Jammu, July 15: “Start-ups require strong industry management linkages for their sustainability,” Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh said on Monday.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Orientation Programme for the new MBA cohort at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Jagti here, Dr Singh said that institutions like IIM play a crucial role in fostering successful start-ups.
He said many successful start-up stories are the result of robust industry connections. He cited the Aroma Mission, where the government acted as an enabler by building capacity for those involved in agri-start-ups focused on lavender and facilitating market access for Himalayan products like lavender-based perfumes.
The minister remarked on the potential of tapping into Himalayan bio-resources and unexplored minerals along coastal areas to significantly enhance India’s economy and promote self-reliance, or “AtmaNirbharta”. He said that India’s Coastal and Himalayan states, including Jammu and Kashmir, have much to offer for the country’s economic future.
Addressing the younger generation’s aspirations, Dr Jitendra said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, start-ups are thriving, creating new opportunities. “Technology has levelled the playing field, allowing everyone, regardless of their region, to seize opportunities,” he said.
He urged students to prepare for leadership roles as India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, saying that the youth will be the architects of a developed India. “The government is committed to equipping the younger generation with skills, training, and world-class education,” he said, adding that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will contribute significantly to this goal.
On the progress of IIIM-Jammu, the union minister said that in a few short years, it has established itself as a leading institution among new higher education establishments in the country. “From its early days of struggling to find faculty, it has come a long way,” he said, adding that the establishment of IIM Jammu is a key step towards providing quality education and nurturing future leaders to drive national growth.
Dr Singh also advocated for collaboration among institutions, saying, “The age of working in silos is over; the era of collaboration is here.” He encouraged IIM-Jammu, AIIMS-Jammu, IIT-Jammu, and Central University of Jammu to partner on research and development initiatives and artificial intelligence projects.
Upon his arrival, Dr Singh toured the state-of-the-art IIM-Jammu campus alongside Director Prof B S Sahay and AIIMS Jammu Director Dr Shakti Kumar Gupta. He concluded his visit by planting a sapling on the campus.
