The Seva Sankramana program was meticulously organized with the intent of fostering in-depth discussions on education, industry collaboration, cultural values, and sustainable development in Mysore. The event brought together an esteemed panel of distinguished guests, thought leaders, and industry experts who shared their valuable insights into some of the most pressing challenges faced by society today. The primary objective of the program was to create a roadmap for meaningful progress and initiate solutions that could bridge gaps between academia, industry, and societal expectations.

The event was graced by notable guests, including Mysore University Chancellor Prof. N.K. Loknath, Smt. Tejaswini Ananthkumar, and Mr. Pavan Ranga. Each of them contributed significantly to the discussion, shedding light on crucial areas such as education, industry-academia relations, women’s cultural influences, and overall societal growth.

Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Education

Prof. N.K. Loknath emphasized that a significant disconnect continues to exist between academic institutions and industries. He elaborated on how education, rather than being used as a tool for acquiring knowledge, has been primarily seen as a means of securing employment. This trend has not only diminished the intrinsic value of learning but has also led to a growing mismatch between graduates’ skills and industry requirements.

Prof. Loknath stressed the following key points:

Integration of Practical Knowledge: He advocated for the incorporation of hands-on training and industry exposure within academic curricula. Theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient, students should be equipped with practical skills to make them more employable.

Enhancement of Problem-Solving Abilities: He underscored the importance of instilling a problem-solving mindset among students so they can effectively tackle real-world challenges.

Encouragement of Research and Innovation: Institutions should promote research-oriented learning, allowing students to explore new ideas and contribute to industry advancements.

Expanding Knowledge for Holistic Growth: The expansion of knowledge should not be confined to professional success alone but should also contribute to a student’s personal growth and ability to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and real-world application, institutions can help students become well-rounded professionals, ultimately bridging the industry-academia gap.

Industry-Academia Collaboration

NR Group Director Pavan Ranga provided valuable insights into the dire need for strong collaboration between universities and industries. He highlighted that most companies do not actively seek interns unless they possess relevant skills that align with industry demands. This disconnect between academic learning and corporate requirements results in a talent pool that is underprepared for practical job roles.

Need for Tailored University Programs: Universities should actively engage with industries to understand the evolving skill demands and tailor their courses accordingly. This will ensure that students graduate with industry-relevant expertise.

Creating Local Employment Opportunities: A significant challenge for Mysore is talent retention. He revealed that only 15-20% of graduates remain in Mysore for work opportunities, while the majority move elsewhere. To counteract this trend, concerted efforts must be made to develop job opportunities within the region.

Strengthening Internship Programs: Structured internship programs that offer students real-world exposure can help them gain necessary skills while also allowing companies to evaluate potential future employees.

He emphasized that for sustainable growth, Mysore must focus on industry-academia partnerships that create a win-win situation for both students and companies.

Cultural Influence on Women

Smt. Tejaswini Ananthkumar, President of Adamya Chetana Foundation, addressed concerns regarding the changing cultural landscape and its impact on young women. She expressed that while Indian culture is deeply rooted in strong values and traditions, many young women unknowingly adopt Western influences without being fully aware of their implications.

She highlighted that Indian history is rich with examples of strong and empowered women, but empowerment should not come at the cost of undermining others. Women should focus on growth and success while maintaining respect for their roots and values.

In addition to cultural discussions, she also emphasized the importance of waste management and sustainable practices. She highlighted how households, particularly kitchens, generate a significant amount of organic waste, which, if properly managed, can contribute to environmental sustainability. She advocated for the segregation of waste, composting organic kitchen waste, and promoting recycling initiatives at both household and community levels. By adopting responsible waste management practices, individuals can contribute to a cleaner environment while also fostering a culture of sustainability within families and communities. Furthermore, she urged the residents of Mysore to avoid plastic usage and instead opt for eco-friendly alternatives, promoting a greener and more sustainable way of living.

Challenges and Social Issues in Mysore

Dr. Basavaraju R., Executive Director of GRAAM, highlighted pressing socio-economic issues that require urgent attention in Mysore. His discussion was backed by data and real-life observations, which shed light on some concerning trends.

Financial Instability Among Women: A survey conducted a decade ago revealed that many women in Mysore were taking loans from multiple sources, indicating economic hardship and the need for better financial literacy programs.

Child Marriage Prevalence: Contrary to general belief, child marriage is not just a rural issue; it is increasingly being reported in urban areas as well. Stronger policies and awareness campaigns are required to curb this problem.

Declining Number of Government Schools: Around 20 government schools shut down each year in the district, raising concerns about the accessibility of affordable education for underprivileged children. Urgent intervention is required to prevent further closures and ensure educational opportunities for all.

He concluded by emphasizing that structured policies and continuous dialogues must be established to combat these challenges and ensure inclusive development in the region.

Comprehensive Development of Mysore

Yogatma Srihari, Founder of GSS YRF, outlined the key initiatives undertaken during the Seva Sankramana program. The event included:

• CSR Master Classes
• Panel Discussions
• Networking Sessions
• Workshops and Exhibitions

These activities aimed to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss Mysore’s holistic development. The primary areas of focus included:

• Education and Skill Development: Strengthening the educational framework to ensure that students graduate with practical skills.
• Sustainable Development: Encouraging environmentally responsible growth practices.
• Public Health and Infrastructure: Identifying and addressing the most critical challenges in healthcare and city planning.

He assured attendees that similar initiatives would be held regularly to drive consistent progress in Mysore.

Conclusion:

The Seva Sankramana program served as a crucial platform for experts, academicians, policymakers, and industry leaders to engage in insightful discussions about key issues affecting education, industry, culture, and social development. The event underscored the necessity of bridging industry-academia gaps, promoting skill-based education, preserving cultural integrity, and fostering local employment opportunities.