THANNAMANDI, Sep 30: Government Degree College Thannamandi, Rajouri, successfully hosted the Second Boot Camp under the Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), District Centre Rajouri, and the Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC), GDC Thannamandi. The programme organised under the guidance and supervision of the College Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Shamim Ahmad Azad, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 155 students.
The Boot Camp aimed to sensitise students towards identifying real-world socio-economic and environmental challenges, developing innovative solutions, and exploring entrepreneurship as a viable career option. As part of the programme, 13 students pitched their startup ideas before a panel of experts and judges. The entrepreneurial ideas presented by three students—Mohd Ateeq (1st), Mehak Fatima (2nd), and Madiha Fatima (3rd)—demonstrating utmost creativity, innovation, feasibility and promising entrepreneurial potential were selected for further opportunities to develop their ideas into viable ventures.
In his address, Prof. Shamim Ahmed Azad, who was also Chief Guest on the Occasion, appreciated the initiative of JKEDI and emphasised the need to inculcate innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills among students at an early stage. He further encouraged students to actively participate in such initiatives and utilise available platforms to transform their innovative ideas into meaningful ventures.
During the programme, Mehraj Ud Din Bhat, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI Rajouri, apprised the students about the J&K Startup Policy and various opportunities, guidance and support available to aspiring entrepreneurs. He encouraged students to identify innovative ideas and explore entrepreneurship as a viable career pathway.
During the technical session, Hilal Ahmad, Office Associate, JKEDI Rajouri, conducted an awareness session on the startup idea pitching process. He guided students on key aspects including problem identification, solution relevance, innovation, feasibility, scalability, socio-economic impact and business model development.
Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, Nodal Officer for J&K Startup and IIC Convener in college conducted the proceedings of the event, who also delivered a talk highlighting the relevance of entrepreneurship, innovation and startup culture in the present era. She emphasised the importance of practical skill development in enhancing students’ employability and encouraging them to explore self-employment opportunities.
The startup ideas were evaluated by a six-member jury comprising Dr. Naseem Ahmed, Dr. Mohd Ashaq and Dr. Gulshan Rashid from GDC Thannamandi, along with Mehraj Ud Din Bhat, District Nodal Officer, JKEDI; Vivek Sharma, Industrial Promotion Officer; and Charanjeev Sharma, J&K Bank official.
Dr. Nazakat Hussain, Head, Department of History, delivered a concluding talk summarising the proceedings and key takeaways of the Boot Camp. He appreciated the efforts of the college administration, JKEDI and IIC in providing students with a platform to develop entrepreneurial thinking and encouraged the participants to continue refining their ideas and work towards converting innovative concepts into meaningful solutions.
The event witnessed the active presence and wholehearted support of all faculty members of GDC Thannamandi, whose participation contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the Boot Camp. The faculty members encouraged and motivated students throughout the programme and extended their full cooperation to the organising team.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mehraj Ud Din Bhat, who appreciated the college administration, faculty members, jury and students for their active participation and support. He encouraged the young innovators to continue developing ideas and solutions capable of contributing to meaningful social and economic change in the region.
The Boot Camp reflected the commitment of Government Degree College Thannamandi towards promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development among its students. It provided the students with a valuable platform to showcase their innovative ideas, interact with experts, receive practical feedback, and understand the journey from an initial idea to a potential startup venture.