The second episode of the Mobility Leadership Series convened distinguished leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss strategies for shaping India’s future-ready workforce in the automobility sector. The session highlighted the critical role of skilling and infrastructure in driving India’s transition toward sustainable mobility.

Government Perspective on Skilling and Infrastructure Rajeev Singh Thakur, IAS, Program Director for Governance and Reforms Infrastructure Connectivity at NITI Aayog , shared insights on government-led initiatives that aim to strengthen workforce capabilities across electric vehicles (EVs), robotics, Industry 4.0, and sustainability. He emphasized the importance of apprenticeship programs and incentive schemes in promoting skill development aligned with national priorities.

Industry-Led Training and Collaboration Mr. Kasiviswanathan Panchatsharam , Managing Director of TN AutoSkills , elaborated on Tamil Nadu’s targeted skilling initiatives for OEMs, suppliers, startups, and retail segments. He highlighted specialized training for EV thermal management challenges and acknowledged ISIEINDIA’s training programs, noting their alignment with advanced research and industry requirements.

Ms. Vasudha Mangalam , CHRO at Ultraviolett Automotive, underscored the necessity of global skill benchmarking and stronger academia-industry collaboration. She stressed the creation of a national skills framework to ensure Indian talent remains globally competitive.

Mr. Srinath Gururajarao , Senior Vice President – Human Resources at Simple Energy , shared insights on co-creating curricula with institutes, investing in research and development, and bridging classroom learning with industry-ready skills. This approach reflects ISIEINDIA’s mission of empowering students and professionals with practical experience in emerging mobility technologies.

Mr. Pradeep R , Head of HR at Exide Energy Solutions Ltd , highlighted the growing demand for multidisciplinary skills and innovation in EV components. He called for a shift from assembly-focused work to invention-driven solutions in India, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable mobility.

CSR and Policy Perspectives Mr. Anil Dadhich , CSR Head at JSW Foundation , emphasized the need for better alignment between industry and academia, data-driven skilling, and supportive national-level policies to foster a sustainable talent pipeline.

Session Moderation and Key Takeaways The discussion was moderated by Mr. Mainak Das , Deputy Manager at Hindustan Times (HT Auto), who emphasized skills development and infrastructure as the twin pillars of India’s green mobility future.

Throughout the session, panelists recognized ISIEINDIA | Charging Careers significant contribution in establishing Centres of Excellence, EV labs, and nationwide training programs. These initiatives have already empowered thousands of students, researchers, and professionals, enabling them to contribute effectively to India’s EV ecosystem.

The session concluded with a shared vision: India must not only adapt to global trends in sustainable mobility but also lead through innovation, collaboration, and a highly skilled workforce.