The Indian Merchant Chambers (IMC) organized A National Conference themed 'Mission Skill Development: Leveraging CSR & Education' on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at the BSE Convention Hall, Mumbai. Ms. Jyotsna Sitling, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (GoI); Mr. Bijay Sahoo, Chairman, IMC Skill Development Committee; Mr. Atul Bhatnagar, COO, National Skill Development Corporation; Mr. S. S. Sandhu, Principal Secretary, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Maharashtra; Mr. Samir Somaiya and Ms. Rupa Shah the Educationists; were amongst the speakers. Bureaucrats, Dr. Farida Virani Leads the National Conference 'Mission Skills Development'Academicians, Industrialists and NGO, all agreed upon one thing - the critical need for skill-development. What their views diverged on was the way to do it and the amount of emphasis to be laid on skills as opposed to traditional degrees and qualifications. The event concluded with panel discussions on skilling different strata, including the specially-abled. Dr. Farida Virani Leads the National Conference 'Mission Skills Development'Dr. Farida Virani, Professor & HOD from MET - Institute of Management, a member of the organizing committee for the conference was also entrusted with the task of being the host and facilitator for the program. Fondly nicknamed the 'Intellectual Emcee', she is well known for her thorough research whereby she adds value to the topics discussed, her attention to details and her calm demeanor while overcoming last minute changes and challenges. She was complemented for smooth introductions, transitions and managing the time schedules effectively. http://www.itsmyascent.com/event/National-Conference-Skill-Development/152564 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BM83U23jvA