3-Day Workshop by Eklavya India Foundation

Hello, everyone!,

I'm Sushant Atram, currently pursuing a BSc in Computer Science at Ferguson College, Pune. From September 29th to October 1st, the Eklavya India Foundation organized a workshop for first-generation learner students. I was invited to lead sessions on topics like Cyber Security, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Web Development, along with related subjects like computer science, BTech, and BCA fields. It was an enriching experience for both me and the eager students who came to explore various career options.

Getting to the workshop wasn't easy. We started our journey from Pune a day before the event, only to find that the city was in the midst of celebrating Ganesh Visarjan. There were no vehicles, buses, or any means of travel available, posing a significant challenge. We even considered cancelling our trip to Yavatmal. However, thanks to the encouragement from my mentor and teacher, Raju Kendre, we understood the importance of the workshop. We remembered our own struggles when we lacked access to resources and decided to support students in pursuing their passions. This motivation pushed us to make the trip, even if it meant starting a day later when Pune was less chaotic. It was a journey filled with challenges, but we overcame them to reach the workshop.

On September 29, 2023, the workshop began. Approximately 80 students from different colleges and villages, some traveling 60-70 kilometres, gathered at Jetwan, located 20 kilometres from Yavatmal. Jetwan, a private property, attracted around 1000 tourists daily. Its founder, inspired by Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar, left his job as a class 1 officer to create this initiative.

The first day allowed students to meet and interact until 9 PM, when the large crowd made it challenging to meet everyone. After dinner, interactive activities helped them get to know each other, following a well-planned schedule.

Certainly, here's a detailed breakdown of each session from the workshop:

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Session 1 - Law:

Speaker: Swapnil, a law student from a prestigious college in Pune.

Topic: This session was dedicated to the field of law. Swapnil provided insights into what law encompasses, emphasizing its significance. He also discussed the academic journey required to pursue a career in law, including where to study law and the entrance exams needed for admission to law colleges. The session aimed to inform students about the legal profession and the steps they should take to become lawyers.

Session 2 - Sociology and Economics:

Speaker: Pratiksha, a graduate from Tata Institute of Social Science.

Topic: Pratiksha delved into the subjects of sociology and economics, shedding light on their importance and potential career avenues. She also shared information about the best colleges for studying these subjects and encouraged students to ask questions, providing them with a better understanding of these fields.

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Session 3 - Agriculture:

Speaker: Priyanka, who holds a degree in agriculture and is preparing for a master's degree and a career as an Agriculture Officer.

Topic: This session catered to students with an interest in farming. Priyanka shared valuable insights on improving farming skills and achieving maximum agricultural output while minimizing input costs. She discussed various aspects of pursuing a career in agriculture, aiming to enhance students' knowledge of farming practices.

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Session 4 - Applied Arts:

Speaker: Hemant, a senior student pursuing a degree in art from JJ School of Mumbai.

Topic: Hemant's session served as an inspirational narrative. He recounted his personal journey, from working as a security guard to establishing his own business at the age of 21. Hemant also covered topics related to artistic careers, including defining the role of artists, exploring different types of art, and highlighting the best colleges and universities for aspiring artists. His session aimed to inspire students and broaden their understanding of the art world.

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Session 5 - Technical Fields:

Speaker: Sushant Atram (the author), discussing technical fields such as cyber security, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and web development.

Topic: Sushant's session introduced students to the rapidly evolving world of technology. He discussed the importance of these fields, the specific skills required, and the potential career opportunities available within them. Sushant's goal was to help students recognize the vast possibilities in the technology sector and provide guidance on pursuing careers in these domains.

Session 6 - CUET Exam:

Speaker: Akash Sapkale, a student transitioning into a program manager role for the Eklavya India Foundation.

Topic: This session was dedicated to the CUET (Common University Entrance Test) exam. Akash explained what the CUET exam is, its significance in higher education, and the benefits of taking it. He provided valuable information to help students prepare for the CUET exam and answered their questions about the test.

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Session 7 - Top Colleges and Universities:

Speakers: Bhushan .S. Padhen and Nayan Somkuwar , students with knowledge of colleges and universities in Pune.

Topic: Bhushan and Nayan discussed the best colleges and universities in Pune. They also provided information about hostel accommodations and scholarships available for students in the city. This session aimed to empower students with valuable insights into educational opportunities and support resources in Pune.

These sessions covered a wide range of academic and career-related topics, offering students a comprehensive understanding of various fields and pathways. The goal was to equip them with the knowledge and motivation needed to make informed decisions about their future educational and professional journeys.

Certainly, here's a summary of the article:

The article discusses a 3-day residential workshop organized by the Eklavya India Foundation. Sushant Atram, a BSc Computer Science student, was invited to lead sessions on various topics, including Cyber Security, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Web Development. The workshop aimed to empower first-generation learners with knowledge about different career paths.

Sushant and his team faced challenges getting to the workshop due to a local festival, but they were motivated by the importance of supporting students in pursuing their passions. The event took place at Jetwan, a private property dedicated to Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar's legacy.

The first day focused on students getting to know each other through interactive activities. The subsequent days featured sessions on law, sociology, economics, agriculture, applied arts, technical fields, the CUET exam, and information about top colleges and universities.

Each session had a dedicated speaker who shared insights and answered questions. The workshops covered a wide range of academic and career topics, aiming to empower students with valuable information and inspiration for their future paths.