Campus Times | Lucknow

The program was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, while Mr. V. K. Verma, Director, MSME–Development Office, Kanpur, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present on the dais included Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. S. Victor Babu, MSME Assistant Director Mr. Neeraj Kumar, and Program Coordinator Dr. Taruna. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes to the portrait of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, followed by the rendition of the University Kulgeet. As a mark of appreciation, the organizing committee presented saplings to the guests and faculty members. Program Coordinator Dr. Taruna welcomed the dignitaries and participants and briefed them about the objectives and structure of the program.

Youth Must Become Job Creators: Vice-Chancellor

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal emphasized that today’s youth must focus on becoming job creators rather than job seekers to realize the vision of Developed India–2047. He highlighted the crucial role of educational institutions in nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance from an early stage.

Prof. Mittal stated that the tourism sector offers immense scope for entrepreneurship, where young people can establish successful startups with innovative ideas and a modern outlook. He added that government initiatives such as the Chief Minister Youth Scheme, MSME, Startup India, and Vocal for Local are providing strong support to aspiring entrepreneurs. With proper guidance, infrastructure, and determination, youth can effectively utilize these schemes to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

MSME Key to Youth Empowerment and Employment

Chief Guest Mr. V. K. Verma, Director, MSME–Development Office, Kanpur, highlighted the objectives and functions of the MSME sector, describing it as a powerful instrument for youth empowerment and self-employment. He said MSME promotes micro, small, and medium enterprises, encourages innovation, ensures optimal utilization of local resources, and accelerates economic growth through employment generation.

Mr. Verma explained that under MSME initiatives, youth are provided with training, financial assistance, technical support, and marketing facilities, enabling them to establish and strengthen their enterprises. He noted that MSME plays a vital role in transforming young individuals into successful entrepreneurs and active contributors to nation-building.

MSME Sector Second Largest Contributor to GDP

During the discussion, MSME Assistant Director Mr. Neeraj Kumar stated that the MSME sector is the second-largest contributor to the country’s GDP and a major source of employment generation. He pointed out that millions of youth have become self-reliant through MSMEs, while also providing employment to others.

He added that with the support of government schemes, financial aid, and structured training programs, young entrepreneurs are successfully converting innovative ideas into viable businesses, thereby strengthening the national economy and advancing the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Expert Lectures and Vote of Thanks

As part of the program, experts delivered special lectures on Overview of the Hospitality Industry, Introduction to Tourism, Tourism and Travel Management in India: Opportunities and Challenges, and Statistical Tools and Machine Learning Methods for Tourist Prediction. The program concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. S. Victor Babu.

Dignitaries Present

The event witnessed the presence of Dr. Lata Bajpai Singh, Dr. Krishna Murari, Dr. Salil Seth, Dr. Anil Yadav, Dr. Devendra, along with other faculty members, research scholars, students, and participants.