As India aspires to become the factory of the world by boosting manufacturing when China has strained ties with the West and many Western companies are willing to consider India as an option for manufacturing units, it faces a big problem -- a large part of the huge Indian workforce is unskilled. In the times when artificial intelligence is reshaping businesses and economies all over the world, the need for a skilled workforce becomes even more important.The Economic Survey 2024-25, prepared by Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran and tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday, discusses a unique programme started in Tamil Nadu that can help India make its workers shine -- Tim Tim Taare (literally twinkling stars)."Tim Tim Taare (TTT) is a pioneering initiative that aims to impart essential life skills to adolescent students across India. Unlike vocational training, which focuses on technical skills, TTT places emphasis on soft skills—key components of personal growth, effective communication, emotional intelligence, and social well-being. Through TTT, students are empowered to face life's challenges confidently and clearly," the Survey says."This initiative equips students with essential life skills to navigate the complexities of modern life. Built on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Life Skills Framework, TTT addresses a wide range of 16 core life skills (such as empathy, critical thinking, etiquette, time management, etc) and over 100 related topics designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s youth. These skills enable students to make informed, thoughtful decisions personally and professionally and equip them with the skills and attitudes necessary to thrive in their studies and beyond," the Survey says."TTT’s approach stands apart from traditional education due to its student-focused methodology, delivering content in an engaging, immersive manner and creating transformative experiences enabling students to absorb, internalise, and retain key concepts effectively. Each topic is designed with activity-based learning, such as experience sharing, role plays, sing-along songs and interactive games. This approach ensures that every lesson is lively, impactful, and engaging, allowing students to experience the learning process actively," the Survey says.Started in 2009 in Tamil Nadu, the TTT programme has now expanded to other states too. TTT TTT currently reaches more than 10 crore students, with a significant presence in central India and Gujarat. It is implemented in various types of schools, including government schools, Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Kasturba Vidyalayas, juvenile homes etc., besides being accessible through various platforms such as PM eVidya channels, state government relay centres, YouTube, and WhatsApp groups.