Tag: Skill Development

Finance

HDFC Bank Inaugurates Tech & Digital Factory in Guwahati to Boost AI and Cybersecurity Talent

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

India, 2026: HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has inaugurated its new Tech & Digital Factory in Guwahati, marking its first such facility in Assam and the fourth nationwide. The bank already operates similar Tech & Digital Factories in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Gurugram.
The new centre will serve as a hub for advanced technology development, innovation and talent incubation in Assam. It aims to strengthen talent pools in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital technologies and Cybersecurity, while building capabilities in Cloud, Data and core engineering tracks. The initiative is also expected to enhance digital product creation capabilities in the state.
The facility was inaugurated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director – HDFC Bank, Mr. Ramesh Lakshminarayan, Chief Information Officer – HDFC Bank, dignitaries from the Government of Assam, members from participating educational institutions, and officers of the bank.


The Tech & Digital Factory will generate career opportunities for skilled professionals in Assam, enabling them to contribute directly to next-generation technology development while remaining in their home state.
The initiative is part of Advantage Assam 2.0, under which HDFC Bank partnered with the Government of Assam. The collaboration focuses on enhancing academic knowledge with industry expertise through a structured skill-building curriculum tailored to the BFSI and fintech sectors.
Centred on campus-to-corporate competency, the programme aligns with job requirements in banking and fintech industries. The curriculum includes essential banking knowledge along with new-age IT domains.
The programme commenced in September 2025, and over 150 students are currently being trained under the cohort. Participants will receive industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on experience from senior HDFC Bank executives.
Students enrolled in the programme will also undergo internships with HDFC Bank for a duration of 2 to 4 months. This will allow them to apply academic and technological concepts in real-world corporate scenarios. Importantly, the course is offered at no additional cost to students.
Commenting on the development, Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank, said that the Bank had signed an MoU with the Assam Government at Advantage Assam 2.0 in February 2025 and was pleased to establish the facility within a year, supported strongly by the state government. He added that the new centre would enable the rollout of innovative digital products and services while attracting engineering talent from Assam to contribute to next-generation banking technology.
HDFC Bank’s Tech & Digital Factory model continues to function as the nucleus of digital execution, with dedicated units focused on experience design, mobile and cloud engineering, APIs and orchestration, data and GenAI, and secure-by-design architecture.
HDFC Bank began its journey in Assam in 2004 with the launch of its first branch in Guwahati. Since then, the Bank has expanded to 138 branches and 248 ATMs across the state as of December 31, 2025. According to the State Level Banker’s Committee (SLBC) report, the Bank’s Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio in Assam stood at 85.78% as of the same date.

Social

Threads of Empowerment: JCI Sanquelim Hosts 10th Aari Workshop in Sattari

Tanisha Cardozo

In a continued effort to promote skill development and empower local communities, JCI Sanquelim successfully concluded its 10th Aari Workshop at Bhirondem in Sattari. The initiative marked yet another milestone in nurturing creativity and self-reliance among women in the region.

The six-day workshop saw the participation of 10 women, who were trained in the intricate and delicate art of Aari designing. Known for its detailed embroidery techniques, Aari work requires precision, patience, and creativity—skills that the participants actively developed over the course of the training. More importantly, the workshop provided them with a strong foundation and the confidence to pursue Aari art professionally, should they choose to explore it as a source of livelihood.

This initiative was conducted under the KAABIL Project of JCI India, a nationwide program focused on enhancing employability and empowering individuals through practical skill-building activities. Through such programs, JCI organizations across the country continue to make a meaningful impact at the grassroots level.

The workshop was led by JC Smita Gawalkar, whose expertise and hands-on guidance played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the training. Her approach not only focused on technical skills but also encouraged participants to believe in their creative potential.

The certification ceremony was held in the presence of JC Asmita Gauns, President of JCI Sanquelim, and JC Nikita Desai, who applauded the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the workshop.

A special note of gratitude was extended to Mrs. Rajana Rane, Panch Member of Bhirondem Panchayat, for generously providing the venue and supporting the initiative. Her contribution helped create a conducive environment for learning and collaboration.

The success of this workshop highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in creating opportunities and fostering independence. With each such effort, JCI Sanquelim continues to inspire change—one skill, one individual, and one community at a time.

EduConnect

DMC College Hosts Workshop on Mushroom Cultivation as Agribusiness

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

The Entrepreneurship and Startup Development Cell of DMC College, in association with the Department of Commerce, conducted a workshop on “Mushroom Cultivation as an Agribusiness” on 5 February 2026, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial skills and awareness of sustainable agricultural ventures among students.


The session was led by Dr. Ashish Prabhugaonkar, Assistant Professor from the Department of Botany, Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar, Goa, who served as the resource person. He explained the different types of mushrooms suitable for cultivation and discussed their nutritional value, commercial viability and growing market demand.

