Soft skills are as important as education in competitive age

Launch event of book ‘Don’t Get Left Behind’ focuses on artificial intelligence, formal education, skill sets 

Mysore/Mysuru: In the present day, nearly everyone possesses technical knowledge and formal education, yet there remains a gap in understanding the significance of soft skills and practical realities,” stated Arjun Ranga, Managing Director N. Ranga Rao & Sons and the immediate past Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Karnataka.

He shared these insights during the book launch of ‘Don’t Get Left Behind,’ authored by Dr. Dharmaprasad, at the Wadiyar School of Architecture recently. Arjun Ranga emphasised that in today’s era, success demands a combination of specialised skills alongside factual knowledge and formal education.

The book ‘Don’t Get Left Behind’ focuses on the importance of complimenting education with a diverse skill set, outlining their benefits and how to cultivate them. In an age where artificial intelligence is transforming industries, it becomes crucial for individuals to identify and nurture unique skills.

Eshwar Rao, Vice-President (Works), JK Tyre & Industries Ltd., said that the book highlighted seven critical skills through real-world examples, employing simple language and engaging storytelling to convey the significance of skills like digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and leadership in today’s world.

Prof. S.R. Ramesh, CEO of Mahajana College, lauded the book as an invaluable resource for schools and colleges, believing it could significantly enhance students’ careers if they implement the concepts within. He noted the role of digital tools in simplifying various tasks, exemplified by the use of ChatGPT in writing the book.

Dr. Dharmaprasad shared his humble beginnings and the influence of his family’s commitment to education. He highlighted the role of his parents and teachers and credited ChatGPT for assisting him in crafting this book, showcasing the immense capabilities of artificial intelligence.

Others present were Sam Cherian, Chairman of CII Mysuru Zone, Dr. (Lt. Col. Retd.) S.N. Prasad, Director of SDM-IMD, Dr. Rohini Nagapadma, Principal of NIE, Dr. M. Shivakumar, Principal of GSSSIETW, Fr. Jinto Jose, Administrator, Christ College and Dr. C. Jayanthi, Principal of Teresian College.