The Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), in partnership with the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN), successfully organized its tenth skill development training session, which aimed to equip Himachal Pradesh’s youth with essential Machine Learning skills. According to an official announcement, The training programme, which began on January 29, 2024 and ended on February 29, 2024, gathered 54 enthusiastic Himachal youths. Throughout the programme, participants were immersed in a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip them with practical knowledge and skills in Machine Learning, a cutting-edge technology with vast applications across various industries.
Machine learning (ML), a subset of advanced artificial intelligence (AI), has emerged as a vital component of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (also known as Industry 4.0). India’s demand for machine learning professionals continuously increases through its robust IT and software services sector. Leading IT hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and the Delhi-NCR region have become hotspots for AI and ML job possibilities. The salary range for ML experts in India varies greatly depending on experience, abilities, geography, and employer. Entry-level positions may start at Rs 3-6 lakhs per year.
The concluding event, held at IIT Mandi, was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Gandharva Rathore, IAS – Managing Director of HPKVN; Atul Karohta – State Coordinator of HPKVN; Shivendu Chauhan – District Coordinator of HPKVN; Professor Tushar Jain – Head of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Mandi; Professor Manoj Thakur – Chairperson, School of Management, IIT Mandi; and Professor Anjan Kumar Swain – Programme Coordinator at IIT Mandi.
Gandharva Rathore, IAS, Managing Director of HPKVN, participated online, adding significance to the event. Her interactions with candidates provided a comprehensive view of students’ achievements and goals. Rathore underlined the importance of these courses, expressing confidence that they will assist Himachali youngsters in finding job opportunities that align with market demands.
She thanked all IIT personnel for delivering this fantastic opportunity to Himachal’s youth and hinted that more such training programmes will be introduced.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Tushar Jain, Head of the Centre for Continuing Education, IIT Mandi, expressed his appreciation for the commitment and enthusiasm displayed by the participants throughout the training programme.
He further stated, “I appreciate the efforts put in by HPKVN and their leadership to provide this opportunity and empower the youth of Himachal Pradesh. These one-month-long courses on machine learning, along with IOT and Robotics offered by IIT Mandi, focused on skill development. They played a crucial role in enhancing these enthusiastic youths’ employability and economic prospects.”
Professor Jain added, “These courses will develop the participants’ futuristic skills by combining advanced technical and soft-skills components, providing a holistic development of individuals, and making them Industry 4.0 ready. All these courses are fully residential so that the youth of Himachal can take advantage of the state-of-the-art labs and advanced Software of IIT Mandi. This meaningful collaboration of IIT Mandi with HPKVN will benefit the state’s youth. We will continue to leverage this collaboration further by introducing newer and more advanced short-term and long-term courses ranging from one month to six months dedicated to the vision of our Honourable Chief Minister and Technical Education Minister of Himachal Pradesh.”
Since its inception, the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi has been involved in various research and development (R&D) initiatives, and the institute has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with several international and national universities, companies, research centres, and organizations. It became an IIT under the Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act of 2011, aiming to expand its reach and improve the country’s technical education quality. The Act was enacted in the Lok Sabha on March 24, 2011, and in the Rajya Sabha on April 30, 2012.
