Activities of IGNOU IIC 3.0

Activities of IGNOU IIC 3.0 in 2020-2021

My Story - Motivational Session by Successful Innovators

As a part of IGNOU Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) activities, IGNOU RC Bangalore had arranged the National Webinar ‘My Story - Motivational Session by Successful Innovators’ on 19^th November, 2020. The Chief Resource Person was Dr. Hari Krishna Maram, Chairman of Vision Digital India, Vice Chancellor – Global Digital University, USA, President – Lead India Foundation and notable IGNOU Alumni. The main objective of the webinar was to motivate the students about the Entrepreneurship & Start-up as a career development. His entrepreneurship / start-up -focused talk educated & inspired the students the crucial life skills that will help them navigate this uncertain future. These skills include problem-solving, teamwork, motivation, ideation, innovation, as well as learning to accept failure as a part of personal & professional progress.

My Story - Motivational Session by Successful Entrepreneur/ Startup founder

As a part of IGNOU Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) activities, IGNOU RC Bangalore had arranged the National Webinar ‘My Story - Motivational Session by Successful Innovators’ on 27^th November, 2020. The Chief Resource Person was Indian Plastic Man, Padma Shri Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan, Scientist, Dean ECA and Professor, Dept. Of. Chemistry, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madhurai, Tamil Nadu. The main focus of the webinar was to organize a Motivational Session ‘on Innovator’s Life, success story and future scope’ by inviting Dr. Rajagopalan Vasudevan to share his success story by providing road map to idea generation & implementation, importance of right approach and execution methodology &how to overcome challenges & set target goals etc.

Since 2001, Dr. Vasudevan and his team at the Centre for Studies on Solid Waste Management (CSSWM) have been engaged in solving two pressing issues at the same time-- bad roads and ever increasing plastic waste. Dr.Vasudevan is responsible for laying down more than 5,000 km worth of plastic roads in at least 11 states across the country. Dr. Vasudevan, known as the ‘Plastic Man of India,’ has been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also awarded the Padma Shri in the Year 2018. Even two leading government bodies, Central Pollution Control Board and Indian Roads Congress have endorsed the method.

Orientation Session on National Education Policy (with a focus on Innovation and entrepreneurship

As a part of IGNOU Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) activities, Regional Centre, Patna organised on 28th December, 2020, a one day Orientation Session on National Education Policy (with focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship) with eminent Panelists like Prof. Rajesh Khambayat, Jt. Director, PSS Centre for Vocational Education, NCERT, Bhopal, Prof. N. K. Bishnoi, Prof. and Head, Department of Economics, GJ University, Hisar, Haryana and Prof N K Amabsht, Former Chairman, NIOS, New Delhi. The first Panelist Prof Rajesh Khambayat, while discussing the significance of innovation and entrepreneurship, he discussed the multidisciplinary institutions and programmes, academic bank of credits etc. Prof N K Bishnoi pointed out that the NEP requires education to be holistic, not compartmentalized with all flexible modes of education available. While talking about Global Entrepreneurship Monitoring, he informed the audience that India is one of the most enterprising countries with crores of entrepreneurs. there is an urgent need to highlight innovation, entrepreneurship and vocational education and social approval and change in mindset to make the Atmanirbhar Bharat really possible.

Workshop on Problem Solving and Ideation

The workshop on ‘Problem Solving and Ideation’ was held on January 18, 2021 at 11.00 AM in the virtual mode. The workshop resource persons included Dr. Oum Prakash Sharma and Dr. Moumita Das. The session was coordinated by Dr. Jyotsna Dikshit. Dr. Sharma talked about the concept of the problems, and described the process of problem solving highlighting the different stages of problem solving. Thereafter, he explained each stage of the problem solving process with the help of examples. He mentioned about the basic skills required for rational problem solving including to be sensitive towards needs and problem of the people, ability to gather information, set suitable problem solving goals, application of rational thinking and good decision making skills, etc.

