Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader on Friday, urged young job aspirants to continuously upgrade their skills, build professional networks and adapt to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

He was speaking after inaugurating the two-day 16th edition of Alva’s Pragati, a mega job fair organised by Alva’s Education Foundation, as a part of its corporate social responsibility, in Moodbidri.

He said education alone was no longer sufficient to succeed in a rapidly changing employment landscape. Skills had become equally important and should continuously be enhanced to remain relevant. Mr. Khader said, “Education is like a passport, while skills are like a visa.” He advised participants to make effective use of social media platforms to enhance their skills, showcase their capabilities and build professional networks.

Mr. Khader also urged young employees to maintain the trust placed in them when they join an organisation. “Once you join an organisation, you should work in a manner that preserves the trust placed in you.” Stating that Artificial Intelligence was rapidly transforming the nature of work, he said AI should be viewed as an enabling technology.

Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta appreciated the Foundation’s efforts in creating large-scale employment opportunities for young people. He described the model created by Alva’s as an important contribution towards building a developed India.

MRG Group’s Founding Chairman K. Prakash Shetty, who was felicitated on the occasion, said education had to be complemented by practical wisdom and common sense. “More than education, common sense is very important,” he said, urging young people to develop the ability to understand situations, take appropriate decisions and respond to challenges.”

Moodbidri MLA Umanath A. Kotian said the scale of Alva’s Pragati had also increased the responsibility of everyone associated with the initiative to ensure that it continued to benefit job seekers and employers.

Foundation Chairman M. Mohan Alva, former Minister K. Abhaychandra Jain, Bharat Scouts Guide State Chief Commissioner P.G.R. Sindhia, Beltahangady MLA Harish Poonja, Foundation Managing Trustee M. Vivek Alva and others were present.

13,000 attend

As many as 13,016 job seekers attended the first day of the 16th edition of Alva’s Pragati 2026. A total of 13,247 candidates registered online, while 83 candidates registered at the venue. As many as 326 companies participated in the recruitment drive on the first day. Of these, 207 extended spot offer to 718 candidates while another 3,093 candidates were shortlisted for further rounds of selection.

Wheelchair-bound Bhagyashree gets placement

For Bhagyashree Kulal, who had been waiting for a suitable job opportunity for nearly a year after completing her M.Com, the first day of Alva’s Pragati 2026 brought a welcome change.

A physically challenged candidate, she arrived at the job fair on a wheelchair, assisted by her brother, and secured a job as an accountant with Reddy’s Foundation in Mysuru. A graduate of Government First Grade College, Vamadapadav-Bantwal, Ms. Bhagyashree completed her M.Com a year ago. Despite making efforts to find employment, she had been waiting for the right opportunity.

She had attended the pre-Pragati orientation programme held at Bantwal a few days ago, where she learnt about the employment opportunities available through Alva’s Pragati. Following the programme, Alva’s Education Foundation Managing Trustee Vivek Alva encouraged her to attend the main job fair and facilitated vehicle arrangements to help her travel to Moodbidri.

Published - August 07, 2026 09:51 pm IST