CHIEF GUEST: SHRI T. DEVENDER GOUD, HON’BLE MINISTER FOR HOME, ANDHRA PRADESH
The CITD India Educational Meet – 2002 stood as a milestone event in the landscape of technical education and skill development in India. Organized by CITD India (Central Institute of Tool Design), the meet was designed to spotlight the essential role of education in powering industrial growth, entrepreneurship, and technological innovation in the 21st century. At a time when the global economy was rapidly shifting toward knowledge-based industries, the importance of aligning education with practical skill-building and industry demands had never been more relevant.
The event was graced by Shri T. Devender Goud, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Government of Andhra Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. A strong advocate for youth development and educational reform, Shri Goud’s presence added great prestige and inspiration to the event. In his address, he emphasized the urgent need to reimagine the education system to produce not only job seekers but job creators. His deep commitment to empowering the youth of Andhra Pradesh through quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship echoed strongly throughout the gathering.
The event was graced by Shri T. Devender Goud, Hon’ble Minister for Home, Government of Andhra Pradesh, as the Chief Guest. A strong advocate for youth development and educational reform, Shri Goud’s presence added great prestige and inspiration to the event. In his address, he emphasized the urgent need to reimagine the education system to produce not only job seekers but job creators. His deep commitment to empowering the youth of Andhra Pradesh through quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship echoed strongly throughout the gathering.
The meet brought together a diverse assembly of educators, academic institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and young students from across the country. Together, they engaged in meaningful dialogue on bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world industrial application. The sessions focused on various critical themes including technical education reform, industry-academia collaboration, skill-based training, and entrepreneurial development.
One of the key highlights of the event was the emphasis on practical, hands-on learning through tool design and advanced manufacturing education. CITD, known for its excellence in training skilled manpower for the tool and die industry, showcased its commitment to preparing students for the competitive demands of modern industry. Exhibitions and live demonstrations during the event offered participants insights into the latest advancements in engineering tools, computer-aided design, and automation.
Shri Devender Goud underlined the importance of inclusive education policies that empower not just urban students but also those from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. He spoke passionately about the potential of the youth as a powerful force for national development, and how institutions like CITD can play a transformative role by providing quality, affordable technical education to every corner of the country.
Another key area of discussion during the meet was the growing importance of entrepreneurship in the Indian economy. Experts and speakers emphasized how education must evolve to foster entrepreneurial thinking—encouraging students to identify market opportunities, develop solutions, and create startups that contribute to employment and economic growth. CITD’s initiatives in supporting young innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs through incubation, mentoring, and technical support were highlighted as exemplary efforts.
The Educational Meet also provided a valuable networking platform for academia, industry, and government bodies to collaborate on projects and policy frameworks aimed at strengthening India’s educational ecosystem. Proposals and recommendations from the conference aimed to influence future policy decisions at both state and national levels, focusing on curriculum reform, industry integration, and upgrading training infrastructure.
In conclusion, the CITD India Educational Meet – 2002 was not just a conference—it was a call to action. With the guidance and presence of Shri T. Devender Goud, the event reinforced the belief that education is the cornerstone of industrial advancement and national progress. It affirmed CITD’s mission to create a future-ready, innovative, and skilled generation capable of driving India’s economic growth. The meet laid the foundation for stronger synergies between education and industry, shaping a vision where knowledge leads to opportunity, and opportunity to transformation.