Srinagar, Feb 26: The weeklong Advanced Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Program (A-ESDP) on welding and CNC (5-axis CNC, 3-axis CNC, wood carving, and underwater welding) commenced on Monday at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.

The hands-on training workshop is being organized by Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IIEDC) and sponsored by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.

The inaugural event was presided over by Prof. Babar Ahmad, senior faculty member at MED NIT Srinagar, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Dean Alumni and International Affairs Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, HOD MED Prof.Adnan Qayoum, Assistant Director MSME, Saheel Alaqband IEDS, Head IIED Centre Dr. Saad Parvez (Chairman), and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, and Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman extended their best wishes to all participants and commended the organizers for organizing these hands-on training workshops.

Dr.Dinesh Kumar Rajendran is the Nodal Officer & Convenor, whereas Dr. Noor Zaman Khan, Dr. Deepak Kumar Naik and Dr. Syed Irshad Ahmad Qadri (Superintendent Workshop are the Coordinators of the workshop. The workshop is being attended by 20 participants from different parts of the country.

In his key speech, Prof. Babar said such workshops are the need of the hour. It has a connection with Industry 4.2 and participants will get hands-on training on CNC machines.

"When I was a student, we acquired a CNC machine in the late 1980s. However, the challenge was that we never had the opportunity to operate it. We were not even permitted to approach this prestigious machine," he said.

Prof. Babar said the Internet of Skills (IoS) is now obsolete and now it is replaced by the Internet of Skills. In today's global market, individuals with diverse and honed skill sets are positioned as key contributors.

Whether proficient in programming, design, healthcare, or other domains, those adept at applying their skills digitally are sought after for their ability to drive innovation, he said.

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh said that this program facilitates networking opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with industry experts and peers, while also providing access to vital resources like funding and mentorship.

The program instills adaptability and resilience, crucial attributes in navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, he said urging participants to take benefits from this hands-on training workshop.

On the occasion, Assistant Director MSME J&K, Saheel Alaqband IEDS said over the past several years, a collaborative partnership has flourished with MSME and NIT Srinagar. It is aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry for a collective pursuit of excellence, he said.

"I joined AD MSME in 2015, and over the last eight years, we have successfully extended our efforts to every corner of the Kashmir valley. Our commitment to working at the grassroots level will continue," he said.

HOD MED Prof. Adnan Qayoum expressed that this workshop provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience designed to empower educators. The goal is to equip them with essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach and inspire individuals in the realms of wood carving and artistic welding, he said.

Prof. Qayoum said that the workshop offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience tailored to empower educators with the essential knowledge and skills required to effectively teach and inspire participants in the field of Wood carving and artistic welding.

Head IIED Centre Dr. Saad Parvez said IIEDC is dedicated to addressing the challenges of grassroots technologies and fostering innovative ideas from engineering students, technocrats, innovators, and stakeholders seeking engineering solutions to problems.