New Delhi [India], October 5: The Tech Mahindra Foundation, in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and AT&T Global Network Services India Pvt. Ltd. (AGNSI), has officially inaugurated the SMART Academy for Digital Technologies in Delhi. The ceremony took place on October 4, 2024, marking a significant step toward empowering India’s youth through education and skill development in digital technologies.
Founded in 2006, the Tech Mahindra Foundation serves as the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of Tech Mahindra Limited. The foundation is committed to the vision of “Empowerment through Education,” focusing on education and employability while emphasizing women’s empowerment and support for individuals with disabilities.
A Prestigious Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of notable guests, including Arun Karna, Managing Director and CEO of AT&T Global Network Services India, who served as the Chief Guest. M. Nasim Haider, Registrar of Jamia Millia Islamia, was the Guest of Honor. The event was presided over by Prof. M. Shakeel, Vice-Chancellor of JMI, along with key figures such as Prof. Rihan Khan Suri, Director of CIE, and Prof. Mini S. Thomas, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Technology at JMI. Chetan Kapoor, CEO of Tech Mahindra Foundation, and Sajid Ali, COO of the Foundation, were also in attendance, along with various industry and academic representatives.
Prof. M. Shakeel highlighted the significance of the SMART Academy, stating, “The need for new-age skills and developing an entrepreneurial mindset to enhance the employability of the country’s youth is of extreme importance. This intervention makes high-quality training, designed for the sector, accessible to the underserved youth. We at Jamia Millia Islamia are happy to contribute to the overall economic growth and progress of the country.”
Focus on Digital Skills and Career Development
The Tech Mahindra SMART Academy aims to provide intensive vocational courses that equip India’s youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the allied healthcare services, digital technologies, and logistics sectors. The Academy offers career-oriented certificate courses, including Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, AWS re/Start, Java Full Stack Development, PHP Full Stack Development, and UI/UX Development. Additionally, it includes foundational courses in English, IT, soft skills, and personality development, preparing students for the job market.
The SMART Digital Technologies Academies have already seen success in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, and the new Delhi location is expected to further strengthen Tech Mahindra’s commitment to enhancing employability among young people.
A Vision for Empowering Future Generations
Arun Karna emphasized India’s potential, stating, “With its diverse and young talent pool and thriving start-up ecosystem, India has the potential to bring about significant global transformation. Together with Jamia Millia Islamia and Tech Mahindra Foundation, we are reimagining the skilling ecosystem to empower the next generation of workers with the necessary tools to build a sustainable future. The SMART Academy for Digital Technologies is an important addition to equip our youth with advanced skills and promote a culture of innovation that facilitates our brightest minds to dream, explore, and create.”
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Chetan Kapoor echoed this sentiment, noting, “We align all our initiatives with market trends and nurture youth accordingly. Our course offerings interweave new-age technologies with the requisite soft skills and personality development.”
Tech Mahindra’s Commitment to Growth and Development
Tech Mahindra, part of the Mahindra Group founded in 1945, is one of the largest multinational federations with over 260,000 employees in more than 100 countries. The group enjoys leadership positions in several sectors, including farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology, and financial services, and is recognized as the world’s largest tractor company by volume. The Mahindra Group is also committed to leading Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, enabling rural prosperity, and enhancing urban living.
Jamia Millia Islamia’s Commitment to Excellence
Jamia Millia Islamia has recently achieved the impressive milestone of securing the 3rd rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 in India, reflecting its dedication to academic excellence and holistic development. The University continues to distinguish itself across various domains, including science, social sciences, humanities, and professional disciplines, nurturing the next generation of leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
The launch of the SMART Academy for Digital Technologies is a significant step forward in shaping the future of India’s workforce, equipping young minds with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
