**Berhampur (Ganjam): ** India’s first ever convocation of any Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) was hosted by the Government ITI here in the silk city of Ganjam district in Odisha on Wednesday in which 531 successful alumni of the institution were adorned with the coveted degree.
The maiden ITI convocation was graced by Vinod K Singh, Director, IISER, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh as chief guest, while Ganjam Collector Prem Chandra Choudhury, Berhampur University Vice Chancellor Rajendra Prasad Das and SCTE & VT Vice-Chairman Balwant Singh graced the august occasion as guests of honour.
Welcoming the guests on the dais, Government ITI Berhampur’s principal Dr Rajat Kumar Panigrahy said that goal has been set and concerted efforts are on to carve a niche at the national level for the institute donning the No 1 tag.
Talking to media, Bhopal IISER Director Vinod K Singh said, “Feel elated. ITI plays a pivotal role in both State and nation building. Hence, the better the ITI, Skill India is nearer its goal. I would like to leave a piece of advice to the students, families and elders that ‘be focused, work hard, do your job properly’.”
In his media reactions, SCTE & VT Vice-Chairman Balwant Singh said, “Berhampur ITI is a proud institution not only of the State, but also of the country. It is a leading institution in its sector. I feel very proud of myself for being a part and parcel of this august ceremony and prestigious convocation. The convocation held here today is first of its kind in the country’s scenario. I congratulate the institution, principal and his team for making a very nice event. In future we’ll definitely continue this type of event in other institutions and would be fine tuned as it was the first ever event here. It will raise the aspiration, hope and confidence level of the students.”
Principal Dr Rajat Kumar Panigrahy said, “It was the first convocation of Berhampur ITI. It’s also first ever in the history of country’s ITI. A few days ago the Government had issued direction in this regard. We handed over certificates to 531 students. Though 100 students were present, the left-out have been admitted into the degrees. It’s a very proud moment for us.”