Training Workshop on Pitching a Startup Idea for Entrepreneurship

A workshop on ‘Pitching a Startup Idea for Entrepreneurship’ was held on January 21st , 2021 at 11.00 AM in the virtual mode. The expert speaker of the workshop was Mr. Mahendra Kumar Gupta, Head/CEO, INurture Incubation Foundation, Gaziabad, UP. Initiating his talk Mr. Mahendra Kumar Gupta highlighted the basics about a pitch deck and explained to the students in details the various types of pitch deck like the twitter pitch, elevator, pitch, the competition pitch, and the investor pitch. He also explained when a particular type of pitch deck is used. he then explained the students about designing a pitch deck and explained the major components of a pitch deck like problem, solution, product, market size, business model, underlying magic, competition, different, marketing plan, team slide and traction.

Orientation Session on Writing Case Studies and Reports on Innovation Around Us

Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) at IGNOU and the Regional Centre, Patna jointly organized an Online Orientation Session on ‘Writing Case Studies and Reports on Innovation Around Us’ for IGNOU Students and IIC Members on January 31, 2021 at 11.00 AM in virtual mode. The Resource Person for the Orientation were Dr. Abhilash Nayak, Regional Director, Patna and Dr. Oum Prakash Sharma, Director, NCIDE, IGNOU.

At the outset Dr. Abhilash Nayak welcomed the participating Students, faculty and the IIC Members. Thereafter, Dr. Oum Prakash Sharma stated the need and objectives of the Orientation Session. He informed that the IIC-IGNOU and NCIDE is taking special measures to encourage and support IGNOU Students towards Innovation, Startup and Entrepreneurship so as to make them self reliant. He said the scheme of IGNOU-Udyami in a big step in this direction where and large number of students are showing their interest to get Training and Entrepreneurship.

Orientation Session for students by Innovation Ambassador

IGNOU Regional Centre (RC) Bhopal organised an Orientation Session by Innovation Ambassador for the IGNOU Students in virtual mode on 4^th December, 2020. Motivated students were asked to make presentations about their innovative ideas. Three such students, Ms Tejaswini Singh, Ms Santoshi and Ms Poonam Tewari, who had recently initiated innovative initiatives in their respective areas, were invited to present their views. Ms Tejaswini Singh made a presentation about her initiative which is popularly known as “Masterji ka Tohfa”. Ms Santoshi talked about her innovative initiatives to promote livelihoods of rural tribal women through the initiatives of Self Help Groups in village Reheti. Lastly Ms Poonam Tewari made a presentation about her ideas for educational upliftment of socio-economically deprived communities.

Orientation Session on National Innovation and Startup Policy

Under the patronage of Institution’s Innovation Council, NCIDE, IGNOU Regional Centre Bhopal coordinated a sensitization programme for Academic Counselors (ACs) about the “National Innovation and Start up Policy-2019 for students and Faculty”. The programme was held on 20th Dec 2020. This programme was organized primarily to sensitize the Academic Counsellors towards innovation and entrepreneurship. The academic counsellors are the key link between students and IGNOU. Therefore, any effort to sensitize the students about innovations and start-up related activities should involve Academic Counsellors also. Therefore, it was felt that orientation of academic counsellors is vital for proper implementation of “National Innovation and Startup Policy”. Moreover, it will help in actively engaging Academic Counsellors also in innovation and entrepreneurship related activities.

Training Session on Entrepreneurship Development for Atmanirbhar Bharat

The IIC organised a training session on “Entrepreneurship Development for Atmanirbhar Bharat” for IGNOU students on 20th January 2021. The session was taken by Dr. Anupriya Pandey, Assistant Professor, School of Management Studies. Dr. Anupriya Pandey began the talk by explaining the concept of entrepreneurship. She elaborated on the role of entrepreneurship in the development of the society. Thereafter she elaborated on the schemes of the government schemes that are nurturing entrepreneurships, such as the MSME etc. MSME has a huge role to play to revive the economy. She explained the importance of self help groups, supported by the government, to drive and boost entrepreneurship. She also discussed the importance of demographic dividend. Creating, innovating and establishing business organization is entrepreneurship. She explained that there are certain risks involved, which need to be dealt with. She said that one has to come out of one’s comfort zone to become an entrepreneur.

