NEEV, a community outreach program of the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) organized the valedictory event of its May – July 2019, Summer Skills Courses on July 05, 2019. Smt. Mona Khandhar (IAS), Secretary and Commissioner, Rural Development, Government of Gujarat (GoG) graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mittal Gohil, Director, Desai Foundation Trust, which has provided philanthropic support to NEEV’s projects, was also present at the event. This year, more than 100 participants from nearby villages were trained by NEEV from May to July 2019, through various Skill Development Courses.
Smt. Mona Khandhar (IAS), Secretary and Commissioner, Rural Development, GoG, encouraged the trainees to put their training to immediate use so that they do not forget it over time. She also recognized the efforts of village women towards completing the sewing course while managing their home chores.
25 participants in vocational skill courses of wiring and CNC machining, 33 participants in basic computer course, 19 participants in spoken English course, 7 participants in hardware and networking course and 26 participants in stitching course were given course certificates at the completion of this event.
Kinjalben Jitendra Bihola, a homemaker from Palaj village said, “We enjoyed and learnt a lot during the stitching course by NEEV. It gave us, the women, confidence that we can also do something in life.”
Dharmendrasinh Bihola, a trainee of wiring and CNC machining course by NEEV shared his experience, “Till now I hadn’t done any wiring work but I got to learn it the best way in the course by NEEV, IIT Gandhinagar. I can start my own business or can also do a good job with this skill. People of nearby villages benefit a lot through these courses at IIT Gandhinagar during every summer.”
NEEV has constantly aspired to empower grassroots youth and adults by its numerous training projects, mentoring and providing networking opportunities with the aim to generate sustainable livelihood. NEEV’s mission is to empower grassroots through workforce development with a focus on entrepreneurship and skills training for youth and women hailing from the surrounding areas of IIT Gandhinagar. It also offers persistent support and encouragement to interested participants after the completion of their training so that they can realize and reach their true potential. Since its inception in 2014, this program has conducted more than 50 entrepreneurship and skill development projects and activities for 2000+ youth and adults from Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar areas, including 15+ villages near IIT Gandhinagar.
Through these courses, NEEV provides skills to the participants such that it assists them in their career or livelihood. At IITGN, we leverage the institute’s resources as much as possible for the benefit of our neighboring communities as well.
Soumya Harish
