A ten-day training program for first-year MBA (Rural Development) students from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, concluded in Nagwain on Friday. The program, held in collaboration with the Society for Technology and Development (STD), Mandi, aimed to provide students with new skills in rural development and explore avenues for self-employment.
Joginder Walia, Secretary of STD, said, “The training program focused on offering students practical exposure and skill-building to prepare them for careers in rural development and self-employability.”
The program featured several notable resource persons, including:
- Sunita Bisht and Naval Nirala, representing Self-Help Groups under the Mandi Saksharta evam Jan Vikas Samiti.
- Umesh and Tek Singh, directors of the Farmer Producer Company, Upper Valley, Manikaran.
- Padma Shri Nekram Sharma, an organic farming expert.
- Dr. Devalash and Dr. Neha, Assistant Directors from the Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
- Dr. Devina Vaidya and Dr. Vijay, from the Regional Horticulture Research Station, Bajora.
- Ramesh Thakur, Chief Consultant at Bhutiko Handicraft Organization, Bhunter.
- Shivani Thakur, representing Woolen Knitter and Farmers’ Organization, Talahar.
- Karam Chand, Secretary, and Dr. Vijay Vishal, Resource Person and Committee President.
- Dr. Kishore Khosla, Vice President and Scientist.
- Abhishek Sharma, Former UNDP Advisor.
Participants gained practical knowledge through visits to Self-Help Groups and organizations involved in agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, handlooms, and rural products. They were also informed about various state-run rural development schemes.
At the closing ceremony, D.P. Gupta, former Committee President, emphasized the importance of acquiring new skills, leveraging advanced technologies, and adopting scientific approaches to enhance rural livelihoods. He encouraged the participants to use the training to address challenges and contribute meaningfully to rural development.
Certificates were awarded to 31 students who successfully completed the program.