Session on Identifying Intellectual Property component at the early stage of Innovation

On 12^th January 2021, the Indira Gandhi National Open University Institution’s Innovation Council & Regional Centre Bangalore arranged the online session on ‘Identifying Intellectual Property component at the early stage of Innovation’. The speaker was Dr. V. Sudesh, Professor, University Law College, Bangalore University, Bengaluru. The main theme of webinar was “Innovation”. The thrust areas were “Validation and Concept Development”. Dr. V. Sudesh mainly focussed on the Intellectual Property component used to protect a new technology, product or service, which deals with Copyrights, Design rights, Trademarks, Trade secrets etc. He also explained the practical aspects of business knowledge and expertise required in IPR field related to innovation. He discussed about the role of Intellectual Property Laws for long term strategic benefits and competitive edge.

Training Session on Design Thinking and Critical Thinking for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A workshop on Design Thinking and Critical Thinking for Innovation and Entrepreneurship was organized on 19 January, 2021. The expert speakers of the session of the online training workshop were Dr. Jyotsna Dikshit, Deputy Director, NCIDE and Dr. Moumita Das, Assistant Director, NCIDE. Dr. Jyotsna Dikshit began the talk by explaining the process of design thinking. She explained the process of design thinking through real life examples and said that the main purpose of design thinking is to create or re-engineer products or services that people want. She highlighted that design thinking is about understanding of human needs and defining the existing problems in human centred ways. This could be done through creating ideas, prototyping and testing. Dr. Jyotsna also mentioned that design innovation is mainly about desirability (people), viability (business) and feasibility (technology). Dr. Moumita Das spoke about the various ideation techniques to address the identified problems. She said that it helps to bring an innovative product or service to market. She explained the types of thinking techniques such as divergent thinking which involves creating choices and convergent thinking which is about making choices. She explained the SCAMPER technique and provided examples through highlighting various problems which were faced by IGNOU students during COVID-19 lockdown and how these were innovatively addressed through ideation by the same students.

Orientation Session on Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Innovation Ambassadors

Institutions Innovation council (IIC)-IGNOU in collaboration with the innovation Club @RC, Patna organized an Orientation session on Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Innovation Ambassadors for the students registered through IGNOU Udyami portal on 22nd February, 2021. Dr O. P. Sharma, Director, NCIDE, Dr. Abhilash Nayak, Regional Director, RC Patna and Dr Jyotsna Dikshit, Deputy Director, NCIDE were the resource Persons for the orientation session. While talking about the objectives of the IGNOU Udyami, Dr Sharma said that the IGNOU Udyami aims at encouraging and training the interesting IGNOU students towards innovation, startup and entrepreneurship, thus harnessing the potential of IGNOU students towards Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission of the Government of India.

Thereafter, Dr Abhilash Nayak, gave a presentation on Innovation and Entrepreneurship highlighting the concept of innovation, various types of innovation and their relevance in context with the entrepreneurship. Then, Dr Jyotsna Dikshit gave a presentation on IKIGAI FOR Entrepreneurs. In her presentation she explained how the age old Japanese secret tradition of IKIGAI could be used as a beginning step for the young entrepreneurs.

Panel discussion on Entrepreneurship and Emerging Technologies

As an activity of Institutional Innovation Council, the NCIDE and IGNOU Regional Centre Bhopal jointly organised a panel discussion on the theme of“Entrepreneurship and Emerging Technologies” on 20^th March, 2021. Eminent experts were invited to sensitize the faculty and students about new start up opportunities coming up across the world with the advent of cutting edge technologies. The experts were Mr Sanjay Upreti, Advisory Engineer at IBM, Lexington, Mr. Sanjay Pathak, Founder of Osteoskill India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi, and Mr. Aditya Joshi, co-founder of Greendeck, an AI based price optimization and competitor monitoring company. Mr Sanjay Pathak and Mr Aditya Joshi shared their experiences about the technological applications made by them in their start ups. After this, Mr Sanjay Upreti gave an overview of different startup opportunities for the students and Academics.

