Global Summit on Skills Development
Summit Theme - Celebrating Vishwakarma Divas:
Vishwa karma Divas-The National labour Day of India-is celebrated by technicians across the country. The day is celebrated by all workers including blacksmiths, Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians, Musicians, etc. The celebration involves decorating & worshipping tools & equipments & offering prayers to the Indian God of Skills – Lord Vishwakarama, the Architect of the Universe. Vishwakarma puja (prayer) is an inspiration for many, especially the working class to resolve to create new products and increase their productivity.
Vishwakarma Divas, 17 September
A great sage of time immemorial, Vishvakarma or Vishwabrahmin is the Hindu presiding deity of all craftsmen and architects. Vishwakarma, is the builder of the palaces of all gods and goddesses and also the designer of their flying chariots. He is usually represented as possessing a water-pot, a book, a noose, tools and lot of gold jewelry in his four hands. He is variously described in ancient folklore as the god of architecture, creation, and Vishwakarma Divas, marked by all industrial houses, artists, craftsmen, weavers, the working class, and engineers, is known as engineers' day.
Vishwakarma puja is an inspiration for many especially the working class to resolve to create new products and increase their productivity. According to mythology it is he who created the entire universe as well as the heaven and the earth. Vishwakarma is also credited for creating the missiles used in the mythological era, including the Vajra the sacred weapon of Lord Indra, from the bones of sage Dadhichi. This weapon was used ironically, against his own son, Vrithra, who had aligned with the demons. Vishwakarma is regarded as the supreme worker, the very essence of excellence and quality in craftsmanship. He is also the creator of Vastu Shastra, the science which is so popular today, even in the west.
The month of September brings with it an essence of the forthcoming festivities. The pleasant weather of early autumn, with clouds scattered across the sky looks more colourful with the numerous kites floating side by side on Vishwakarma Puja, the festival of the God of Architecture and engineering, Vishwakarma.
Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated with full enthusiasm on 17th of September every year. The celebration is mainly done in factories and industrial areas. Shop floors in various factories wear a festive look on this occasion. In beautifully decorated pandals the image of Vishwakarma and his faithful elephant are inaugurated and worshipped. Shop floors in various factories wear a festive look on this occasion. In beautifully decorated pandals the image of Vishwakarma and his faithful elephant are inaugurated and worshiped. The industrial towns in urban areas come alive with decorative pandals and loudspeakers. Most factories around the area declare the annual bonus on this day. On this day all the workers in the workshops and offices worship their tools and instruments in front of Lord Vishwakarma, which are generally used in their profession. Vishwakarma is known as the divine engineer since the Puranic age. As a mark of reverence he is not only worshipped by the engineering community but also by all professionals.
CII has aligned the Global summit on Skills Development 2008 with this very important day to,
- Recognize the unorganized sector
- Make skills development inclusive
- Extend skills development services to the workforce at all levels
- Make growth inclusive
- Enhance respect for Labour
- Bring Social appreciation to all skills
