To focus the experiences of academicians, administrators and entrepreneurs to motivate the faculty and students of the farm university, two day – National summit on Education, Entrepreneurship and Excellence and a National Workshop on Innovation and Leadership Development is organized on 19 and 20 March 2021 at 10.00 AM in Farmers Knowledge Centre UAS, Dharwad. It created a platform to bring together some of India’s most brilliant minds to share their strategies and insights about how one can face and embrace the opportunities and to face challenges in entrepreneurship development. Dr. Aravind Kumar, a renowned educationist, researcher and Vice-Chancellor of Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi invited as a chief guest of the summit. Shri. H.H. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji Spiritual Leader and a sole trustee of Shri Kshetra Siddhigiri Math and Siddhagiri Gurukul Foundation (SGF) Kolhapur, Maharashtra, inaugurated the summit. Eminent personalities such as Dr. N. K. Krishna Kumar, Former DDG (Horticulture), ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. G.Venkateshwarulu, ADG (EQA &R), KAB-II, ICAR, Pusa New Delhi, B. V. Sathyanarayana, Former Deputy Head, K-Tech & Dept. of IT and ST, Gov, Khansingh Nirvan adviser to UP Chief Minister and all the members of Board of Management were invited to the summit. Dr. Mahadev B. Chetti, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, UAS, Dharwad presided over the National summit.
Shri. H.H. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji expressed that in 70 years after Independence, India achieved food security but failed to achieve social peace. Although, more than 60% of the population is still engaged in Agriculture directly or indirectly, number of Agriculture colleges is less compared to Medical and Engineering colleges. He urged students to become assets and not liabilities to the parents, society and nation. Dr.Aravind Kumar urged that the agriculture graduates should aim to become industry ready and employable; then only they can get suitable jobs. UAS, Dharwad is known for sustainable growth with strong agricultural base and the policy should aim for its quality education in his chief guest address.The policy should aim for sustainable growth with strong agricultural base. India has achieved tremendous growth with higher agricultural production in the country. Agriculture plays an important role in achieving five trillion economy by the year 2024. New education policy aims at making the students more practical and diversified learning. In this regard, National Agricultural Higher Education Project is an important project exposing staff and students to the world standards. Dr. Mahadev B. Chetti urged the students to make use of the summit and requested them to become entrepreneurs and University is ready to extend all the support in their endeavour. Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, Former Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir gave presentation on “Reimagining vocational training and skill development for better entrepreneurship”. Dr. G. Venkateshwarulu, ADG (EQA &R), New Delhi explained the key role of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in the field of Agripreneurship.
Dr. Santosh Attavar, MD, Indo American Hybrids, Bengaluru, emphasizedon how agriculture is operating in world in the field of export, 3.4% GDP growth during lockdown is only in agriculture sector and now everything is pointing upward in India. Later he said seed policies need to be revised, quality maintenance is very important and team work among the youths in entrepreneurship will lead to the success. Mr. Khansingh Nirvan adviser to UP Chief Minister, Progressive farmer explained on cow based entrepreneurship. Dr. P. U. Krishnaraj, Co-ordinator, NAHEP-IDP, Professor and Head welcomed the guest and Dr. B. N. Aravind Kumar, Professor of Agronomy and Nodal Officer, IDP proposed vote of thanks and Dr. K. V. Ashalatha, Associate Co-ordinator, NAHEP, IDP, Professor and Head, Agriculture Statistics anchored and gave introduction about the conference. Officers of the University and students of all constituent colleges of UAS, Dharwad participated in the programme in large number.