Bridging the Gap: A Teacher’s Day Special

Teacher’s Day this year was extra special as I had the privilege of speaking at Kangra Polytechnic for a workshop hosted by NITTTR to help the faculty understand industry requirement’s while addressing skill gaps of students .

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with dedicated faculty members and share insights on shaping the next generation of IT professionals.

During my session, I focused on the challenges that students face in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. The importance of practical skills, which many students lack when they enter the job market. From programming to logical thinking, there’s a need to go beyond textbooks.

One suggestions was to form student clubs focused on areas like programming or UI/UX design, giving students a hands-on platform to apply what they learn. I also recommended incorporating small, manageable projects into the curriculum so that students get real-world experience during their studies.

We also talked about curating useful online resources to help students navigate the vast sea of information available and stay updated on industry trends.

Lastly, we touched upon the significance of developing soft skills like communication and confidence that are often overlooked but crucial for career success.

My key takeaway for the faculty was that their role goes beyond teaching the syllabus; it’s about mentoring students to be both technically proficient and ready to thrive in the professional world.

#TeachersDay#IndustryInsights#PolytechnicEducation#ITSkills#StudentDevelopment#HandsOnLearning#TechEducation#NITTTR#SoftSkills#StudentGrowth#KangraPolytechnic#DigitalLearning#EdTech#FacultyTraining

MBA Careers: From Dreams to Reality – A Session with Dharamshala Students

Few days back, I addressed a group of 60 energetic and curious MBA students from the Government Post Graduate College in Dharamshala. The discussion delved into crucial topics for career preparation.

The discussion revolved around proper time management and balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities and internships. Drawing from my field experience, I emphasised the critical role of internships in providing practical knowledge and real-world exposure.

We also delved into how students can take charge of their own careers. This included setting clear goals, actively seeking opportunities that align with their aspirations, and taking the initiative to transform career dreams into reality.

Strong communication skills were also a key focus, as they act as a bridge between understanding employer expectations and delivering exactly what they need.

The positive response was encouraging as 21 students expressed interest in joining us for internships. We have already hired our first intern from the MBA department, marking the beginning of a fruitful relationship with the college.

Would like to thank Dr. Naresh Sharma, Dr. Meghna Sood, and Ms. Ankita Sood, for their support in organising this session. Looking forward to continuing our support for Dharamshala’s talented youth!

#CareerAdvice#CareerReady#StudentSuccess#DharamshalaYouth#Internships#TimeManagement#FutureLeaders#Dharamshala.co #YouthEmpowerment#ProfessionalGrowth#dharamshalalocal#DiscoverDharamshala#dharamshala.co #dharamshaladotco#dharamshalaco#DharamshalaDiaries#CareerPreparation

Ventures Unveiled: Judging Startup Pitches at E-Summit 2024, NIT Hamirpur

Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited by the Entrepreneurship Cell at NIT Hamirpur.

The E-Cell, a student-run non-profit, pulled off a stellar three-day event from April 5th to 7th, named E-Summit 2024. During the event, I had the privilege of judging startup pitches.

We had around 15 teams pitching their startup ideas. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm of these budding entrepreneurs, even if some ideas were still in their early stages.

A few ideas really caught our eye. Like this one app tailored for chess enthusiasts, allowing players to analyse their game moves right from their mobile device. Genius, especially considering the cost of digital chess boards! Then there was the bio-reactor concept, using algae to produce oxygen from carbon dioxide. It was about innovation with a green twist!

And then there was this foot pressure measurement idea, offering personalised solutions for knee and leg issues. A game-changer for athletes and beyond.

The campus itself was stunning, and my stay at the guest house was pleasant and the students were cordial.

Unfortunately, time flew by, and I missed out on meeting some other faculty members but I did have the chance to connect with entrepreneurs like Ankush Barjata, Iti Rawat, Devyant Bhardwaj, and Utkarsh from Mumbai.

All in all, it was a refreshing break from the routine, filled with promising ideas and warm hospitality. Until next time, NIT Hamirpur!

