Published Online:June 2025
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Soft Skills
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJSS030625
DOI:10.71329/IUPJSS/2025.19.2.30-45
Author Name:Elamparithy Selvarasu
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Management
Download Format:PDF
Pages:30-45
English communication and public speaking skills have gained a preeminent place in the job market, which is increasingly becoming multicultural and multinational. A vast majority of Indian students are found lacking in these areas of soft skills. This phenomenological thematic review investigates the reasons for the crisis and proposes solutions for the same. The research study employs grounded theory methodology to analyze data. The findings suggest that the issue could be with theoryoriented curricula, and the primary reason for this could be persisting with colonial-era methods and practices. Hence, the study proposes a skill-based, student-centered, and practice-oriented syllabus for improving the soft skills of the students.
India is truly at the crossroads of history, and there is a glimmering hope after the long colonial past and postcolonial neglect. The future seems bright for the country as all economic think tanks predict a bright future (ET Online, 2024). However, the real test is going to be India’s preparedness to accept the challenges and rise above them with 600 million-strong youth force (Sharma, 2025). The way forward for India can only be multipronged because it is a country of 1.4 billion people and its challenges are manifold. India needs universities, industries, tech enterprises, business ventures, startups, a talented workforce, and above all the hunger to be on the top. Therefore, creating a skilled workforce is the most important task that needs to be accomplished to have a developed India. That possibility is predicated on many factors like curricula that align with international standards and market needs, universities with quality infrastructure, and teaching staff. India is certainly at a critical juncture and this research paper wants to unpack one important aspect that India needs to seriously work on, i.e., soft skills.