Need to develop entrepreneurial skills among students stressed

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Chairman Prof Anil D Sahasrabudhe said, universities should take up an initiative to develop entrepreneurial skills among
students.

Speaking at a one-day workshop on ‘Mission make in India: Synergy with technical education system’ at National institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) in Surathkal here on Saturday, he said that the skills which are at the ground-level should be developed as innovations to face the global challenges and the students should be capable of working in any part of the world.

“Educational institutions can not blame the government for not providing assistance. However, assistance will come to them, once they prove their caliber,” he said.
“Self-assessment will help colleges introspect their achievement and plan the future and there should be strong bond between industries and the educational institution in the form of regular meetings,” he opined.

APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Vice Chancellor Prof K P Issac said, “In India only seven per cent of the IIT students are interested in entrepreneurship and only 66 per cent wants to stay in India. India has 147th place in global business. However, around 50 per cent of Indian population is in the age group of 24 years. India is one of the strong IT hubs with 5.2 million IT workers. It is also the world’s second largest economy.”

“We need practical teaching at educational institutions and training centres. There is a need for paradigm shift in teaching and learning process. The Central government has earmarked Rs 1,000 crore in the budget for the start-ups and it should be utilized,” he added.

Solvay Vishnu Barium Private Limited Managing Director, Tirthankar Mitra said, Indians need to learn about how to make use of the raw materials that are available in plenty. “We import fragrance sticks from China which is made out of the same sandal wood that is exported from India,” he rued.

“Engineering graduates, he said should be aware of basic science. They would not have exposure to industrial training and that is why a few are directly employable,” he stated.
Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) Scientist Hariprasad M said, the ADE is following Make in India concept since several decades.

“Establishing Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) itself is a part of Make in India concept,” he said.

NITK Director Prof Swapan Bhattacharya said, Make in India can be successful when at least 100 educational institutions come forward and take part in the mission.

“Start-ups are needed for India, but it should not overdo. We should remember our strength. At the same time it should not affect our culture. We should know the average response it received in Europe and other countries of Asia,” he added.

Agartala NIT Director Prof Gopal Mugeraya, NITK Prof Sripati U were present.