Lucknow: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) launched the ‘Kalam Pragati’ program in collaboration with the Training and Placement Department and ERA Foundation. Under the pilot phase, engineering students will receive free 30-hour training in two courses: ‘Innovation and Design Thinking’ and ‘Robotics.’ Upon completion, students will be given industry-related problems to solve, culminating in an exhibition showcasing their prototype solutions.
Opportunities and Challenges
Speaking at the launch, Vice-Chancellor Prof. J.P. Pandey emphasized the importance of skill development in achieving a self-reliant and developed India. He highlighted that while students today have abundant opportunities, they also face challenges that can only be overcome by acquiring new skills. He urged students to take the training seriously, as the future will be dominated by innovation, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Finance Officer Keshav Singh noted that a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge is key to progress. Prof. Vineet Kansal, Director of IET, stressed the need for such training programs to prepare students for industry demands.
Dean of Innovation Prof. B.N. Mishra emphasized that the initiative is a significant step in making students skilled and industry-ready. Prof. Virendra Pathak, Director of the Center for Advanced Studies, reiterated that robotics and AI will be critical fields in the future, providing numerous career opportunities.
Prof. Neelam Srivastava, Dean of Training and Placement, outlined the structure of the Kalam Pragati program, emphasizing its necessity for students. ERA Foundation CEO Muralidhar P. stated that their organization is committed to equipping students with industry-relevant skills through technical training in collaboration with AKTU.
Student Participation and Course Benefits
The training program is open to second-year and higher-year B.Tech students from CSE, IT, and other streams. Sessions are conducted at the Center for Advanced Studies every Friday and Saturday. Industry experts will provide hands-on training in emerging technologies, offering practical experience.
The ‘Innovation and Design Thinking’ course will introduce students to prototyping, design interfaces, paper prototyping, CAD, laser printing, and 3D printing, while also training them to address real-world problems. Meanwhile, the ‘Robotics’ course will cover fundamentals, motor control, Python programming, and other key aspects. These fields offer promising career prospects, making the training highly beneficial for participants.
The event began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and the university anthem. Several dignitaries, including Associate Dean of Innovation Dr. Anuj Kumar Sharma, Innovation Hub Head Mahip Singh, and faculty members Vandana Sharma, Shishir Dwivedi, Pratibha Shukla, along with ERA Foundation representatives Gautam Nayak, Ramesh Pudale, Palash Gupta, Vamshi, and Krishna, attended the launch event, along with enthusiastic students.
