The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Una recently organized an outreach program focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship for students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Saloh, situated in the Una district. The initiative was conducted under the framework of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, a government program aimed at connecting institutions of higher education with local communities.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the program’s primary objective was to cultivate an interest in emerging technologies and entrepreneurial endeavors among young students, preparing them for a future increasingly shaped by innovation. Around 80 students from the 11th and 12th grades actively participated in the sessions, which were led by a dedicated team of student volunteers from IIIT-Una.
The Artificial Intelligence segment of the outreach provided students with a foundational understanding of AI. Discussions covered the fundamental principles of AI, its distinction from conventional software, its pervasive role in contemporary daily life, and the accessibility of AI tools that students can explore independently. This approach aimed to demystify AI and highlight its practical applications, encouraging self-directed learning.
In parallel, the entrepreneurship session delved into the burgeoning start-up ecosystem within India. Students were introduced to the essential elements of establishing new ventures, including an overview of government initiatives designed to support aspiring young entrepreneurs. The session also emphasized the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence in the development of innovative business solutions and the generation of novel business concepts, underscoring the synergy between technology and enterprise.
Dr. Shonal Chouksey played a pivotal role in coordinating the outreach program, ensuring its smooth execution and alignment with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’s broader goals. The student volunteer team that facilitated the sessions comprised Vanshiv Garg, Dev Malhotra, Himanshu Singla, Vaibhav Shukla, Shivam Tyagi, Ankit Meena, Samarth Sharma, Vinayak Singh, and Vinay Kumar. Their active involvement provided students with relatable insights from peers who are actively engaged in higher education and technological pursuits.
The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, initiated by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, seeks to link premier institutions with rural and grassroots communities to address developmental challenges. By engaging with school students, IIIT Una’s initiative aligns with the Abhiyan’s objective of fostering a culture of innovation and informed citizenship from an early stage. Such programs are crucial in bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications, particularly in rapidly evolving fields like AI and entrepreneurship.
The participation of Kendriya Vidyalaya students signifies an effort to broaden the horizons of secondary education beyond traditional curricula. By exposing students to advanced technological concepts and entrepreneurial thinking, institutions like IIIT Una contribute to developing a future-ready workforce and a generation of innovators. The program’s structure, involving student volunteers, also provided a valuable leadership and communication development opportunity for the IIIT-Una students themselves.
The outreach aimed to ignite curiosity and foster a proactive mindset among the students. It provided them with a glimpse into fields that are projected to dominate the future job market and economic landscape. The practical orientation of the sessions, focusing on accessible tools and government support mechanisms, aimed to make the concepts of AI and entrepreneurship tangible and achievable for the participating students.
The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Una, established as an institution of national importance, is committed to advancing education and research in information technology. Its engagement through initiatives like this outreach program demonstrates a commitment to societal development and educational empowerment beyond its campus boundaries. The success of such programs often translates into increased awareness and a potential pipeline of students pursuing STEM and entrepreneurship in their higher education journey.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