#NITHamirpur#ESummit2024#StartupPitches#CampusVibes#StudentInitiative#ecell

Unraveling History: Himachal Pradesh’s Driest Winter in Over a Century

Himachal Pradesh is going through its driest winter in over 100 years, beating records from 1901. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says we’re facing a massive 99.7% drop in January rainfall, way more than the 1996 record of 99.6%.

The typically snow-covered mountains and valleys have transformed into barren grasslands. Beyond the aesthetics, the absence of rain and snowfall is presenting serious challenges for the state’s agriculture, tourism, and water resources.

Apple growers, in particular, are facing the consequences, as the essential moisture provided by winter precipitation is absent. The effects of this weather anomaly are expected to stretch into the summer months, potentially leading to a drought-like situation.

Tourist spots like Manali, Dharamshala, and Shimla are losing their snowy appeal, and winter sports lovers are having a disappointing season without those snow-covered slopes.

Amidst these challenges, the state’s water resources are also under threat. The scarcity of winter rainfall raises concerns about water availability in the upcoming summer months, exacerbating the existing strain on water supplies.

But here’s a historical twist: Similar dry conditions happened back in 1901 and 1996. Now, as we connect the dots and attribute this to global warming, it makes me wonder, what was the cause back then, over 100 years ago? If anyone holds insights or knowledge about the historical backdrop, don’t hesitate to drop your thoughts below!
Let’s unravel this historical puzzle together.

This was first published on my personal Instagram page.

#HimachalDryWinter #HistoricalMystery #ClimateChangeImpact #NatureCuriosity #GlobalWarmingEffect #TourismImpact #WaterScarcity #ClimatePuzzle #SustainableSolutions #SnowlessSeason #CommunityInsights

AI on the Airwaves: Discussing the Future of Technology on All India Radio

🎙️Spoke on All India Radio’s Janvani phone in program this morning, delving into the world of artificial intelligence. A unique experience, ticking off a bucket list item! 📻

🌐 The radio’s nostalgic charm and wide reach struck a chord. Surprised to get a caller from as far as Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The discussions centered around AI’s impacts and the need for a regulatory framework.

🤖 As someone in the tech realm, I firmly believe we can’t rewind technological progress. Instead, we must focus on education and awareness to navigate the AI landscape. Let’s empower people to discern between authentic and fake content.

📚 Advocating for large-scale programs, especially in schools, to equip both the young and the elderly with the skills needed to embrace the AI era wisely.

This was first published on my personal Instagram page.

#AIOnAir#TechTalks#RegulatingTech#EducationForAll#MediaAwareness#NavigatingAITogether#TechInsights#RadioDebut#AIInSociety#DigitalImpact#DigitalLiteracy

Exploring Innovation: Insights from the Himalayan Startup Trek 2023

Last month, I attended the Himalayan Startup Trek 2023, organised by The Catalyst at IIT Mandi, an event focused on encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in Himachal Pradesh. I’ve been actively involved with Catalyst in various roles, such as selecting and mentoring startups.

This year’s event was a landmark, with over 500 startup applications competing for cash prizes. I had the honour of being a jury member for the “Build for the Himalayas” track, where we evaluated around 20 startups. Eventually, we recognised three exceptional startups with cash prizes for their innovative ideas.

What stood out were the startups I encountered during the event. They offered a wide range of innovations, from eco-friendly initiatives to D2C brands promoting Himalayan recipes. For instance, one startup was working on sustainable solutions using hemp plastics, while another, located in Siachen, promoted Ladakhi cuisine directly to consumers, helping local entrepreneurship. We also discovered a simple yet impactful product created by a Kashmiri entrepreneur from Anantnag, designed to aid apple tree growth, showcasing the practicality and creativity promoted by this event.

Catalyst is now considered one of India’s top incubators, providing essential mentorship covering various aspects, from technology and finances to business strategies and investor connections. Interactions with stakeholders, experts, investors, faculty members, and students provided valuable insights and connections, further enhancing the experience.

Reconnecting with old regular friends at HST led to meaningful conversations and exchanging valuable insights and ideas. Overall, the Himalayan Startup Trek is a significant platform for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the Himalayan region, emphasising connections and supporting promising startups.

This was first published on my personal Instagram page.

