to enhance skills and utilise them well,” he felt.

He said one should not forget mother tongue. The diversity of languages is an advantage in India and it is not a drawback as the linguistic communities, like Konkanis, can come together and carry out social endeavours, he added.

Minister for Large and Medium scale industries R V Deshpande lauded the efforts of Vishwa Konkani Kendra and said commitent and will have taken the Kendra a long way. He said students are the assets of the country.

Deshpande said the youth dream about their career prospects and the country has also its own dreams about youth. “Twenty-first century is the century of competition, quality and intellect. The youths of our country have a bright future provided they march in their direction. Youths should maintain a good character and follow disciplene,” he said.

Deshpande said the Indian youths will be the workforce for the entire world in future.

Manipal Global Education Chairman and Vishwa Konkani Student Scholarship patron T V Mohandas Pai said today’s youths need a problem solving attitude. “In India, Middle Class is losing jobs. Hence, the youths should acquire skills, be mobile, innovative and should make the world as their stage. The true wealth of a country is its intellectual capital,” he added.

Vishwa Konkani Student Scholarships were presented on the occasion. Vishwa Konkani Student Scholarship Fund (VKSSF) President Ramadas Kamath U, Ryan International Group of Institutions Managing Director Grace Pinto, Raliway Minister Suresh Prabhu’s spouse Uma Suresh Prabhu, Mangalore Ganesh Beedis, Mysuru, Managing Partner Jagannath Shenoi, Kshmata Convener Giridhar Kamath,VKSSF Alumni Association President Dinesh Pai K, Vishwa VKSSF Secretary Pradeep G Pai and World Konkani Centre Vice President Venkatesh N Baliga were present.

Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation President Basti Vaman Shenoy presided over the programme.