Esri India's Free Geospatial Training Program to Benefit 100K Students!

Esri India, along with the Centre for Knowledge Sovereignty (CKS), is launching a new program called Master Mentors Geo-enabling Indian Scholars (MMGEIS). This initiative aims to train students across India in geospatial technology for free.

The program will be led by experienced professionals including A. S. Kiran Kumar, Dr K. J. Ramesh, retired lieutenant general Girish Kumar, Vinit Goenka, and Agendra Kumar. It's designed to introduce geospatial thinking to students from eighth grade to undergraduates, with the goal of making India a leader in geospatial technology worldwide. Over the next five years, they plan to train over 100,000 students each year to build a skilled workforce.

Here are the main points of the program:

1. Online Training: The MMGEIS program will last four months and consist of three modules. Students can access video courses, reading materials, and take proctored exams all online using their phones or laptops.
2. Research Focus: The program is designed to encourage a research-oriented mindset, preparing students for the digital age and establishing a strong intellectual property framework.
3. Entrepreneurship: It goes beyond just technology, providing insights into patent filing procedures and guidance on starting a business. This helps students develop not only technical skills but also entrepreneurial abilities.
4. Pilot Phase: Initially, the program will involve 1,000 students in select schools and educational institutions. It will later expand in June 2024.

Leading up to the pilot phase, there have been various activities including industry roundtable discussions, visits to important centers like the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), and the launch of the MMGEIS website.

A S Kiran Kumar emphasized the importance of empowering young Indian minds with geospatial technology knowledge, stating that MMGEIS will provide them with the right skills and guidance for innovation in this field.

Leading up to the pilot phase, there have been various activities including industry roundtable discussions, visits to important centers like the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), and the launch of the MMGEIS website.

A S Kiran Kumar emphasized the importance of empowering young Indian minds with geospatial technology knowledge, stating that MMGEIS will provide them with the right skills and guidance for innovation in this field.