A hands-on practical demonstration formed the highlight of the workshop, where students were guided through the complete process of mushroom cultivation, including substrate preparation, spawning techniques and ideal growth conditions. The interactive nature of the session helped participants understand how mushroom farming can be developed into a profitable agribusiness.

A total of 38 students from DMC College attended the workshop, which was appreciated for its practical orientation and relevance to entrepreneurship, self-employment and agribusiness opportunities.

Social

Ritesh Narayan Vaigankar Conferred State Award for Best Employee – Persons with Disabilities

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Ritesh Narayan Vaigankar, Vocational Instructor at the Bicholim Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) under the Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Goa, has been conferred the State Award for Best Employee – Persons with Disabilities.


The award was presented during the Republic Day celebrations held at the Goa University Ground, St. Cruz, Goa, on January 26, 2026.

The recognition acknowledges Vaigankar’s professional commitment, dedication, and contribution to public service. Reflecting on the honour, he stated that the award reaffirms his belief that ability, hard work, and passion define an individual, rather than disability.

Along with his professional role, Vaigankar has actively pushed personal boundaries through marathon running, mountain trekking, sports, and advocacy for inclusion. These experiences, he noted, have played a significant role in shaping his journey and motivating others to pursue their goals with confidence.

He dedicated the award to his family, mentors, the Principal of ITI Bicholim, colleagues, students, friends, and all those who supported him throughout his journey. He also expressed hope that the recognition would promote greater inclusion and representation for persons with disabilities across all sectors.

Vaigankar expressed gratitude to the Government of Goa for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to serving with integrity, excellence, and purpose.

EduConnect

Through Education and Inclusion, Vedanta Sesa Goa Reaffirms Commitment to Nation Building

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 2026: On the twin occasions of National Girl Child Day and the International Day of Education, Vedanta Sesa Goa reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive growth through education, skills and empowerment initiatives aimed at building resilient communities and enabling nation building.



The company’s flagship CSR programme, Project Vriddhi, continues to be a cornerstone of its social impact initiatives, with a strong focus on promoting education in remote and underserved regions, particularly for the girl child. Through the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship, over 1,300 meritorious students have been supported since 2018 to pursue education from Class 10 through professional courses, with girls accounting for nearly 50 per cent of beneficiaries.

Several beneficiaries have witnessed life-changing outcomes through the programme. Leela Parab from Mulgao, Goa, was able to continue her B.Pharma degree despite personal loss, while Riya Dattaram Naik from Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, pursued her passion for fashion design. Lanchana M, a resident of remote Chitradurga, successfully followed her dream of studying computer engineering with the support of the Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarship.

Speaking on the occasion, Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, said the company remains committed to empowering the future through inclusive education and opportunity. He said initiatives such as Project Vriddhi, Vedanta Utkarsh Scholarships, the Sesa Technical School and the Sesa Football Academy reflect the organisation’s belief in investing meaningfully in communities to build a prosperous and inclusive future.

Vedanta Sesa Goa’s education-to-employment initiatives have also played a significant role in shaping livelihoods. The Sesa Technical School (STS), established in Sanquelim, Goa, in 1994, has trained over 2,000 youth in various technical trades, maintaining a near-100 per cent placement record. Girls are increasingly encouraged to enrol in technical courses at the institute, supported through scholarships. Alumni such as Chetan Salelkar, who went on to establish his own enterprise after graduating from the fitter trade, stand testimony to the programme’s long-term impact.

Digital inclusion forms another key pillar of Vedanta’s social interventions. Under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation, seven computer centres and 19 school-based digital labs across Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka have empowered thousands by bridging the digital divide, including learners with visual impairments. Nearly 65 per cent of beneficiaries of these initiatives are girls and women.

Infrastructure support has further strengthened access to education. The Back-to-School initiative in Karnataka supports over 3,000 children annually by providing essential school kits, while more than 120 Anganwadis have been upgraded under the Nand Ghar initiative with smart kits, solar power and digital tools. Dedicated transport facilities in Karnataka and Odisha ensure safe access to education for children from remote locations.

Extending its commitment beyond academics, Vedanta Sesa Goa has also invested in sports development through the Sesa Football Academy. The academy has empowered girls from rural areas with structured training and competitive exposure, with its senior women’s team qualifying for the Indian Women’s League 2026. Players such as Aaroshi Govekar and Pearl Fernandes, who have earned national call-ups, exemplify how opportunity and mentorship can transform potential into achievement.

Together, these initiatives underline Vedanta Sesa Goa’s long-term vision of empowering girls and youth not merely as beneficiaries, but as agents of change. By strengthening access to education, skills, infrastructure and opportunity, the company continues to support the creation of confident individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to an inclusive and sustainable future.