The fourth edition of the award ceremony was organised to mark the completion of five years of setting up of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2014.
Congratulating the winners, Pandey said that the awardees reflect the new and emerging India, which is confident and moving ahead.
He said the Prime Minister's vision of a better skilled workforce in the country is being implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in an effective manner.
"Skilled workforce will fulfil the country's aspiration to become a $5 trillion economy in the near future, and improving the rank in ease of doing business."
He said that the government has launched a number of schemes like Skill India, Digital India to support the young, enterprising and aspiring India. The minister said that the self-help groups in the countryside have not only improved the financial health of the people, but also helped in checking various social evils.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Skill Development and Entrepreneurship K P Krishnan said that within four years, the number of applications for the awards has gone up 10-fold, showing the increasing spirit of entrepreneurship.
He said that these awards are different from those being given by the private sector, as they recognise the people rooted in real India, who have come up through struggle and hard work. He highlighted the fact that people from towns and smaller cities have participated wholeheartedly in the competition, and the largest number of applicants were in the agriculture category.
( With inputs from IANS )