HYDERABAD : The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) organized its first-ever Alumni Meet – ‘Maitri 2020’ – at its Campus here. Alumni of 17 batches from all over the country came together to reflect on their journey and on their role in building a shared vision as rural change makers during a two-day event.
The PG programmes run by the Centre for Post Graduate Studies, NIRDPR, has produced 800 development professionals who have passed out of the institute and are now working across the country as ‘rural change makers.’ The Alumni have made substantial contribution in various thematic areas by working in flagship programmes of Central and State Governments, CSR foundations, non-governmental organizations, Community organizations and international development organizations, among others.
Many have also started social enterprises thereby creating jobs and addressing community issues. The Centre for Post Graduate Studies has also launched an All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)-approved two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Rural Management recently in addition to much sought after One year PGDRDM programme.
Addressing the Inaugural Session, Dr. W.R. Reddy, IAS, Director General, NIRDPR, emphasized upon the role of Alumni in Popularizing the PG Programmes of NIRDPR. He said ‘the work performance of the old students in various organisations will help in attracting students to join the programme and recruiters to recruit from the programme at NIRDPR.” He also said that the Alumni has a huge responsibility in mentoring the present batch students and guide them in shaping their vision and career progression.
Eminent development practitioners like Shri. G. Muralidar, Former Lead UNDP, Mr. G.V. Krishnagopal, CEO, ALC India ltd. and academicians such Dr. A. Patrick of Osmania University and Ms. Padma were present.
The alumni also shared their experiences, learnings, and challenges during the event. The cultural night with mesmerizing singing and dance performances and sportsevent was the highlight of the alumni meet.
Mr.NainishTikoo, President of the newly formed Association, emphasized upon the members of NIRDPR Alumni to come together to take the PG Programmes to the new heights the terms of mentoring the students, organizing zonal/regional meets to create awareness about different aspects including developmental issues, helping the alumni in their career progression etc. He said, the Association is committed towards betterment of the NIRDPR PG Programmes.
Mr. Deepa, Vice President of the Association, expressed her happiness for finally being able to form the association and organize the Alumni Meet after a long time. She assured that the Association will definitely work with Center for PG Studies, NIRDPR for the betterment of the programme.
Dr. AryashreeDebapriya, Associate Professor, Cenre for Post Graduate Studies and Distance Education, NIRDPR, Associate Professor, and Dr. Sonal, Assistant Professor, Center for Post Graduate Studies, NIRDPR coordinated the programme on behalf of NIRDPR.
