Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
In a significant event, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur welcomed the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (Retd), for the inauguration of the ‘Uttarakhand Cell’ on its campus. The Governor, in his address, emphasized the importance of willpower, self-discipline, and determination as critical success factors for India’s youth, encouraging them to be the engine of the country’s economic growth.
In his inspiring speech, the Governor highlighted the crucial role of young minds in shaping India’s future. He underscored the fact that India currently boasts 116 unicorn startups, driven by the perseverance of its young entrepreneurs. “Youth are the growth engine of the Indian economy, playing a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem,” he stated.
He urged the youth to shift their mindset from being job seekers to becoming employment creators. “Focus on value addition and innovation,” the Governor advised, adding that there are numerous untapped opportunities within India’s evolving economy. Citing an example, he mentioned the Ghee of the Badri cow being sold at Rs 67,000 per kilogram, underscoring how innovation and entrepreneurship can lead to substantial economic benefits. “Our youth must explore such opportunities and capitalize on them. As they say, ‘Question is the mother of wisdom’,” he remarked.
The Governor also reflected on the economic challenges inherited from the colonial era, stating, “Our economy suffered due to the British policy of ‘Divide and Rule’. Now is the time to focus on integration, oneness, and collective growth.” He emphasized the need for the youth to embrace both artificial intelligence and ‘absolute intelligence’, which he described as an understanding achieved through cosmic and soul communication.
Regarding Uttarakhand’s economy, the Governor identified wellness, horticulture, and spiritual tourism as key sectors for growth. “Focusing on these three areas will pave the way for Uttarakhand’s economic prosperity,” he said.
Following the Governor’s address, Sri Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Vice-Chancellor of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, also spoke about the state’s development priorities. He emphasized the importance of farmer welfare and women empowerment, aligning these objectives with the Governor’s vision. “At our university, we are increasing honey production, and with international collaborations in place, we’ve raised capacity from 3,000 tons to 12,000 tons, with an aim to reach 40,000 tons soon,” Chauhan explained. He added that the collaboration with IIM Kashipur will further aid societal and community welfare in the state.
Sri Dewang Singh Rawat, Vice-Chancellor of Kumaun University, also expressed his excitement about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with IIM Kashipur, viewing it as a source of motivation for students and faculty. “In the 17th century, India contributed 25% of the world’s GDP. Currently, our contribution stands at 8%, but we are on track to becoming the fourth-largest economy. This achievement will largely be driven by our tech-savvy youth,” Rawat stated.
Sri Onkar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Technical University, offered IIM Kashipur temporary use of their Dehradun campus until the IIM establishes its own premises there. “In the 19 years of our university’s history, this is a golden moment. The MoU with IIM will benefit 500 faculty members and 2,000 students. Our MBA program, in particular, will see significant improvement with IIM’s collaboration,” Singh remarked. He emphasized that the partnership would enhance executive education, advisory services, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
Professor Somnath Chakraborti, Director-in-Charge of IIM Kashipur, highlighted the institute’s commitment to regional development and addressing local challenges. He spoke about initiatives such as the homestay campaign, promoting Ayurveda, and tackling the issue of ghost villages through management principles. “The institute will contribute significantly towards marketing the state’s products and establishing ‘Uttarakhand as a Brand’,” he said, adding that logistical challenges would also be addressed with government collaboration.
Dr. Sandeep Singh, Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM Kashipur, provided an overview of the ‘Uttarakhand Cell’ and its roadmap for further contributions to the local economy. He acknowledged the efforts of Professors Abhradeep Maiti, Kunal, and Somnath Chakraborti in realizing the project, which had been conceptualized through a series of meetings in the Governor’s office. The Governor also played a key role in the cell’s formation, which will include a state representative.
The inauguration of the ‘Uttarakhand Cell’ is seen as a significant step toward fostering collaboration between academic institutions and state authorities, aimed at driving holistic growth in the region.
