AMRITSAR: Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology (KCET), Amritsar, successfully organized “Empowering Grassroot Innovators” GRIP 3.0 program, aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and a scientific mindset among the youth of Punjab in collabriation with IKG Punjab Technical University Jalandhar. The event brought together enthusiastic participants and experts to discuss the startup ecosystem and emerging trends in innovation. The program commenced with a warm Welcome Address, followed by the ceremonial floral welcome of all distinguished guests by Dr. Manju Bala, Director, Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology, Amritsar.
The event opened with an engaging and informative presentation by Dr. Mriginder Singh Bedi, Assistant Director, BIC, IKG PTU, who provided a comprehensive overview of the GRIP program. He highlighted its mission to equip students and young innovators with the knowledge and resources necessary to translate their ideas into impactful solutions. Dr. Bedi emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across educational institutions to empower the youth to tackle real-world challenges.
Following this, Amit Madaan, Chairman of the International Board of Startup and Entrepreneurship, delivered a thought-provoking Special Address. He delved into the current entrepreneurial landscape in India, outlining the immense potential for startups to drive economic growth and social change. Madaan shared inspiring anecdotes from his journey and encouraged the participants to embrace risks, stay resilient, and think creatively to overcome challenges in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
The session then moved to an inspiring talk by Innovator Monika Kashyap, who provided valuable insights into the role of innovation in addressing societal challenges. She discussed the practical application of innovative practices in solving pressing issues and shared success stories of entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact. Her words resonated with the audience, encouraging them to harness their creativity for meaningful contributions to society. Sourabh Sharma, Deputy Registrar at IKG PTU, addressed the gathering next, emphasizing the role of academic institutions as incubators of innovation. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like GRIP in fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and bridging the gap between academia and industry.
In her closing address, Dr. Manju Bala, emphasized the institution's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. She highlighted the importance of cultivating innovative thinking not just for individual growth but for creating solutions that benefit society at large. "Innovation must have a purpose, " she remarked, "and that purpose is to uplift communities, improve quality of life, and drive sustainable development." Dr. Bala encouraged the students to think beyond conventional boundaries and focus on innovations that address societal challenges such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The event also featured a Facilitation Ceremony, during which all sarpanches from various villages were honored for their contributions and support. This gesture underscored the program's outreach to grassroots communities and its emphasis on inclusive development. The program concluded on a patriotic note with the National Anthem, leaving attendees motivated and inspired.