International seminar kicks off
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Shillong, June 26 2014:
A two - day international seminar kicked off on Thursday at the North Eastern Hill University's (NEHU) Tura campus and was graced by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr.Mukul Sangma.
Dr.Sangma, addressing the gathering, dwelt on the need of linking entrepreneurship to rural development within a sustained model.
Speaking at the international seminar on 'Entrepreneurship in the Fast Changing Society: The Socio-Economic Perspective', Dr.Sangma said that the idea behind the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihoods Promotion (IBDLP) flagship program is to ensure sustained livelihoods through the transformation of the populace into entrepreneurs.
Dr.Sangma noted that institutions and individuals promoting rural development should link entrepreneurship as a strategic development intervention that could accelerate the rural development process.
Stating that his government is making an effort to encourage entrepreneurship in Meghalaya, he said, "There is an urgent need to promote rural enterprises, as farmers in rural areas do not grab this opportunity as lucrative, which is the cause of unprecedented migration to urban areas" .
Highlighting the different aspects of rural entrepreneurship, which has an enormous employment potential, he said, "Entrepreneurship stands as a vehicle to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities and to sustain a healthy economy and environment" .
On the need of holistic approach towards growth, Dr.Sangma said, "By convergence with different line departments and institutions, entrepreneurship can be promoted for economic change" .
He further stressed that the economic vitality of a country depends on the condition of social vitality while adding, "Without entrepreneurial capabilities which are well developed, external funds will be wasted on projects that will not provide long term economic growth." Pitching strongly for entrepreneurial skills for development, he remarked that development and growth should be based on human capital, which can be stimulated by igniting young minds.
"We have to equip the students with knowledge, who can carry out their ideas more effectively for transforming the lives of the people," said Sangma in this regard.
Speaking on his pet project - the IBDLP, he said, "To accelerate economic development in rural areas, it is necessary to increase the supply of entrepreneurs, thus building up the critical mass of first generation entrepreneurs, who will take risks and engage in the uncertainties of creating a new venture, create something from practically nothing and create values by pulling together a unique package of resources to exploit an opportunity.
By their example they will stimulate an autonomous entrepreneurial process, as well as dynamic entrepreneurship, thereby ensuring continuous rural development" .
In his keynote address, Professor S.S Khanka from National Institute of Financial Management, Faridabad said, "Entrepreneurship in rural areas is finding a unique blend of resources, either inside or outside of agriculture.
This can be achieved by widening the base of a farm business to include all the non-agricultural uses" .
Enlightening on the economic goals of an entrepreneur and the social goals of rural development, he said, "Indian economy will sky rocket, they will create wealth, services and jobs" .
The two day seminar is being attended by delegates from Cambodia, Syria, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Vice Chancellor of the University P.Shukla and Pro -Vice Chancellor, E..DThomas.
On the day, Dr.Sangma also inaugurated the newly constructed administrative block of the University at Tura.