Chirag Gupta
Patna: The Synergy Summit, an industry-academia meet aimed at fostering collaboration, was held at the Government Engineering College (GEC), Vaishali, under the aegis of the Department of Science, Technology, and Technical Education, Bihar. The event, hosted in partnership with the district administration and prominent industries, sought to align academic programs with industry requirements to drive economic growth and employment in the state.
The summit began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by key dignitaries, including Minister Sumit Kumar Singh, Secretary Dr. Pratima, Vaishali District Magistrate Yashpal Meena, Superintendent of Police Harikishore Rai, and President of Bihar Industries Association KPS Kesari. The Principal of GEC Vaishali, Anant Kumar, presented a virtual tour of the college, showcasing its advancements in research, development, and community outreach.
KPS Kesari emphasised the importance of integrating practical industry exposure into academic programs. He proposed mandatory industry visits for students and the inclusion of entrepreneurship as an optional subject, aiming to prepare students for innovation and self-employment.
Superintendent of Police Harikishore Rai, an IIT Kanpur alumnus, highlighted the need for students to focus on long-term goals and job creation rather than traditional job-seeking approaches. He praised GEC Vaishali’s infrastructure, comparing it to IIT standards, and encouraged students to think beyond conventional career paths.
District Magistrate Yashpal Meena, an engineering graduate, stressed the importance of multidimensional education. He shared insights on the district’s growing industrial landscape, noting that 872 students had secured placements during a recent employment fair. He underscored the critical role of modern technology and collaboration with technical institutions in driving industrial development in Vaishali and Bihar.
Dr. Pratima provided a detailed overview of the government’s initiatives in technical education, emphasising the importance of industry mentorship in shaping the next generation of professionals. She highlighted ongoing research and consultancy efforts by engineering and polytechnic institutions, including projects in equipment manufacturing, soil testing, and concrete strength testing, aimed at addressing local industry needs.
Minister Sumit Kumar Singh outlined the government’s commitment to bridging the academia-industry gap under the ‘Saat Nischay’ initiative. He detailed the establishment of high-quality labs, startup cells, and Centres of Excellence in technical institutions to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. He also introduced a consultancy policy to provide technological solutions to industries and announced plans to align curriculum with industry demands through active feedback from industrial partners.
Prominent companies, including Britannia Industries, Sona Biscuit Limited, and Godrej Agro Limited, participated in the event. Parmann Nutritionals Pvt. Ltd. offered 50-60 engineering students positions for a new project, while CIPET announced plans for internships and an MoU on waste management for sustainable development. These commitments highlighted the event’s success in creating immediate opportunities for students.
As a result of the summit, 50 students were offered internships and placements by leading companies like Baidyanath Industries and COMFED. The introduction of three new courses—Entrepreneurship, Sales, and Food Processing—was also announced, aimed at addressing local and national economic needs while enhancing students’ employability.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the college principal, marking the beginning of a dynamic partnership between academia and industry. This collaboration promises to redefine technical education in Bihar, creating a skilled workforce attuned to industry standards and driving economic progress in the region.
