Leaders from CSR, industry, research and the development sector will discuss pathways to make India’s workforce future-ready at the event in New Delhi on August 21, 2026.
NEW DELHI (India CSR®): SETU Bandhan 2026 will bring together leaders from corporate social responsibility, industry, research and the development ecosystem for a panel discussion on “Future-Ready India: Overcoming the Structural Challenges in Skill Development.” The session will be held on August 21, 2026, at Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. It is part of SETU 2026, being organised under the theme of conversations that can help shape India’s future.
Addressing Skills Challenges
India’s employment landscape is changing rapidly, driven by technology, shifting industry needs and the growing demand for new capabilities. The panel will examine structural gaps in skill development and explore how stronger links can be created between training, employability and meaningful livelihood opportunities. The discussion is expected to focus on practical approaches to build a more responsive and inclusive skilling ecosystem for young people and communities.
Diverse Leadership Perspectives
The panel will be moderated by Arindam Lahiri, CEO, Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC).
The speakers include
Kurush Irani, President, Bajaj Finserv CSR;
Indrajit Chaudhuri, CEO and Country Director, PCI;
Dr. Neepa Saha Sharma, Head CSR, CESC Limited;
Mahesh Shetty, CSR Head – Skill Development and Livelihood, JSW Foundation;
Dr. Debdeep De, Head of Research, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC); and
Khurram Nayaab, Head – Governance, Anil Agarwal Foundation, Vedanta Limited.
Together, the speakers will bring perspectives from corporate social responsibility, industry-led skills development, research, social development and livelihood initiatives.
Connecting Skills Opportunities
The conversation will examine how India can strengthen the journey from learning to employment. It is likely to address the role of industry partnerships, contemporary training models, research-led interventions and CSR-supported programmes in creating accessible career opportunities. With skill development increasingly central to India’s economic and social progress, the session will offer an opportunity to reflect on the systems needed to prepare young people for emerging jobs and changing workplace realities.
Event Registration Details
SETU Bandhan 2026 will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Juniper Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Those interested in attending can register at www.bandhan.org/setu-2026
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