Extension of Industry 4.0 SRUJAN centre inaugurated at NTTC Dimapur.
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DIMAPUR — Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu, along with Dr. Leena Deshpande, vice president (HR) and CSR head of Bharat Forge Ltd., inaugurated the extension of the Centre of Excellence for Industry 4.0 – SRUJAN under the company’s CSR initiative, with technical support from SimuSoft Technologies, at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC), Dimapur, on Friday.
Addressing the event as special guest, Jakhalu stated that intensive interventions have been carried out at NTTC over the past two years, and acknowledged the contributions and partnership of the Director of Industries & Commerce, CEO of NTTC Dimapur P Tokugha Sema, Bharat Forge Ltd., and SimuSoft Technologies.
She stated that the Government of Nagaland is committed to creating platforms and an enabling ecosystem for youth, and remarked that such initiatives are like planting a seed that, when nurtured well, will continue to benefit generations to come.
The advisor said that while leaders and officials may move on, they will take pride in having created opportunities for young people to grow, earn livelihoods, and contribute to the state.
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Referring to recent developments, Jakhalu noted the inauguration of key initiatives, including an AI centre for handicrafts and handloom, and highlighted that Nagaland remains the only state in the Northeast with a Centre of Excellence for Industry 4.0.
She went on to state that, whether one likes it or not, technology will define the way of life, and urged the youth to ensure they are not left behind but instead become frontrunners in the field of technology, not only in Nagaland but across the Northeast.
She cited a training programme in collaboration with a German company, stating that the first batch would comprise around 20 to 22 candidates, while only 54 people had applied, which she described as insufficient.
She expressed concern that despite offering advanced, high-tech training along with assured job opportunities in Germany, the response from applicants remained low and asserted that a minimum of 500 young people should be fighting to get that seat.
Jakhalu called for greater participation, stressing the importance of merit, excellence, and hard work, adding that success comes through dedication, with “99% hard work and 1% luck.”
Dr. Leena Deshpande, the guest of honour, highlighted that Bharat Forge, one of the world’s largest forging companies, operates across multiple sectors including automotive, defence, aerospace, renewable energy, EVs, and emerging technologies such as missiles and drones.
She said that the company has long been committed to social responsibility, focusing on community development and skill-building even before the CSR Act of 2013.
She said Bharat Forge has worked extensively in Maharashtra and expanded its efforts to other regions like Nagaland to promote skill development among youth.
Deshpande underlined the importance of Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI in shaping the future workforce, adding that technology alone is not enough without a supportive ecosystem for learning, employability, and entrepreneurship.
She stressed the need for incubation centres, industry tie-ups, and tailored training programmes to equip students with relevant skills.
She also lauded initiatives like the Germany employment connect programme and expressed confidence that NTTC has developed the capacity to carry forward these efforts.
Deshpande further added that introducing technology at the school level is crucial to preparing the next generation for future opportunities.
Highlighting the extension of the Centre of Excellence (CoE), Imnayanger Imchen, assistant general manager of NTTC, Dimapur, stated that the upgrade brings three key transformations to the campus.
Firstly, under sustainable energy, a 50 kW solar hybrid system installed by Aboriginal Energy now powers the entire administrative building.
Secondly, the modernisation of learning spaces has converted classrooms into interactive hubs equipped with digital tools and panels linked directly to the CoE, enabling students to access live data and observe real-time lab operations.
Lastly, the Industrial Electrical Building Kit, along with the DOL Starter Motor setup by Schneider Electric, allows students to gain practical experience in motor wiring, control circuits, and other industry-relevant applications.