Chhattisgarh: Nav Gurukul scripting new identity of naxal-hit Dantewada
Dantewada (Chhattisgarh) [India], July 20 (HBTV): Insurgency-hit Dantewada district is scripting a new identity by producing market-ready youth skilled in coding and modern technologies through the district-level campaign Nav Gurukul.
Nav Gurukul is an initiative being run from Education City, where 30–50 students are selected for training in technologies such as coding, artificial intelligence, and computer skills, said Dantewada Collector Kunal Dudawat.
He stated that the objective of the training is to prepare students for professional employment. Last year, 30 students received training under the campaign, resulting in remarkable placement outcomes. 'Through this move, we are making the existing youth of Dantewada market ready and preparing them for future technologies so that they can obtain better employment avenues, and simultaneously, companies get trained staff,' Dudawat added.
To expose school children to technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and space sciences, the district administration has also developed a science centre integrated with the school education system.
'We are making graduates and polytechnic degree holders market-ready in fields like coding by subjecting them to one-and-a-half years of training through Nav Gurukul,' Dudawat said.
Tripti Bisen from the admission and outreach section of Nav Gurukul said the centre offers two courses—coding and business. In the coding course, students learn to create websites, applications, and games using languages such as HTML, Java, Python, and others. The business course prepares students to start their own ventures or secure good jobs.
Out of 150 available seats, 100 students are currently enrolled. Bisen noted that there are dedicated seats for girl students. Most students come from blocks like Kuakonda, Katekalyan, Geedam, and remote villages of Dantewada.
She added that students who have passed Class 10 or 12, or are pursuing graduation, can simultaneously study at Nav Gurukul. Last year, 70 students received job placements.
Divya Sola, a student from Bijapur, said, 'After joining Nav Gurukul, I learned coding languages like Java, HTML, CSS, and Python. I completed the course in six months and secured a job as a software developer at a tech company in Jagdalpur. Apart from coding, I have learned soft skills like teamwork, time management, and leadership development.'
Debashish, a student from Bacheli, said Nav Gurukul helped many youth avoid costly professional degrees like BTech in Computer Science. 'Here the course is completely free. If anyone wants to learn coding, this is a great place to do so,' he said.
Gungun, a student from Dantewada, shared that since joining Nav Gurukul, her confidence has significantly improved. 'From the induction day, I started learning new things and discovered strengths within myself. I always had an interest in programming but didn’t know where to start. After getting information about Nav Gurukul, I cracked the entrance exam and joined. It also helped me improve my English-speaking skills and boosted my confidence,' she said.
(ANI)