When Dr. Rabindranath Athri chanced upon the concept of ‘soft skills’, when he attended a training in Bangalore, circa 1990, little did he know he would end up being a pioneer in this field.

   Through his knowledge and application of soft skills, he met the different challenges he faced in life, and there were many, with ease and grace and a quiet knowing and confidence. Currently an author on a book on the same topic, Dr. Athri decodes the idea of soft skills and elaborates why it is inevitable for children to embrace it.

1. Can you explain about the concept of soft skills?

Ans: To understand what soft skills are, let me give you some examples. A security at a five star hotel gives a nice nod and a genuine smile, a good doctor listens to you keenly with a caring smile. We are deeply inspired by a powerful speech and we help and motivate someone who is going through a rough time. We see the application of ‘soft....