Army organises skill development programme with ICICI Foundation

HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, Nov 23: Lekhapani battalion, on Wednesday, organised a skill development program in collaboration with ICICI Bank, India’s third largest private sector bank to provide skill acquisition training to underprivileged youth at ICICI Academy to reintegrate the potential of the youth in underdeveloped region of Assam apart from facilitating education growth and development and enhancing their exposure towards a multi-cultural society.
The program ceremony that took place in Laipuli of Tinsukia district at the Garrison Headquarters of 73 Mountain Brigade was in presence of chief guest Brigadier Kirpal Singh Gill, Sena Medal, commander 73 Mountain Brigade, Colonel AK Thakur deputy commander, Colonel Rahul Gurung, Kirti Chakra commandant of 12 Assam Rifles, Rupam Dev Sharma, center head, ICICI foundation for inclusive growth, Shubhankar Dey, faculty, ICICI Foundation, Pinaki Bhattacharya, key relationship head Defence Ecosystem, North East, Rahul Sharma, regional head unsecured assets, Mintu Dey, branch manager, Saurav Paul, key accounts manager and other senior representatives from Army, ICICI Bank and local media were present.
“ICICI Academy for skills, an initiative of ICICI Foundation was set up with an aim to transform skill development in India’s remote locations and generate employment avenues will initially support 40 shortlisted youth identified by Army from Upper Assam where these shortlisted trainees will undergo rigorous and comprehensive skill acquisition training curriculum provided by qualified and experience faculty at the centre, the centre will also provide the necessary support to help fulfill the aspirations of youth who aim high and have capabilities to excel,” said an official of 12 Assam Rifles, Lekhapani.
Brigadier Kirpal Singh Gill, Sena Medal, commander, 73 Mountain Brigade in his speech said that this is a first of a kind initiative and it is a significant milestone in the people centric approach of the Indian Army.
He further assured that this initiative will enlarge the training exposure to various aspects under the shadow of the Armed Forces which will help them in establishing long term employment opportunities.
Rupam Dev Sharma, centre head, ICICI Foundation for inclusive growth and Pinaki Bhattacharya, regional head said that ICICI Bank is privileged to partner with Armed Forces to initiate the program towards nurturing the bright and skillful youth of Assam.