Session on How to Plan for Start-up and Legal & Ethical Steps

On 21st March, 2021, IGNOU’s Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) Regional Centre Bangalore organised the online Session on “How to plan for Start-up and legal & Ethical Steps”. The main theme of Webinar was Startup. The thrust areas were prototype, design, process development for business model/process/services. Dr. V. Shanmugasundaram, Professor and Research Supervisor in Management, Annamalai University was the Chief Resource Person of the event. The webinar was mainly focussed on the Start-ups, strategies, legal and ethical issues involved. Dr. Shanmugasundaram explained about business plan and startup, how to start a business, competencies of strategic planning, how to write a business plan, objectives and mission of business plan to be defined, market analysis, research analysis, startup costs, products, service portfolio, marketing and sales plan, promotion strategies, legal issues, and ethical issues. He also informed about the evaluation of a company, Startup India initiatives of Government of India, what are the best Startup of India, what are the risks, how to face the challenges, etc., in detail with illustrations. He explained how innovation and startup are related. He interacted with the students and answered all their queries related to startup and business.

Workshop on Business Model Canvas (BMC)

In order to guide and assist the interested students of IGNOU for Business Model Canvas Development, IIC at NCIDE, IGNOU organized an Asynchronous Orientation Workshop between 15th April 2021 - 25th May, 2021. This was an orientation part for the Round 01 of the Business Plan Competition-2021. In Round 01 the participant teams were requested to provide a Business Model Canvas. As our students are geographically apart and also due to the Second Wave of COVID-19, we imparted training to the students using different technology tools in an asynchronous mode. The Workshop Material and Tools including MS Word Template, Google Forms, Video Programmes, emails, etc. For this purpose following online resources were made available to the students. As an output, 54 teams were able to prepare the Business Model Canvas as per the template and submitted the same along with the complete form related to the Business Model Canvas Development.

Panel discussion with innovation and Startup Ecosystem Enablers from the region/state/national level

As an activity of IIC, Session with innovation and Startup Ecosystem Enablers of IGNOU was organized on June 18, 2021 through Facebook Live. The Chief Resource Persons were Dr. Sujata Santosh, Assistant Director, NCIDE, IGNOU and Dr. O. P. Sharma, Director, NCIDE, IGNOU. Dr. Sujata Santosh explained the concept of innovation ecosystem and deliberated on its various aspects. She said that the innovation ecosystem comprises many elements, that include not only comprises economical aspect, but also technology, infrastructure and the stakeholders, etc. In the context of the University, innovation ecosystems play a role of catalyst to promote innovation. Dr. O. P. Sharma said that the role of the Universities has changed and now they encourage the students to be innovators and become job providers instead of job seekers. He explained the concepts of innovation and startup with examples.

Orientation session for all students and faculties of Institute by Innovation Ambassador

As an activity of IIC, an Orientation session for all students & faculties of Institute by Innovation Ambassador Dr. Sujata Santosh was organized on June 26, 2021 through Facebook Live. The topic was “Can I be an Innovator?” The Chief Resource Person was Mr. Harshal Sanghvi, Founder Essentech. Dr. Sujata introduced the students to the topic and encouraged them to be successful innovators. Mr. Sanghvi gave an overview of the existing scenario which can point to a need of the society. An innovator entrepreneur identifies this need and tries to offer the best services to the clients. He further talked about the various types on innovation, and also various stages of innovation on how to develop an idea. He explained the different steps of bringing an idea to fruition. His talk was followed by a lively discussion with the students.

Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and IP management for Startups

Institutions Innovation council (IIC)-IGNOU in collaboration with the innovation Club @RC, Patna organized a Workshop on Intellectual Property & IP Management for Start Up for students registered through IGNOU Udyami portal on 16th July 2021. Dr. K.S. Kardam, Former Senior Controller of Patents and Designs, India Patent Office, New Delhi was the Chief Resource Person on this occasion. Dr. Kardam started his presentation with the statement that knowledge or intellectual property can be shared or licensed just like physical property and one can earn money by using intellectual property. Then he defined property, explained the concept of property, types of property like tangible or intangible property and features of intellectual property. He then highlighted the significance of Intellectual Property Rights and Patents. Then he talked about Designs, the second category under IPR and explained how and why it is important to protect the designs. Afterwards, he discussed Trademarks, Geographic Indications, Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Right Protection, Integrated Circuits Layout Designs as different types of IPR that can be protected.

Session on Building an Innovation/ product fit for market

As an activity of IIC, a Session on Building an Innovation/ product fit for market on the topic “Why should I think of Entrepreneurship in my life?” was organized on July 02, 2021 through Facebook Live. The Chief Resource Person was Mr. Saurav Kumar, Assistant Professor, ITS Engineering College, Greater NOIDA. Mr. Saurav Kumar introduced the topic of entrepreneurship and deliberated on how an innovative idea can be converted into a commercial product. He said that it is possible for anyone to become an entrepreneur. He further said that unique ideas for the market are generated by thinking about the problems and novel solutions for them.

