A two-month-long Entrepreneurship Awareness Program concluded at various clusters on Saturday across the Kashmir Valley.
The MSME Entrepreneurship Awareness Program was organized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT Srinagar, in collaboration with MSME PPDC, covering different regions of Kashmir. It was sponsored by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
The entire valley was divided into three clusters: Cluster 1 included Srinagar, Bandipora, and Ganderbal; Cluster 2 comprised Pulwama, Anantnag, Kishtwar, and Kulgam; while Cluster 3 covered Kupwara, Baramulla, Budgam, and Shopian.
Over the course of two months, close to 1,000 young individuals were sensitized about entrepreneurship and various MSME schemes. In collaboration with Government Degree Colleges and various training institutes, participants were provided awareness regarding numerous funding opportunities and business development strategies.
Chief Patron of the workshop was Prof. Binodh Kumar Kanaujia (Director, NIT Srinagar), while the patrons included Prof. Atikur Rahman (Registrar), Prof. M.F. Wani (MED), Prof. G.A. Harmain (MED), Prof. Sheikh Nazir Ahmed (MED), and Prof. Roohi Naaz Mir (Dean R&C). The Chairpersons were Prof. M.M. Wani (HoD, MED) and Prof. Adnan Qoyum (MED).
In his message, Incharge Director, Prof. Roohi Naaz said entrepreneurship is the backbone of economic development, and through this initiative.
“It was aimed to equip young minds with the necessary skills and knowledge to start their own ventures. It is heartening to see the overwhelming response from youth across the valley,” she said.
Prof. Atikur Rahman, Registrar NIT Srinagar said that goal of this program was to create a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurship. The increasing participation of women in this initiative is a testament to the positive impact of such programs, he said.
Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Nodal Officer of the MSME ESDP Scheme, provided an overview of the program, emphasizing the focus on technology-based entrepreneurship ventures.
“These included 3D Printing, Laser Engraving, Handicrafts, Crochet, Drone Technology, Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Marketing, Soap Making, Willow Wicker, Gift Printing, Design, Public Speaking, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Wood Carving, E-commerce, and Embroidery,” he said.
A significant outcome of the program was the increase in women participation, with a 60:40 male-to-female ratio. This notable shift was achieved by focusing on women empowerment initiatives.
Additionally, over 100 youths successfully registered their firms under MSME by completing the Udyam registration process.
The program concluded on Sunday on a high note, with organizers expressing their commitment to continue such initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth in the region.