Skill Development Initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir
On 30th April 2020, the administration of Jammu & Kashmir signed an MOU with Tata Technologies to set up two CIIIT’s (Centre for Invention, Innovation, Incubation and Training), one each at the Government Polytechnic Colleges in Jammu and Baramulla. As part of our technology partnership with Tata Technologies, 3D Systems Corporation installed Figure 4 Standalone 3D printers at both the CIIIT’s. In April 2021 I visited the CIIIT’s at Jammu and Baramulla and interacted with the students, showed them various 3D printed parts and spoke about different applications of 3D printing.
The third-year Polytechnic students have started undertaking projects that use advanced technologies like 3D printing. Today I got pictures from the Tata Technologies project manager at CIIT Jammu of one such project involving a jet engine modelled by the students in 3D and printed on our Figure 4 Standalone 3D printer.
I’m told the students are also working on developing an electric load carrier that can lift 400 kgs. There is an ongoing drone project as well. I plan to pay another visit to Jammu and Baramulla soon and spend some more time with the students there. Of all the education-related projects I’ve been involved in, this one is really close to my heart due to its location.
On 5th August 2019, the central government took the bold and historic step of abrogating Article 370. There were many who predicted doom, gloom, chaos and bloodshed in the Kashmir valley as a result of this step. While incidents of terrorism have greatly reduced, we are yet to see complete normalcy. In fact, when I was returning from Baramulla to Srinagar, there was a terror incident on the highway a few minutes before my car passed by. But I firmly believe that as long as the administration works with companies like Tata Technologies to bring new technologies, infrastructure and facilities to Jammu & Kashmir, the people will feel less alienated. They will see, feel and experience the progress that the rest of the country is experiencing. They will slowly come to realize that they are an inalienable part of a vibrant country that has opened its arms to them. This will take time. But it will happen. Jai Hind.
