(L-R) BP Kalyani, Neiphiu Rio, Dr. Leena Deshpande, Hekani
Jakhalu, and others at the ‘Centre of Excellence in Industry 4.0–Srujan’ on
Friday. (EM Images)
DIMAPUR — Describing
it as a “playground of possibilities” for the youth of Nagaland, Chief Minister
Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in Industry 4.0–Srujan at the
Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC) in Dimapur on Friday.
The centre is aimed at equipping over 500 youth annually
with advanced technical skills in robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D
simulation, and smart automation.
The project is a collaborative initiative involving the
government of Nagaland, Bharat Forge Limited under its CSR wing, and SimuSoft
Technologies, with support from the department of Industries & Commerce.
“This centre is not just a building or a laboratory—it is a
testament to Nagaland’s resolve to embrace the future with confidence, innovation,
and skill,” Rio said, highlighting the state's aspiration to participate
meaningfully in the fourth industrial revolution.
He acknowledged Bharat Forge’s support in selecting NTTC for
the CSR initiative, and thanked the company for placing its faith in Naga
youth. He also requested Bharat Forge to “be our ambassador” and encourage
their industry partners and peers to discover the “talent, innovation, and
untapped potential” in Nagaland.
Rio noted that the centre aims to create opportunities in
spaces where challenges have long existed. “The skills you gain here will not
just secure jobs—they will create them,” he told stakeholders, trainees and the
youth.
“Whether you dream of starting a tech venture, improving
agricultural tools with AI, or designing solutions for our communities, this is
your launchpad,” he added.
The chief minister also commended the NTTC and the
department of Industries & Commerce, and said that the government would
continue supporting such collaborations between industry and academia.
“Let this centre be a living ecosystem where start-ups
flourish with mentorship from industry leaders; research solves local
challenges, from sustainable farming to healthcare; and Nagaland becomes a hub
for Industry 4.0 talent in the Northeast,” he said.
Bridging education and employment
In his address, P Tokugha Sema, Director of Industries &
Commerce and CEO of NTTC, reflected on the institution’s journey since its
establishment in 2006 with a mission to “bridge the gap between education and
employment.”
Over the past 19 years, NTTC has trained more than 10,000
youth, achieving a 70% placement rate.The centre has pioneered vocational training across disciplines
including tooling, automobile mechanics, food processing, and rural
technologies.
“With this Centre of Excellence, we take a quantum leap
forward,” Sema said.
With the addition of Industry 4.0 capabilities such as 3D
printing, robotics, and AI, “we’re not just upgrading equipment; we’re
future-proofing our youth for the digital industrial revolution,” he added.
Crediting partners Bharat Forge and SimuSoft Technologies
for their critical roles in the centre’s development, the director also thanked
the state government for its sustained policy and logistical support.
The roadmap ahead, he said, includes training 500 youth
annually in next-generation technologies, supporting start-ups through
incubation under Start-up Nagaland, and serving as a Northeast model with
support from NEC and MSME.
Dr. Leena Deshpande, Associate Vice President (HR) and Head
of CSR at Bharat Forge Limited, highlighted the company’s long-standing
commitment to community development and skill enhancement. Known for developing
120 villages in Maharashtra, she shared her personal connection to Nagaland and
lauded the NTTC team and government officials for their dedication.
Stating that the company believes in “giving back to the
society that has given us so much,” Dr. Deshpande expressed hope that this
centre would equip Naga youth with skills that make them employable not only in
India but globally.
She also underscored Bharat Forge’s intention to expand its
support beyond NTTC to ITIs, diploma colleges, and other technical institutions
in Nagaland to build a broader and inclusive skill ecosystem.
BP Kalyani, Executive Director of Bharat Forge Ltd.,
described the project as a “milestone that represents not just an investment in
infrastructure but a deep commitment to the people and youth of the Northeast.”
Emphasising the company’s belief in human capital,
infrastructure, and technology, he said that the centre is a step towards
advanced hands-on, industry-relevant training that connects education with
employment. “And more importantly, it stands as a symbol of what's possible
when institutions, corporates and communities come together with a shared
vision.”
Kalyani also highlighted India’s global leadership in
digital technology and called on young Nagas to embrace innovation. “Your
journey from this room may one day take you to the best manufacturing floors,
design labs, or innovation hubs in the world,” he told students, while assuring
continued support from Bharat Forge to co-create future programmes aligned with
both industry needs and local aspirations.
