Colonel Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Managing Director (MD)-FDDI was invited as ‘Eminent Panelist’ during ‘International College Partner’s Meet’ organized by Underprivileged’s Advancement by Youth (UPAY) at NTPC - School of Business on how institutes can help resolve social issues.
Dr. Renu Sharma, HoD-Retail, Noida and students of FDDI also participated and volunteered in this panel discussion held on 18th May 2024.
UPAY, founded by IIT Kharagpur graduate, Mr. Varun Shrivastava and three engineers in 2010, aims to make education accessible for all through initiatives like Footpath Shaala and Reach and Teach. These programs use open classroom settings and skill-building activities to reach children who cannot attend traditional schools, working towards a world where education is universally accessible.
The meet focused on strengthening partnership, fostering cross cultural exchange among students and facilitating meaningful networking sessions to explore new collaboration opportunities.
The theme of the panel discussion was “How Institutions can directly contribute in resolving Social Issues”.
The other eminent panel members included, Mr. Kishan Goenka, Corporate and Non-profit Expert Chairperson, North India Chapter, Wheels Global Foundation, Mr. Kavindra Taliyan, Policy Expert, Ex-CEO, AIC NITI AAYOG, Member - Steering Committee, Ministry of Communication, Ms. Vartika Tomar, Developmental Journalist, Public Information Assistant, Department of Global Communication, United Nation and Ms. Jamie Bergos, Columbia Business School, Asst. Director, Individual Giving Solomon R. Guggenhein Museum.
Sharing his views, Colonel Sinha said, “One of the effective tool for bringing about social revolution is education which contributes to the upkeep of social harmony in society and in reducing social disparities.”
He stressed on inculcating ethical and moral values amongst students. He emphasized that cluster based models of job creation through tailor made training programmes need to explored and conducted by institutions. He also briefed on the key barriers/challenges that colleges and institutes may encounter when attempting to enhance their contributions to underprivileged communities.
The panel also discussed ways in which the system can make use of collective intelligence of young students through collaboration of academic, corporate and government entities.
Panel discussion was followed by deliberation amongst students and faculties on finding ways to resolve social issues together.
