Baripada, September 21: With the objective of promoting educational advancement, skill development and second-career opportunities for serving and retired defence personnel, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University (MSCB University), Baripada, in collaboration with the Kendriya Sainik Board, inaugurated the Subject-Specific Skill Enhancement and Assessment Programme (SPEAP) for the first batch under the West Bengal Rajya Sainik Board’s defence programme.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Mahendra Kumar Mahanti, who attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest, said the university was committed to linking the military experience, leadership qualities and professional skills of defence personnel with formal higher education. This, he said, would help prepare them for civilian employment, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship and other second-career opportunities.
He described the initiative as an important academic programme of the university’s Centre for Defence Studies. He added that the programme aims to create opportunities for higher education, skill development, reskilling, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning for defence personnel.
Brigadier Soumya Banerjee, Additional Director General, Directorate of Resettlement, Eastern Region, attended as the guest of honour and highlighted the importance of providing dignified and meaningful second-career opportunities for ex-servicemen.
Chairman of the Postgraduate Council Professor Rajesh Kumar Singh and Controller of Examinations Mr. Ramakanta Mahanta were present on the dais.
University Professor of Practice Dr. Ujjwal Kumar Ghatak shared his experience and views on the educational and professional empowerment of ex-servicemen.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Shanti Swarup Basa, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science.
The first batch of serving and retired defence personnel was welcomed during the programme. Faculty members and non-teaching staff from various departments of the university also attended the inaugural ceremony.
