K J Somaiya Polytechnic, established in 1963, offers Diploma Programmes in Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial Electronics and Mechanical Engineering. The institute is committed to the all-round development of students and takes various steps to help them reach their desired educational goals. From providing world-class infrastructure to individualised attention to every student, the college ensures everyone excels academically. However, what sets the establishment apart is its continuous encouragement for students to engage in extracurricular activities, helping them gain real-world experience, improve their skills, and build a stronger resume.
K J Somaiya Polytechnic at the IndiaSkills Competition
In May 2024, K J Somaiya Polytechnic motivated students to participate in the IndiaSkills Competition, a biennial national event organised by the Government of India. The platform brings together young talent to showcase their skills and gain national and international recognition.
Mr Ronak Bhanushali, a computer engineering student from the institute, presented at the competition at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi. He secured third place out of 900 participants and won the bronze medal in the “IT Software Solutions for Business” skill category.
A quick chat with the bronze medallist
We spoke to Mr Ronak Bhanushali about his journey to the huge achievement, his experience at the competition, advice for other students, and more. Keep reading for useful insights.
Q. What inspired you to participate in the IndiaSkill Competition?
Ronak: The head of the department, Mrs Charulata Ingle, and other faculty members of the computer engineering department at our college always encouraged us to participate in extracurricular activities. They regularly shared worthwhile opportunities with us during class and through student community groups. They kept us updated on upcoming competitions, workshops, seminars, and internships that could help us upskill and expand our capabilities.
When our HOD shared details about the IndiaSkills competition, she emphasised how it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present our skills on a national platform. Her inspiring words struck a chord with me, and I decided to go for it! Everyone at college, including our Principal, Mrs Padmaja Bhanu Bandaru, and faculty from all departments, backed my decision and offered their complete support. Without the help of my college, K J Somaiya Polytechnic, I would not have been able to present and win at the national level.
Q. How did you prepare for the prestigious event? What skills did you present?
Ronak: As a computer engineering student, I decided to focus on the skill “IT Software Solutions for Business”. The goal was to create new systems and modify existing ones to provide effective software solutions to small and large businesses. The IndiaSkills 2024 website mentioned that the competitor must have knowledge of C#, Visual Studio, SQL/MySQL RDBMS, ERDs, Android Studio, Microsoft PowerBI, APIs, web development using Microsoft tools, and Visio.
Once I understood the requirements, I charted out my goals and made a preparation plan. I used multiple resources to learn new skills and upgrade the ones I already knew. Firstly, I approached my faculty for help—Niti Ma’am and Nilesh Sir helped me strengthen the fundamental concepts of Android Studio and .Net. I looked up relevant content on YouTube, StackOverflow, and GeeksForGeeks. I also connected with people in the same domain to learn more. In short, I imbibed knowledge from everywhere I could. I stayed consistent with my learning and practice because, ultimately, that is the only way to perfect anything.
Q. How was your experience at the IndiaSkills Competition? What are your key takeaways from the event?
Ronak: The IndiaSkills Competition is one of the best experiences of my life so far. The event gave me a chance to connect with many like-minded individuals from diverse cultures all around the country. I was fortunate to be in the company of people with great potential and big dreams.
Competing at a national level among such talent was humbling and rewarding at the same time. I had many blank moments that affected my focus, but I quickly bounced back by reminding myself of the phrase “Believe in yourself”. I trusted my skills and kept moving forward despite the minor setbacks. The event gave me an inspiring platform to showcase my expertise and a supportive environment to discuss the latest trends, research, and advancements in my field with others. The highlight has to be the lifetime of connections I made at the competition!
Q. Winning the IndiaSkills Competition is a huge achievement, so how has it impacted your educational journey and career?
The IndiaSkills Competition is well-known and reputable nationwide, so winning the bronze medal at the event has dramatically impacted my life. The knowledge, skills, and experience I gained during the competition helped me excel academically for the rest of my college journey. After graduation, the achievement has always given me an edge over others during interviews. When the interviewers see this accomplishment listed on my resume, they get intrigued about my experience and learnings. So, on the whole, it has positively influenced my educational journey and career so far, and I believe it will continue to do so in the future as well.
Q. What advice would you give to students thinking of participating in the India Skills Competition in the future?
Ronak: I have three pieces of advice for students wanting to participate in the IndiaSkills Competition. Firstly, once you enrol for the event, spend enough time preparing for it and be consistent with your training. As I mentioned, a national-level competition attracts brilliant people from around the country. Such a competitive environment can seem daunting. Concerning that, here is my second tip: No matter what, always trust yourself and your skills.
Lastly, give your all at the competition—do not slack off on D-day. Most importantly, remember to have fun! Speaking from personal experience, you will have the time of your life at the event.
Leave a Comment