Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra Presents Strategic Recommendations at NAAS Consultation on Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture

The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) hosted an Expert Consultation on “Preparing Future-Ready Youths for Entrepreneurship Development in Agriculture” on April 22, 2025, at its headquarters in New Delhi. The session was chaired by Dr. Himanshu Pathak (President, NAAS and Secretary, DARE, Govt. of India) and co-chaired by Dr. P.K. Joshi (Vice President, NAAS). Dr. R.C. Agrawal (Deputy Director General, Agricultural Education, ICAR) and Dr. Seema Jaggi (ADG, HRD, ICAR) convened the proceedings, with opening remarks delivered by Dr. W.S. Lakra (Secretary, NAAS).

Aligning Agricultural Education with NEP 2020 and Entrepreneurial Vision

The consultation aimed to align agricultural education with entrepreneurial aspirations and national priorities under NEP 2020. Among the key contributors, Mr. Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra, Chancellor of Shobhit University and Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Education Council, presented a comprehensive set of recommendations titled “Preparing Future-Ready Youth for Entrepreneurship in Agriculture.”

In his remarks, Mr. Vijendra emphasized that a nation’s prosperity lies in the hands that till its soil and the minds that dare to reimagine it. He called for a bold transformation of agricultural education—from a legacy of inheritance to a platform for innovation, dignity, and enterprise.

Key Recommendations for Transforming Agricultural Education

Key highlights of his recommendations included institutionalizing Annual Agri Hackathons across all universities; opening IARI’s Centres of Excellence for industry-led internships and research; establishing a National Knowledge Grid for optimal use of university resources; introducing “Earn While You Learn” models on university farms; enabling partnerships with private and multidisciplinary universities; forging global academic collaborations; empowering women in agriculture; and digital-first outreach for rural entrepreneurship.

Mr. Vijendra’s proposals underscore a multi-tiered transformation—from policy to practice—through curriculum reform, incubation support, faculty upskilling, and grassroots mobilization via KVKs, FPOs, and SHGs. The recommendations have been formally submitted to Dr. R.C. Agrawal and will serve as inputs for national strategy.

The consultation saw the participation of eminent education leaders including Dr. Manish Joshi (Secretary, UGC), Dr. Pankaj Mittal (Secretary General, AIU), Dr. P.K. Singh (Agriculture Commissioner, Govt. of India), along with vice chancellors and senior representatives of ICAR, NAAS, and universities across India.

Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra: Educationist, Thought Leader and Nation Builder

Kunwar Shekhar Vijendra is a renowned educationist, social entrepreneur, and thought leader known for his unwavering commitment to nation-building through education, innovation, and youth empowerment. As the Chancellor of Shobhit University and Chairman of the ASSOCHAM National Education Council, he has played a pivotal role in shaping policy dialogues and pioneering reforms across India’s higher education landscape.

Over the years, Mr. Vijendra has been instrumental in promoting holistic and value-based education, blending modern technology with Indian knowledge traditions. His initiatives emphasise the importance of skill development, innovation-led learning and entrepreneurship—particularly in rural and underserved communities.