MARGAO: In the culminating session of GoaNext2024 at Don Bosco College of Engineering, industry leaders and educators shared insights, shedding light on Goa's journey towards self-reliance through technology and education.
"With the advent of technology and a focus on what works, I don't think Goans will have to leave their homes for gainful employment," said Dr Brillian SK, executive VP and ‘chief people officer’ at TimesPRO.
In his opening remarks, Manuel Fernandes, Director of Human Resources at Anthelio, ATOS Business, said, "For anyone to become Atmanirbhar and grow CH² - calmness, happiness, and humility are important. We really need to speed up, and since Goa is quite behind, there is a lot of opportunity for new setups to grow."
Educator Ujjwal Chowdhury emphasised, "The problem of skilling is not old, but the new education policy has brought it to the fore. Three sets of skills are required: communication skills and knowledge of a minimum of three languages, emotionally intelligent leadership, and digital skills, which include not just social media but also a basic understanding of apps, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. The whole outlook towards work is important, not just driven by hours but also by the desire for work. Specific niche communication skills are crucial."
Snehanshu Saha stressed, "As institutions, we should be able to impart education in such a manner that we produce individuals year after year who are skilled in problem-solving and adaptability. We need to teach our students problem-solving skills. One IIT and one BITS cannot do it all."
Dr Brillian SK highlighted, "Only 57% of engineers who graduate are employed gainfully. Today's youth don't have to face the challenges that previous generations did, as there are many opportunities. Attitude is what makes the difference for all in organizations. With the advent of technology and a focus on what works, I don't think Goans will have to leave their homes for gainful employment."
Jayanta Chakraborty, Founder of Aentrek Global, remarked, "There are two types of companies: profiteering and purpose-driven. The younger generation has stopped taking jobs in companies solely focused on profiteering. We have failed to instill common sense in our students, resulting in a loss of confidence. The world will bring many surprises, but it's not all about technology. We also need food. We need CI (Creative Intelligence), DI (Digital Intelligence), and SI (Spiritual Intelligence)."
Former President of GCCI Nitin Kunkolienkar stated, "Technology will never surpass the capabilities of the human mind. Nature-based startups will thrive because people are seeking opportunities to destress and alleviate loneliness. There seems to be a complete disconnect between tier one engineering colleges and tier three State-level colleges."