Another trainee, Jatin Dogra from Sundernagar, bags first position in Computer Operator and Assistant Programmer course
Munish Sood
Mandi
Showcasing the true spirit of determination and skill, Naveen Sharma, a trainee from Government Industrial Training Institute (Grade-A), Mandi, has brought laurels to Himachal Pradesh by securing the first position across North India in the All India Trade Test (AITT)-2025 under the Surveyor Trade, scoring an outstanding 99.25% marks.
Adding another feather to the state’s cap, Jatin Dogra, a trainee from Government ITI (PWD), Sundernagar, also achieved the first position at the national level in the Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA–VI) trade and was honoured with the Best Trainee Award.
Both achievers were felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the National Skill Convocation Ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.
Naveen Sharma hails from Palampur in Kangra district. Orphaned at a young age, he was supported and motivated by his maternal uncle, Satish Sharma, to pursue higher education. In 2023, Naveen was adopted under the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Yojana as a “Child of the State.” Under this scheme, the Himachal Pradesh Government provides him a monthly allowance of ₹4,000.
He successfully completed his vocational training in the Surveyor Trade during the 2023–25 session at ITI Mandi. During his training, Naveen also secured the first position in the State-Level Skill Competition held on May 7–8, 2025. In recognition of his achievement, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani honoured him with a certificate of merit, gold medal, and a cash prize of ₹5,100 at the state-level convocation ceremony held at Government Polytechnic, Sundernagar, on September 17, 2025.
Currently, Naveen Sharma is undergoing advanced training in Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) at NSTI, Kolkata.
Principal Ravindra Singh of ITI Mandi congratulated Naveen Sharma and his instructor Dinesh Sharma, describing the achievement as a source of inspiration for other trainees and instructors across the state. He also shared that the Himachal Government awards a cash incentive of ₹5,100 to trainees who secure over 70% marks and maintain more than 95% attendance during their training period.
Director of Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training Department, Himachal Pradesh, Akshay Sood, lauded the outstanding performance of both trainees, their instructors, and the institutes’ leadership. He extended best wishes for continued excellence and future success in the field of skill development.
