The two-year Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship program concluded today with a joint convocation ceremony held across the 9 IIMs and graced by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, and Hon’ble Minister of State, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, Shri. K. Sanjay Murthy, IAS, Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Secretary MSDE, Secretary MoE, Chairman AICTE, Shri Nilambur Sharan, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India and several officers from Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, (MSDE) and Ministry of Education (MoE). 40 fellows from IIM Jammu cohort were given certificate in Public Policy, and IIM Jammu had organized 5 days pre-convocation workshop for the fellows at IIM Jammu Jagti campus where work done by the fellows in their districts to improve skill ecosystem was presented.

The convocation ceremony of MGNF at IIM Jammu was graced by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics and Programme Director, MGNF, Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Programme Director, MGNF, IIM Jammu, and Dr. Shahid Jibran, Program Manager, MGNF. The virtual session commenced with the lamp-lighting ceremony. The MGNF team and IIM Jammu faculty and staff members were present at the occasion. 

Prof. Arnab Mukherjee, Program Director, MGNF IIM Bangalore, delivered the welcome address. He mentioned that the Fellowship is committed to developing the next generation of rural development leaders. He mentioned that under the MGNF programme, 650 + districts were covered where the fellows mastered the art of 3P’s i.e Planning, Persuasion and Persistence. He mentioned that the programme seeks to empower rural India and aims for sustainable development. The event commenced with the showcasing a video on highlighting the importance of MGNF Programme and the success stories of the fellows from various districts.

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India in his address, mentioned that the Mahatama Gandhi National Fellowship programme is an ideal example of Skilling and Education as part of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He mentioned that Skill development is the backbone of economic progress and the MGNF program equips its fellows with the skills and mindset needed to empower rural communities through sustainable employment opportunities. He reiterated on the MGN fellows for being the torchbearers for “Skill Development” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, IAS, Secretary, Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Govt of India lauded the collaboration of State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India with Premier Educational Institutions like IIMs putting forward an ideal example of industry and academia as part of NEP 2020. He mentioned that the MGNF programme jointly conducted by nine of India's premier institutions (IIMs), is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in driving positive change across the country.

The programme further commenced with the release of the MGNF Report by IIM Bangalore. This comprehensive report showcases the significant work undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi National Fellows across the country, offering insights into the innovative projects, sustainable initiatives, and life-changing milestones that have been executed in rural communities.

Chief Guest Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, and Hon’ble Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India congratulated all the fellows on the historic moment of their completion of MGNF programme and awarding of the degrees on the landmark occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. He also suggested for linking the academic bank of credit of the fellows, and on adding it on the National Bank of Credit.  He also credited the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for pioneering the Digital Skill Revolution and Vishwakarma Yojana in the country with the creation of digital skill India portal in the country. 

During his address, he presented an impressive overview into the statistics in the rapid reduction in the unemployment rate in the country from 6 % to 3 % with an emphasis on women empowerment. He highlighted the government's commitment to equipping our nation's youth with the skills, knowledge, and determination to drive socio-economic progress in rural communities including the need for constant re-skilling.  He urged all the stakeholders for making skilling their mission of life along with joining hands in in the futuristic journey for creating a healthy ecosystem in the country.

Shri Nilambuj Sharan, Senior Economic Advisor, MSDE, delivered the vote of thanks and credited the support of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education, and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India, and the Premier Institutions like IIMs. He praised the MGNF program's emphasis on practical, on-ground learning and wished good luck to all the fellows for their journey ahead.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics and Programme Director, MGNF, IIM Jammu mentioned about the rigorous academic curriculum and mentorship provided to MGNF fellows, stating that IIM Jammu is dedicated to imparting the highest standards of education, and we have seen tremendous growth and development in our MGNF fellows throughout their journey. He also mentioned about the recognition by Hon’ble President of India for the MGNF Fellows during the recent held IIM Bangalore convocation. During his address, he mentioned that MGN Fellows have undergone a rigorous two-year training program focused on rural development, policy implementation, and management. With their newfound skills and knowledge, they are poised to lead transformational initiatives in their respective regions.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu in his address expressed his pride in being part of convocation programme and training the MGN fellows. He mentioned that IIM Jammu is committed to nurturing responsible leaders who will contribute to the betterment of society. We are proud to be a part of the MGNF program and look forward to the achievements of our graduates in the years to come. He also urged all the fellows to keep the Nation first and contribute to the progress of the nation and society at large.

Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Program Director of MGNF, IIM Jammu congratulated the graduates and commended their unwavering dedication to the program's goals. He mentioned that the MGNF program is a beacon of hope for rural India, and the graduates who have completed this journey are equipped to drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.

The event culminated with the distribution of certificates to the MGN fellows by Prof B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, in presence of Prof. Jabir Ali, Programme Director and Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Programme Director, MGNF, IIM Jammu.

The MGNF Convocation witnessed the graduation of a dynamic group of Individuals who are now ready to make a significant impact in rural development, policy implementation and management. The journey begins with a firm commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of an equitable and prosperous India. 

MGNF is a Certificate Program in Public Policy and Management offered by IIMs. It has been designed at the initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India (GoI) and implemented in collaboration with State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs). The program was hosted by nine IIMs (IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Jammu, IIM Kozhikode, IIM Lucknow, IIM Nagpur, IIM Ranchi, IIM Udaipur, and IIM Visakhapatnam) with IIM Bangalore managing the common admission process.