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14 years ago, I moved to Dharamshala.
A peaceful place, away from the chaos of cities. But even here, I saw something that needed to change.

Every year, hundreds of students join MCA, BCA, or B Tech programs in the colleges around Dharamshala. Most of them come from agricultural backgrounds, small towns, or villages. Sincere — but unaware of what the real world of tech work looks like.

They’ve never seen a startup. Never spoken to a professional. And yet, one day, they’ll be expected to work in Mohali, Delhi, or maybe even Bangalore.

So I started visiting these campuses. Talking to students. Listening to them. Telling them what life as a working professional really looks like.

No camera, no mic, no agenda. Just conversations. I’ve been doing this — quietly, informally — for 14 years.

But I wanted to do more. So we started a small initiative. Dharamshala.co

We pick students from local colleges. Mentor them for 6 to 9 months. Help them learn new skills, do small projects, work on real-world problems. Some of them even get internships and full-time jobs.

Last year, nearly 100 students came through our doors. Many of them are now working in Chandigarh, Delhi, and beyond.

It’s not massive. But it’s real. And it matters.

Because no matter how fast AI and tech evolve, the basics remain the same:

Respect time.
Find mentors.
Work hard.
Stay curious.
Keep learning.

If you’re a student, reach out. Write to us.

If you’re a professional, consider joining us as a mentor.

If you’re from a top college and want to give back — come teach, coach, share your story.
You’ll be surprised how much you learn when you start teaching.

We may be in a small town, but our dreams are big. And every student deserves a shot at flying.

Let’s help them fly.

(Earlier published on LinkedIn)

hashtag#Mentorship hashtag#Students hashtag#CareerDevelopment hashtag#TechForGood hashtag#GiveBack hashtag#Dharamshala hashtag#MCA hashtag#Education hashtag#AI hashtag#Careers hashtag#LearningByDoing

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

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

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

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

🎙️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

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

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

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