The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has teamed up with Dakshana, a non-profit organization, and Ruyintan Mehta, an entrepreneur, to launch a month-long ‘IITGN-Dakshana Leadership Programme’.
The program will start on September 1 and last until September 30, 2022. The program aims to train 100 academically outstanding but economically disadvantaged students, mainly from rural India, in essential skills in leadership, critical thinking and communication. Students whose parents/guardians’ annual income is generally less than Rs 2 lakh can apply.
The first IITGN Dakshana Leadership Program will host 100 Dakshana Scholars selected from their branches in Pune, Bangalore and Hyderabad.
At IITGN, these students are trained by some of the best mentors from India and abroad. Atul Singh, founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of Fair Observer and Peter Isackson, chief strategy officer of Fair Observer, a US-based independent media organization, will guide participants through the fundamentals of communication.
In addition, Uma Oza, an educator and personal growth counselor with over 30 years of experience, will help the students build their leadership skills. Prof Jaison A Manjaly, Jasubhai Memorial Chair Professor and Head of Humanities and Social Sciences at IITGN, will train students in critical thinking skills. As part of the program, the students will also visit Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj stepwell and other heritage sites of Ahmedabad.
About supporting this unique program with the necessary funds, Ruyintan Mehta, a US serial entrepreneur and benefactor of IITGN and Dakshana said: “I have seen the progress of Dakshana students in recent years. These students are extremely smart and have a bright future ahead of them. The IITGN Dakshana Leadership Program is a way to give these underprivileged students the opportunity to be on an equal footing before embarking on their journey at an IIT and help them reach their potential through essential skills development. It’s my way of giving back.”
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