Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in association with Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (IIT Ropar) and Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Centre is organising the Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Conclave Guwahati (ERDC) 2024 from 2nd to 5th January 2024 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.
Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria graced the inaugural session with his esteemed presence. 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 Atma Nirbhar 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, Shri Jayanta Malla Baruah, Hon’ble Minister of Assam Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department, 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.”
Speaking during the ERDC 2024 event Dr.Ranoj Pegu, Hon’ble Education Minister of Assam highlighted the importance of suchplatforms where entrepreneurship and rural development can merge and promote are very important.
During the event, notable dignitaries in attendance included CBSE Regional Officer, Guwahati, Shri Lakhan Lal Meena, Head of ERDC, Shri Chetan Sahore. and President Vidya Bharti Assam, Dr.Dibyajyoti Mahanta among others.
Speaking during his welcome address, Prof 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.
ERDC 2024 aims for the formation of actionable plans that promise a sustainable impact. The conclave provided networking opportunities for the participants with successful entrepreneurs and stakeholders enhancing collaboration, setting the stage for future initiatives. The event showcased a commitment to build supportive ecosystems for entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, reinforcing IIT Guwahati’s dedication to drive positive change in rural communities.
