GUWAHATI: The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, in collaboration with IIT Ropar and the Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Centre, is organising the Entrepreneurship and Rural Development Conclave Guwahati (ERDC) 2024. The four-day event, taking place from January 2 to January 5, at the IIT Guwahati campus, is geared towards fostering rural development through the initiation of rural entrepreneurship projects.
The inaugural session of ERDC Guwahati 2024 was graced by the esteemed presence of the Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. In his address, he emphasised the importance of empowering the nation through skill development, advocating for vocal support of local initiatives. The Governor highlighted the untapped potential in the northeast's manpower as a key driver for increased production and economic growth.
The conclave featured multiple conferences addressing the need for entrepreneurship development in schools, bringing together stakeholders including school principals, Gram Panchayat representatives, college principals/directors, and students. The objective was to create a platform for all stakeholders to drive change and contribute to the development and transformation of the country.
Jayanta Malla Baruah, Minister of Assam Skill, Employment, and Entrepreneurship Department, spoke during the event, emphasising that the rural population is a significant strength. He stressed the importance of transforming the mindset by empowering rural youth through skill education, turning job seekers into job creators. Minister Baruah highlighted the commitment to rural development through the establishment of a skill university in Assam, aiming to train 10,000 students.
Ranoj Pegu, Assam Education Minister, highlighted the importance of platforms like ERDC 2024, where entrepreneurship and rural development intersect, promoting significant advancements. Notable dignitaries present included Lakhan Lal Meena, CBSE Regional Officer, Guwahati, Chetan Sahore, Head of ERDC, and Dibyajyoti Mahanta, President Vidya Bharti Assam, among others.
In the concluding session, students from IIT Guwahati and local schools pledged to become job creators instead of job seekers, reflecting the conclave's focus on fostering entrepreneurial spirit. ERDC 2024 aims to formulate actionable plans for sustainable impact, offering networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs.
