Hojai: A major step towards promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable rural development was taken on Friday with the inauguration of the Rural Technology Park & Incubation Centre (RTPIC), recognised by Rabindranath Thakur Vishwavidyalaya (RTV), at Bharat Tirtha Bhawan, Srimanta Sankardev Campus in Hojai.

The centre was inaugurated by RTV Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manabendra Dutta Choudhury, while Registrar (i/c) Dr. Sandip Ratna attended as the Guest of Honour. Among those present were Dr. Ajita Tiwari, Head of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at Assam University, Silchar; Anjan Chowdhury, Founder of Skillfinity; Tapan Saha, Assistant General Manager of the District Industries and Commerce Centre, Hojai; Piyush Nandi, Academic In-charge of Hojai Girls’ College; and entrepreneur Hemanta Singha, owner of Oryza Eco Farm, along with faculty members, students, entrepreneurs and invited guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ajita Tiwari said the agricultural sector offers immense opportunities for rural development through innovation, skill development and entrepreneurship. She stressed that modern technologies and capacity building can strengthen farming, improve livelihoods and boost rural tourism by creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Choudhury highlighted the growing importance of homestays in promoting tourism and said the new centre would provide students with skill-based training, practical learning opportunities and exposure to a professional work culture. He said higher educational institutions must evolve into centres of innovation and entrepreneurship by equipping students with practical skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities. Expressing confidence in the initiative, he said RTPIC would help transform young people into innovators, entrepreneurs and job creators, contributing to the socio-economic development of rural communities.

Registrar (i/c) Dr. Sandip Ratna emphasised the importance of experiential learning and industry-oriented skill development in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He said integrating practical knowledge with academic learning would improve students’ employability and prepare them for changing industry demands.

During the programme, Dr. Dhanawantari L. Singha, Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany, was introduced as the first Director of RTPIC. She outlined the centre’s vision of bridging academic learning with practical skills through hands-on training, innovation, incubation support and the “Earn While You Learn” concept envisioned under NEP 2020.

In its first phase, RTPIC launched 13 certificate courses, attracting more than 800 learners across disciplines including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, food processing and emerging technologies such as 3D printing. The courses aim to enhance employability, encourage entrepreneurship and strengthen skill-based education among students and the local community.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by a guided tour of the newly established facilities, where the dignitaries interacted with participants and appreciated the university’s vision of building a vibrant ecosystem for innovation, skill development, entrepreneurship and sustainable rural development.