Mangaluru: Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader on Friday urged youngsters to continuously upgrade their skills and embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to remain competitive in a rapidly changing job market.Speaking after inaugurating the 16th edition of Alva’s Pragati-2026 job fair at Moodubidire, Khader said education alone was not enough for success and stressed the importance of skill development and adaptability. He encouraged jobseekers to build professional networks and use social media to showcase their talents rather than merely for entertainment.Khader said AI should be seen as a tool to enhance capabilities rather than a threat to employment. Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, the chief guest, said India’s vision of becoming a developed nation required institutions and initiatives that create employment opportunities alongside imparting education.Several entrepreneurs and industry leaders, including KN Janardhana of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Siri Gramodyoga Samsthe, MRG Group founder Dr K Prakash Shetty, Bhavani Shipping Group founder Kusumodar D Shetty, Provit Foods managing director Vincent Cutinha and Expertise Contracting Company co-founder Mohammed Ashfaq, were felicitated during the event.Among those present were Moodubidire MLA Umanath A. Kotian, MLA Harish Poonja, former minister K. Abhayachandra Jain, Alva’s Education Foundation trustee Vivek Alva and chairman Mohan Alva.On the first day, 13,247 candidates registered online and 83 on the spot. A total of 326 companies participated, while 13,016 candidates attended the fair. Among the 326 companies that participated on the first day, 207 companies offered spot offers to 718 candidates, with another 3,093 candidates shortlisted for further rounds of selection.A highlight of the event was Bhagyashree Kulal, a physically challenged MCom graduate, securing an accountant’s job at Reddy’s Foundation, Mysuru, after a year-long search. She completed the recruitment process with assistance from her brother.