#HimalayanStartupTrek#CatalystAtIITMandi#StartupEcosystem#BuildForHimalayas#HimalayanEntrepreneurs#StartupMentorship#NetworkingInHimalayas#SustainableStartups#InnovationInHimalayas#HimalayanConnections

Adipurush, An Exciting Mythical Adventure Kids Will Love

Adipurush received a lot of negative reviews and criticism, but my experience with the film was quite different. Last weekend, I was looking for a kids-friendly film for my kids when Adipurush came to mind. My elder son, on the other hand, had already been influenced by the prevalent hatred surrounding the film. The film received negative reviews on social media, the news, and newspapers. Dialogues, Lord Ram’s portrayal, Lanka’s dark colours instead of gold, and Hanuman ji’s portrayal were all criticised.

Though we had our doubts, my family and I ultimately decided to give Adipurush a shot. Instead of going along with the prevalent opinion, we decided to approach it with an open mind. As we settled down to watch the film on OTT, we had a delightful surprise. Adipurush proved to be an engrossing and entertaining film experience.

I was especially amazed by how my kids, who had watched Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana on TV during the Covid lockdown, became absorbed in the film. The music fascinated them, and their questions about the characters led to lively conversations. Having one’s interest ignited in the tale and its characters is in my opinion, the film’s primary goal.

Adipurush, I believe, was created particularly for a younger audience rather than adults.  It bridges the gap between the generations by presenting our age-old myths and legends in a modern, relatable language. 

Rebuilding Himachal Pradesh: Lessons Learned from the Devastating Monsoon Season

This year’s monsoon season hit Himachal Pradesh hard, leaving a trail of devastation in our beloved state. Destroyed homes, washed-out roads, and tragic loss of life have marred our picturesque mountains and natural beauty. This crisis forces us to rethink our approach to development, safety, and the immense power of nature.

In urban areas like Shimla, things are complicated. Overpopulation and unchecked construction have made us vulnerable to disasters. We must reconsider our development strategies and prioritise safety.

Structural engineering is crucial. Properly assessing a building’s load-bearing capacity is essential for safety. Holding individuals and organisations accountable for safety lapses is necessary.

Policy-wise, the legalisation of illegal structures through fines sets a dangerous precedent. We need to rethink these policies and encourage rule compliance.

The shortage of manpower in government departments leads to inadequate oversight, not just in Shimla but across the state.

New townships must be planned responsibly, considering safety and sustainability. The example of New Shimla, with just one entry/exit road, is concerning.

It’s not just cities; rural areas also suffer from landslides and devastation. This raises questions about larger issues like climate change. For many, mountains have always seemed invincible, but recent events remind us of nature’s power. We’re small and vulnerable in the face of natural forces.

As the season changes, we must not forget those who lost everything. It’s time for accountability and positive change. Together, we can create a safer, more sustainable Himachal Pradesh. The Aapda Raahat Kosh 2023 is here to assist in the recovery efforts after the devastating monsoon rains.

I urge everyone to join hands and support the victims as they try to rebuild their lives.

This was first published on my personal Instagram page.

#HimachalPradesh#NaturePower#PolicyReform#ClimateChange#MonsoonDisaster#HimachalCrisis#UrbanizationIssues#StructuralIntegrity#BuildingSafety#TownshipDevelopment#RuralDevastation#ClimateCrisis#CommunitySupport#HimachalStronger#MountainLife#ProtectOurEnvironment#SafetyAwareness#AapdaRaahatKosh2023

Harmonizing Traditions: The Enchanting Performance of Indian Ocean Band at Kangra Valley Karnival

Recently, I had the joy of attending the long-awaited Summer Festival, now known as the Kangra Valley Karnival, in Dharamshala. After the challenges of the pandemic, the atmosphere was delightful, and this time, the talent level surprised us, featuring both local gems and popular stars!

But what truly stole the show was the mesmerising performance by the Indian Ocean Band. Their soul-stirring mix of modern and classical music left the audience in awe. With every note they played, meaningful lyrics evoked a wave of emotions and wonderful memories.

The Indian Ocean Band, famous for their special mix of modern and classical music, was a big deal during my college days. I cherish the unforgettable memory of sitting down with them when they visited IRMA campus for a performance.

