Critical need for industry-academia collaborations

The Symposium on “Chamber-led Initiatives: Connecting Academia and Industry through Internships,” hosted by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, Govt. of West Bengal, witnessed a gathering of esteemed dignitaries, industry leaders, academic professionals, and distinguished guests, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia and industry. Mr. Hari Shankar Halwasiya, President of the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce, extended a warm welcome to the attendees, expressing gratitude to Mr. Manish Jain, Hon’ble Principal Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and School Education, Govt. of West Bengal, Mr. Hari Mohan Bangur, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd., Mr. Sajjan Bhajanka, Chairman of Century Plyboards (1) Ltd., Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Luxmi Tea Co. P. Ltd., Prof Saibal Chattopadhyay, Director-in-Charge of IIM Calcutta, Mr. K. K. Kejriwal, Chairman, Education & Skill Development Committee, Calcutta Chamber of Commerce and all distinguished guests for their presence and contributions to the symposium.
Highlighting the significance of industry-academia collaboration, Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Managing Director of Luxmi Tea Co. P. Ltd., emphasized, “The partnership between academics and industry is paramount for India’s economic growth. Just as capital and labor are essential, collaboration between academia and industry is integral to fostering innovation and propelling our nation’s economy forward.” Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Hari Mohan Bangur, Managing Director of Shree Cement Ltd., emphasized the critical role of internships in shaping the future workforce, stating, “Internships provide invaluable experience to students, preparing them for the demands of the industry. It is essential for companies to invest in these opportunities to nurture and empower our youth, who are eager to contribute to the workforce.”
Mr. Manish Jain, Hon’ble Principal Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and School Education, Govt. of West Bengal, reiterated the importance of creating platforms for students and introducing new opportunities to drive India’s economic growth. “As India gears to become the third largest economy globally, the collaboration between industry and academia is paramount in facilitating the transition of students from educational institutions to the industry,” he emphasized. Prof Saibal Chattopadhyay, Director-in-Charge of IIM Calcutta, shared insights into the institution’s commitment to fostering industry-academia linkages through comprehensive internship programs. “At IIM Calcutta, we recognize the significance of internships in bridging the gap between academia and industry. Our mission is to equip students with practical skills and industry exposure to prepare them for successful careers,” he affirmed.
The symposium served as a platform for meaningful discussions on enhancing collaboration between academia and industry, with a focus on optimizing internship experiences for students to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.