Good afternoon everyone! I welcome you to this vibrant seminar as we dissect the new challenges that the stone industry faces in the current environment.
Today, we meet in a region where, many decades ago, the stone processing industry of India had started taking modern shape. It was in these surrounding areas of Hosur, Krishnagiri, Bengaluru and Kuppam that some of the first granite processing units were set up.
Stone pioneers of the times faced challenges as well. And they carved a path forward. Today, the challenges we face as an industry are different. Inspired by stone visionaries, I have no doubt that we’ll continue to chart our way forward as well.
One key challenge we’ve identified is the shortage of trained manpower in the industry. In fact, such shortage is visible across industries and is a national challenge as well. There are educated youths, yet the gap between their employability and industry needs is wide. There are not enough skilled people to match the quality jobs we generate.
Thus, skilling is a big focus for us at FIGSI. And we are doubling-down on it with the setting up of two Centres for Stone Excellence – one here in Hosur, and the other in Jaipur, Rajasthan. These centres include skill development institutes, research units and start-up incubation hubs, exclusively for the stone industry – the first such institutes in the world.
We have the material with abundant natural stones deposits. We have the latest machines. We will soon have skilled manpower. As these 3 Ms – material, machines and manpower come together, they will boost our industry further. The institutes will generate new jobs, boost growth and contribute to the India economy. It’s a win-win for all stakeholders.
Last week, we saw the launch of Chandrayaan 3, a great achievement in space technology.
Similarly, the Centres for Stone Excellence are our rocket, and they will take us very far. India will rise as a global leader in stone and skill. Our industry will get more competitive.
With this first-of-its-kind initiative, the global industry will also benefit. There is already tremendous interest to hire trained candidates from our partners in Korea and Germany. Various MoUs are being signed. Our global partners are looking to us for inspiration. India is a hub of stone, and will soon grow into a hub of skill.
With that, I end my address and welcome you once again to this seminar. I look forward to a lively interaction that follows.
Thank you!