Over the years, the band has seen some members leave and new people join. However their music continues to be enduring, captivating audiences with soul-stirring music that bridges the old and the new.

Here is my recommendation for those who haven’t listened to their songs. Go check out “Ma rewa tharo paani nirmal” on Youtube/ Spotify.

This was first published on my personal Instagram page.

#Dharamshala#HimachalPradesh#HillStation#MountainViews#CultureAndHeritage#KangraKarnival#SummerFestival#IndianOceanBand#SoulfulMelodies#ClassicalAndModern#MythologyInMusic#Nostalgia#MemorableMoments#DharamshalaDiaries#MusicFestival#LiveMusic#FestivalVibes#FestivalFun#HimachalTourism#TravelToDharamshala#ExploreHimachal#InstaMusic#InstaFestival#InstaHimachal#InstaTravel#IRMA

The Humble Shepherd: Lessons in Knowledge and Kindness

Recently, during my visit to Bir with a few friends, we found ourselves captivated by the awe-inspiring para-gliding site of Billing. As we watched the paragliders gracefully soar into the sunset, our eyes wandered towards the nearby pastoral land, where sheep grazed peacefully. Intrigued by the scenic beauty, we decided to hike towards a higher spot offering a better view of the magnificent Dhauladhar mountain ranges behind.

Upon reaching the vantage point, we discovered a quaint bench to rest upon. The sky was full of Paragliders, the last bunch taking off for that day as dusk began to settle, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Then, an old man, a shepherd, appeared before us. He wore a coat and a traditional Pahari topi, and his face bore the signs of life under the sun. With a warm smile, he initiated the conversation, asking us where we were from. One of my friends, Amit, replied, “We are from Dharamshala.” The old man responded, stating that we had travelled from a far-off place.

The shepherd delved further. “What do you do?” he asked. Amit replied, “I am in the army.” The Shephard astutely remarked, “You must be a Subedar by now.” Amit corrected him, stating that he held the rank of Colonel. The old man’s eyes widened, realizing that Amit had a significant post as an officer. The Shephard continued the conversation, asking about Amit’s posting location. Amit mentioned being stationed in Assam, to which Chatru Ram Ji exclaimed, “Ah, they have tea gardens there. I hear they are much larger than the ones in Bir.”

Intrigued by this shepherd’s knowledge of faraway lands, I took the opportunity to engage him in conversation. I inquired about his name, to which he humbly responded, “I am Chatru Ram.” I then asked him about his age, and with a playful smile, he suggested that I subtract two from eighty. He was 78, and he affirmed with a warm expression. Eager to learn more, I asked him about his travels. As a shepherd, he had traversed the entire Himachal region, parts of Punjab, and the bordering areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan with his flock of sheep. Travelling and herding were his way of life.

Perplexed by his extensive knowledge of Assam, I questioned Chatru Ram Ji’s source of information. He replied, “Wherever I go, I meet new people and engage in conversations. It is through these interactions that I learn.” This struck a chord within me—learning does not solely occur within the confines of classrooms; it is omnipresent, awaiting discovery through everyday experiences. Chatru Ram Ji, with his weathered face and innocent eyes, became a living testament to this profound life lesson.

Curiosity still burning, I inquired about the size of his flock. With a sense of pride, Chatru Ram Ji revealed that he owned approximately 300 sheep. Astonished, my friend Amit couldn’t resist asking about their market value. Chatru Ram Ji calmly replied, “Around Rs. 15,000 each.” Quick mental calculations revealed that his flock was worth a staggering Rs. 45 lakhs.

However, as we bid farewell to Chatru Ram Ji and began our journey back to Bir, we couldn’t help but acknowledge that the richness of his knowledge and warm-hearted nature made him a truly wealthy man.

Reflecting upon our encounter with Chatru Ram Ji, we couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the depth of wisdom we had unexpectedly encountered in a chance meeting. This humble shepherd, who roamed the forests and valleys, possessed a wealth far more significant than material possessions—knowledge and a genuine, kind spirit.

Chatru Ram Ji left an indelible impression on us, reminding us that learning is an ever-present opportunity waiting to be embraced in the most unexpected places.