NIT Jalandhar Hosts Inclusive Tech Workshop, Announces Free AI & 5G Courses

In a forward-looking initiative to democratize access to cutting-edge technological education, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jalandhar organized a high-impact Awareness Workshop on Capacity Building and Skill Development in Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, and Emerging Technologies. The workshop primarily targeted students from minority communities, with the goal of empowering them with skills aligned to the digital economy and emerging job markets.

Held on the NIT Jalandhar campus, the workshop drew participation from over 300 attendees, including students, faculty, researchers, and technocrats from Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other top-tier institutions.

Visionary Leadership and Inclusive Focus

The workshop was graced by Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Sravan Kumar Jatavath, Deputy Secretary, as the Guest of Honour. The event was presided over by Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, Director of NIT Jalandhar, and was also attended by Smt. Vimmy Bhullar, Director, Social Justice & Minorities, Government of Punjab.

In his keynote address, Dr. Kumar emphasized the need for India's educational institutions to evolve in tandem with technological advancements. He underlined that capacity building in AI, 5G, and digital technologies is not just a policy directive but a moral imperative for ensuring inclusive growth under national flagship missions like Viksit Bharat, AI Mission, and Digital India.

Dr. Kumar also acknowledged the Ministry's expanded focus beyond conventional education, now embracing innovation, lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, and employability as essential elements for uplifting minority communities. He referenced the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) as a pivotal scheme demonstrating the Ministry's proactive role in technology-led capacity building.

NIT Jalandhar: A Model for Inclusive Tech Education

Lauding NIT Jalandhar's proactive approach, Dr. Kumar described the institute's initiatives as a model framework that can be replicated nationwide. He commended the institute's integration of technological excellence with social inclusion, positioning it as a leader in building innovation ecosystems for underrepresented communities.

Echoing these sentiments, Smt. Vimmy Bhullar praised the Ministry's unwavering support in improving access to technical education. She highlighted how emerging technologies can serve as bridges to opportunity, especially for youth from marginalized backgrounds, and expressed optimism about scaling these efforts at the state level.

Hands-On Learning and Expert Engagement

The workshop featured technical sessions on Artificial Intelligence, 5G communication, and Cybersecurity, led by domain experts from premier institutions. These included:

• Expert lectures on foundational and applied AI

• Live demonstrations of 5G deployment use cases

• Interactive panels discussing future employment trends, reskilling, and digital entrepreneurship

Participants engaged in real-world scenarios and had opportunities to network with industry practitioners, academic mentors, and policymakers, making the workshop both informative and career-enabling.

Launch of Free Certification Programmes for Minority Students

Building on the success of the event, NIT Jalandhar announced a series of free certification programmes for students from minority backgrounds in:

• Cybersecurity

• 5G Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence

These courses aim to equip students with job-ready digital skills, making them more competitive in both the domestic and global employment markets.

Future Initiatives: Mentorship, Workshops, and Industry Linkages

NIT Jalandhar also unveiled plans for a structured mentorship programme, industry-aligned curricula, and quarterly technology workshops. These initiatives are aligned with government-backed schemes such as:

• PMKVY 4.0 (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana)

• STI Hubs (Science Technology and Innovation Hubs)

The institute seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, enhancing their employability and innovation potential.

A Step Toward Equitable Digital Transformation

This workshop represents a significant milestone in India's broader efforts to make the digital revolution inclusive, particularly for communities that have historically lacked access to advanced education and career opportunities. With initiatives like these, NIT Jalandhar is helping to create an equitable technology ecosystem where no community is left behind.

By blending visionary policy, academic excellence, and community engagement, the workshop showcased a replicable model of how institutions can play a central role in building a future-ready, inclusive India.