Session on Prototype Validation - Converting Prototype into a Start-up

As an activity of IIC, a Session on the topic “Converting Your Idea or Prototype into a Start-up” was organized on July 09, 2021 through Facebook Live. The Chief Resource Person was Dr. Anupriya Pandey, Assistant Professor, School of Management Studies, IGNOU. Dr. Anupriya Pandey introduced the concepts of innovation and invention and the importance of the entrepreneurs in commercializing innovations. She said that Start up is a process that starts with sensing the environment. Thereafter, identification of business opportunity is a must followed by a thorough market research. Branding plays an important role in marketing. A robust Business Plan preparation and assessment is required for a successful start up. Other considerations include a careful choice of a co-founder, comfortable work-station, collaboration and networking, raising capital and incubation.

Session on Accelerators/Incubation - Opportunities for the Students & Faculties - Early Stage Entrepreneurs

As part of the activities of the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) The IGNOU Regional Centre Bhopal scheduled a Panel discussion on “Accelerators and Incubation Opportunities for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs" through a web meeting on 13th July, 2020. The chief resource persons were the following:1. Shri Yogesh D. Brahmankar, CEO, SCEI , Symbiosis Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Technology Business Incubator supported by DST, Govt. of India, 2. Shri Arjun Panchal, Founder – PapaZapata and Startup Mentor, 3. Shri Ronald Fernandez, Chief Executive Officer, AIC-RNTU Foundation, (Incubation Centre supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog), and 4. Mr. Jacob Poulose, Operations Lead-FAIRE(A Social Alpha JV), Director Incubation Operations. Mr. Yogesh D. Brahmankar said that there are two types of incubators based on govt funding or private funding. He explained the activities of an incubator. Shri Arjun Panchal motivated the students by saying that today’s scenario is such that one should think of entrepreneurship instead of jobs. Shri Ronald Fernandez focused on why startup is important and why Govt. of India is supporting it. Mr. Jacob Poulose said that young talent needs to be motivated and a conductive environment should be created for entrepreneurship. He elaborated on the activities of Social Alpha.

Session on Angel Investment/ VC Funding Opportunity for Early Stage Entrepreneurs

The NCIDE & Innovation Club of RC Bangalore, Indira Gandhi National Open University collaboratively conducted the online event Angel Investment and Venture Capitalist Funding Opportunity for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs‟ on 17th July 2021. Dr. V Arulmurugan, Asst. Professor & Research Supervisor, Pondicherry University was the chief resource person. In his presentation he provided a clear picture of entrepreneurial finance for startups, role of angel investor for a business start up, how to meet them, the various schemes offered by Government of India for start-ups, the entrepreneurial challenges, entrepreneurial opportunities & feasible suggestions etc., He provided complete guidelines regarding inspired IGNOU students to become entrepreneur with angle investment or to become an angel investor. The session fulfilled the moto of IIC event and covered the thrust area “ Start-up and related Ecosystem”.

Workshop on Prototype/Process Design and Development – Prototyping

A workshop on “Prototype/Process Design and Development” was organised by National Centre for Innovations in Distance Education IGNOU and IGNOU Regional Centre as part of the calendar activities of the Institution's Innovation Council (IIC). The programme was organised through a web meeting on 25th July, 2021 (Sunday, 11 AM). The resource persons were Dr. Pankaj Parashar Founder, Cutting Edge Medical Devices Pvt. Ltd., Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, Mr. Suhail Shekh Head- “Entrepreneur-in-Residence programme” at Social Alpha and Aditya Joshi Co-founder & COO, Greendeck.

KAPILA: Kalam Program For IP Literacy And Awareness

The MIC organized the KAPILA: Kalam Program for IP Literacy And Awareness. On 18th October, 2020. The objective was to generate awareness about IPR. Mr. Varun Chamadiya, Founder Proactive I gave a talk on Lateral Thinking-How to Generate Revolutionary Ideas.

The Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) IGNOU informed in advance all the IGNOU students across India about the session through IGNOU Regional Centres, and also asked the IIC members, the Faculty, administrative officers and staff members to attend the talk. Mr. Chamadiya began the session by asking to think about everyday pressing problems and list them. The structure of all problems can be broken into six fundamental problems, 5W 1H, namely who, why, what, when, where and how. He explained that the objective of the session was to come up with out of the box ideas, understand and learn a new skill. It was telecast on MIC YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhSpJPnIIdc&feature=youtu.be)

Orientation Session on Methods of Exploring and Capturing Values from Indian Agriculture and Health Sector

The IIC-MIC organised an orientation session on Indian Knowledge System (IKS) on 3rd November 2020 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. The aim was to generate awareness among the faculty members and students from Higher Education Institutions and in exploring their contributions to IKS in the sector of Agriculture and Health. The topic was “Methods of Exploring and Capturing values from Indian Agriculture and Health Sector” and the speakers were Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE and Shri A B Shukla COO, IKS, AICTE. It was telecast on MIC YouTube Channel ( https://youtu.be/wJM0CXJMGZk).

Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe said that we have forgotten our past ancient technology. The 64 forms of art that we know today already existed. If this knowledge is incorporated in out textbooks, the students can read and be proud of it. Giving examples of sustainable agriculture and cases during COVID pandemic times, he said that the ancient knowledge agriculture and health sector have the knowledge and remedies that need to be elicted. The Ministry of Education has planned the establishment of a Division named Indian Knowledge System. Shri A B Shukla said that traditional knowledge has come to help during COVID times. Taking various examples, such as ginger ale and turmeric latte being used in the western world, he said that these were traditional knowledge of ancient India where ginger and turmeric have been used to boost immunity. He said that to protect this traditional knowledge several initiatives have been taken by India, such as patent protection and Traditional Digital Knowledge Library. Similarly, he gave examples of Arunachali and Sentanelese fires that have been kept burning for centuries. Our villages have relied on traditional knowledge since ancient times. Our festivals, yoga, fasting etc., are as per the nature and change of seasons. All these have to be protected.

This session was attended by IGNOU students, teachers and the academic faculty of IGNOU Regional Centres from all over the country, the Institution’s Innovation Council Members, and the administrative staff.

Session on Why IP is important in academia?

The Ministry of Education Innovation Cell organized the event – Talk Cum Presentation on “Why IP is important in academia?” on 26rd April, 2021 at 11 AM IST through YouTube Live. The Speakers were Dr. Abhay Jere, CEO, MIC and Mr. Mohit Gambhir, Director, MIC. Dr. Jere said it is important to inculcate innovative ideas among the youngsters. Creation of small and medium entrepreneurships is important for India. Intellectual Property plays a very important role in this. The MIC has initiated the KAPILA programme where the educational institutes will be facilitated in educating the students, financial support and the filing of the IP for the students. Dr. Gambhir said that in a knowledge based economy revolves around ideas. Universities are engaged in many types of researches that creates value. Citing case studies, he said that many universities abroad have created value and set up startups. Protection of the IP generated through the knowledge generated in universities can play a very important role in the economy in the country. Universities should, therefore, have Intellectual Property Management and IP Policy.

The IGNOU IIC had informed, in advance, the members, IGNOU Faculty and the Regional Centres for disseminating the information to all students and many IGNOU students and faculty members attended it from the headquarters and regional Centres across India.

Talk on “From your Ph.D./ Masters Thesis to a Startup"

The event – Talk Cum Presentation on “From your Ph.D. /Masters Thesis to a Startup” was organized by Ministry of Education Innovation Cell on 23rd April, 2021. The Speaker was Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder and CMD, Persistent Systems. The very first striking point of the report was breaking the myth that “Researchers cannot become Entrepreneurs”. In fact, these two have many common skills and whatever knowledge one has gained through their research activities can be imparted successfully in creating the jobs. At a later stage in the talk, this was again emphasized that Ph.D is very much like an entrepreneurial role and the focus should be to become a job creator rather than a job seeker. The IGNOU IIC had informed, in advance, the members, IGNOU Faculty and the Regional Centres for disseminating the information to all students and many IGNOU students and faculty members attended it from the headquarters and Regional Centres across India.

Page updated

Report abuse