Passion and Perseverance

Yash Chavan, a young hairdresser from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, is representing India at the WorldSkills competition. Priyanka Parshurami charts his journey from a small town to the global stage.

Inspired by his father’s barber shop, Yash has crafted his journey with passion and dedication.

Yash Chavan’s story is a testament of passion, perseverance and dedication. Hailing from the coastal town of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Chavan was inspired by his father, who owned a local barbershop. “I used to go there every day after school,” he recalls. At a young age, he found himself drawn to the world of hairdressing, watching his father work with great skill and care. This early exposure to the craft gradually kindled his interest, leading him to learn the basics. Little did he know that this humble beginning would set him on a path to represent India on the global stage at the prestigious WorldSkills Competition.

Chavan’s journey to WorldSkills started with a strong showcase at the IndiaSkills competition in 2021. “I participated in IndiaSkills for the first time in 2021 and won gold in Maharashtra,” he informs. That initial success fuelled his determination, and he continued to hone his skills, ultimately securing the second position at the regionals and winning a medal at the national level. With every victory, his confidence grew, and he set his sights on the coveted gold medal. Two years later, when the competition returned, Chavan once again clinched gold in Maharashtra and at the national level, earning the right to represent India at WorldSkills.

MASTERING THE ART OF REPLICATION

WorldSkills is known for its high standards and rigorous judging process. “WorldSkills is a very tough competition,” Chavan admits. “There are measurement markings and judgmental markings. You have to follow the rules of the company manufacturer, and there are many small details like marks and cuts.” His unique ability to replicate hair modules with precision sets him apart. “Replicating the module as it is— that is my speciality,” he shares.

His love for replication began in childhood. “I used to draw pictures exactly as I saw them. Now, with hair modules, my favourite thing is to make it look exactly like the model.” In WorldSkills, where many of the looks are replicas, this skill has proven invaluable. Chavan’s ability to create intricate designs with nearperfect accuracy has become his signature style.

MENTORING AND RIGOROUS TRAINING

Behind every candidate’s successful journey are mentors who shape and guide them. For Chavan, three individuals have played a crucial role: Uday Takke, Atharva Takke and Samantha Kochhar. “These three people have made my life,” Chavan says with gratitude. Uday and Atharva Takke provided rigorous training for IndiaSkills, sharpening his technical skills and preparing him for intense competition. Meanwhile, Kochhar is currently guiding him for the competition, ensuring he is ready to meet the challenges ahead.

Chavan considers his mentors his greatest influencers, even referring to them as his gods. Their teachings have instilled in him a sense of discipline, resilience and the will to strive for excellence.

Chavan is aware of the hard work that has brought him this far and offers a word of advice to the young talent aspiring to follow in his footsteps. “If you want to get into WorldSkills or any international competition, you have to put in a lot of effort.”