Workshop on advanced entrepreneurship, skill development program on 3D printing begins at NIT Srinagar

Dir North Campus, KU, Dr. Sheikh Gulam Mohammad delivered the inaugural session

Srinagar, Feb 20: A weeklong workshop on ‘Advanced Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Program (A-ESDP) on 3D printing “Hands-on Training” started at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday.

The workshop is organized by the Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IIEDC) and is sponsored by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India under the ESDP scheme.

Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath is the patron of the workshop. He commended the organizers for their efforts in hosting this workshop and conveyed his best wishes to all the participants.

The event was presided over by Former Principal REC Srinagar; Prof.Ali Mohammed Bhat, who was Chief Guest in the event.

Dean Faculty Welfare Prof. G.A Harmain, Dean Alumni and International Affairs Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Dean Planning & Development Dr. Yashwant Mehta, Head, IIED Centre Dr. Saad Parvez and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Dr.Dinesh Kumar Rajendran is the Nodal Officer & Convenor whereas Dr. Noor Zaman Khan, Dr. Deepak Kumar Naik, and Dr. Sandeep Ratee from the Mechanical Engineering Department are the Coordinators of the workshop. The workshop is being attended by more than 25 participants from different parts of the country.

In his key speech, Prof. Bhat highlighted the importance of caution and strategy in obtaining financial support for entrepreneurial ventures.

“Self entrepreneurs once you take up their setup units, you will require finance from financial institutions. In my experience, all entrepreneurs must exercise caution when choosing their financing sources. While bank loans may be readily accessible, it is imperative to manage these loans judiciously to prevent any defaults,” he said.

Prof. Bhat advised young entrepreneurs to only take the loans they truly need. There is the importance of generating your own money and not relying too much on loans to run a business. The mishandling of finances has led to the collapse of many companies in India and other parts of the world, he added.

On the occasion, Prof. G.A. Harmain extended congratulations to Prof. Saad and Dr Dinesh for organizing the weeklong workshop on a theme. He acknowledged the seamless continuity of events, linking the past, present, and future.

Reflecting on the lectures delivered by Prof. Bhat during the then REC era, Prof. Harmain highlighted their impact, noting that since those lectures, Prof. Bhat has achieved great heights and become a source of inspiration for everyone.

Prof. Harmain commended Prof. Bhat’s tenure as a principal, the challenges faced during a difficult and demanding period. Amidst the exploration of new technologies, it is crucial not to lose sight of the overarching goal of contributing to humanity as a whole, he added.

 Prof. Harmain said basic action will not change and we should not get lost by new things but learn from our past generations. He expressed his wishes for the success of the program, foreseeing positive outcomes from the collective endeavor.

On the occasion, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh said there is a need to integrate smart technologies into our processes to propel forward. The notion that adopting a strategic approach towards incorporating smartness is pivotal for us to bridge the gap with more advanced nations, he added.

“The idea that by infusing intelligent technologies into our systems, we not only enhance efficiency but also position ourselves significantly ahead on the path of progress, aligning with the advancements observed in modern societies across the globe,” Prof. Nazir said.

Head IIEDC, NIT Srinagar, Prof Saad Parvez said the goal is this workshop is to foster the establishment of new enterprises, enhance the capabilities of existing MSMEs, and cultivate an entrepreneurial culture within the country.

“The Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program (E-SDP) is designed to elevate the awareness and knowledge of participants across various entrepreneurial dimensions, skill domains, government policies, funding opportunities, calculated risks, business prospects, and the preparation of business plans,” he added.

Prof. Saad said the workshop not only aims to impart valuable insights into these aspects but also strives to instill learning regarding new skills and trades.

Convener of the workshop and Nodal Officer, ESDP Scheme Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran said ESDP Program on “3D printing” provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience.

“Its tailored approach aims to empower educators with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for effectively teaching and inspiring participants in the field of 3D printing,” he said.

Dr. Rajendran said the program is specifically crafted to address the increasing significance of 3D printing and its transformative impact across various industries, with the overarching goal of bridging the gap between academia and industry.

He said that this initiative is designed to equip participants with the tools and expertise needed to prepare the next generation of innovators and engineers.

The first session was delivered by the Director of North Campus, University of Kashmir, Dr. Sheikh Gulam Mohammad on the Introduction to 3D printing.

It was followed by 2nd session on Engineering Drawing: 2D and 3D by Dr. Dinesh Kumar R. The third session was on Tinker CADD Introduction (Lab Session) and it was followed by Hands-on practice on Tinker CADD Software (Lab Session).