Nurturing innovation! SNU hosts Eastern Regional Meet of Institution's Innovation Council

Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship among the young minds, Sister Nivedita University, Kolkata on Friday hosted the Eastern Regional Meet of the Innovation Council functioning under the Ministry of Education's Innovation cell and AICTE. The event coincided with the 161 birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda and provided an engaging platform for entrepreneurs, startups, angel investors and venture capitalists.

The meet was presided over by Manish Jain, Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department, who was the Chief Guest. Apart from Jain, Dr Tapan Misra, former director ISRO, Swami Sarvotamananda, Vice Chancellor of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University and Dipan Sahoo, Assistant Director, AICTE were present as guests of honour.

Satyam Roychowdhury, Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University in his inaugural address emphasised the message of Swami Vivekananda to empower the youth with the vision of innovation.

"Swami Vivekananda was a man ahead of his time. He believed that only by empowering the youth, a nation can truly progress," he said.

"Our youth are the driving force behind all the progress, innovation and positive changes. In them lies the key to building a bright and more prosperous future. Sister Nivedita University, since its inception has been nurturing young minds and has created an environment that fosters learning, innovation and inclusivity through education," he added.

Manish Jain on the other hand focussed on the holistic development of a student to make them future-ready and said that innovation must be encouraged since childhood.

"Innovation is the power. We can make a child innovative from an early age. Innovation is in our mind and we need to cultivate it and integrate it with technology. That is where the usefulness to the society lies," he said.

Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, SNU thanked the Ministry of Education, Govt of India and AICTE for creating an entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem in this part of the country through this program.

The event witnessed participation from nearly 700 universities, colleges and ATL schools across the country who showcased their innovative talent.