Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) in association with Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (IIT Ropar) and Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Centre organised the Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Conclave Guwahati (ERDC) 2024 from January 2-5 at IIT Guwahati campus.
ERDC Guwahati 2024 is set to play a pivotal role in fostering rural development through the establishment of rural entrepreneurship projects.
Assam governor Gulab Chand Kataria attended the inaugural session. During his address he said: “Empowering our nation through skill development is essential to build confidence and upliftment of our people. Recognizing the abundant talent and brilliance within our people, we should be vocal for local initiative. The untapped manpower in the northeast holds the key to increased production and economic growth. By fostering skilled communities in our villages and changing the mindset we lay the foundation for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
The conclave included multiple conferences on need of entrepreneurship development at schools for school principals, gram panchayat representatives, college principals/directors and students. It was designed to create a platform to bring all the stakeholders so that a change can be brought for the development and transformation of the country.
Speaking during the event, Assam minister for skill, employment and entrepreneurship department, Jayanta Malla Baruah, said: ”Rural population is our biggest strength. We need to transform the mindset by empowering rural youth through skill education and transforming job seekers into job creators. The establishment of a skill university in Assam, training 10,000 students, reflects our commitment to rural development and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Assam education minister Ranoj Pegu highlighted the importance of such platforms where entrepreneurship and rural development can merge and promote are very important.
During the event, notable attendee included CBSE regional officer, Guwahati, Lakhan Lal Meena; head of ERDC, Chetan Sahore; and president Vidya Bharti Assam, Dibyajyoti Mahanta among others.
Speaking during his welcome address, Rajeev Ahuja, officiating director, IIT Guwahati, said: “IIT Guwahati envisions a vibrant Northeast, thriving on entrepreneurship and rural development. Our commitment is to empower young farmers and students, fulfilling our social responsibility to uplift the nation and work towards a Viksit Bharat. Through initiatives like research parks and incubation centers, we aim to make India the most innovative country by encouraging a focus on basic science among our students.”
During the concluding session of the event students from IIT Guwahati and school students took a pledge to be job creators instead of job seekers.
