The Higher Education Review

The close relationship between unemployment in India is not hidden to anyone. With a strong youth base and a decent amount of graduates passing out annually, the country still lags behind in providing employment to the young generation. Apparently, this situation aroused due to an absence of the job readiness factor in the workforce. Although to cope up with this issue, the Government of the country is trying their best to enabling the youths to obtain essential skills through introducing several initiatives, private institutions are also coming forward to extend skill-based courses to the students. Known as the only Skills University in the West Bengal state and one of the first two in the country, Seacom Skills University (SSU) is the outcome of Anish Chakraborty's, keen and explicit understanding regarding the flaws in the education system which directly affects the job market.

Handling the position of Founder Chairman and Managing Trustee presently, under the supervision of Chakraborty, SSU has been able to gain a global presence by signing MoUs with around 20 international institutions of repute such as Scotland's Colleges International, Bournville College, Birmingham, UK, Cyprus University and so on. "These collaborations let us bring a global perspective to our teaching methodologies and stay aware of the latest happenings in the education space around the world," shares Chakraborty. Ranging from innovative courses for 10 passed students to offering masters programme and Doctoral studies in

a discipline like engineering & technology, management, sciences, hospitality & tourism, arts and humanities and so on, the University lays enough focus on engaging the students in practice based learning and imbibe them with employability skills. The University management ardently believes that there are numerous scopes lined up for the youth, just that they need the right skill and right guidance to get access to those.

"The need of the hour is to develop competencies and SSU is here to make it happen. Along with facilitating the learners with a robust curriculum that is a blend of vocational and conventional approaches, we strive to cultivate a stress free environment within the campus," claims Chakraborty. The students are encouraged to take learning in a fun way and enjoy the entire teaching and learning process, as then only they will be able to grow productively. Being a University that majorly emphasizes on skilling the students, it has classified the curriculum into ­50 percent of campus education, where the proficient faculty members take the responsibility to shape the futures of students and 50 percent of industry education, wherein the students are subjected to participate in varied practical activities and earn hands-on experiences.

Creating a Win-Win Situation
Apart from the students who opt for pursuing a diploma course in a particular area, the University for gifting the learners those with regular courses makes it compulsory to take at least one major and minor subject. "There is an array of skill oriented courses that we offer. Students from a regular course can choose among courses such as photography and foreign language learning, to name a few. This makes their learning process more exciting coupled with adding credentials to their CVs," elaborates Chakraborty. The University also motivates the students and faculty members to get indulged in research activities, mostly in subjects like Pharmacy

and Agriculture."For students who are interested in undertaking research, we make sure to support them in every manner. Recently one of our Research Scholar got awarded by UNESCO," proudly says Chakraborty.

Students at SSU are trained to think globally instead of remaining confined locally. They are boosted to break their own records, come out of their cocoon and make their dreams come true. Approved by Bar Council of India and affiliated to AICTE & PCI, the University has been recently conferred the Best University Award of the Eastern region by ASSOCHAM and Best University 2018 Award by FASII. "SSU is nestled in a sprawling 50-acre green campus that comprises state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern classrooms, and well-equipped laboratory facilities and many more. Students are provided with all kinds of facilities inside the campus so that they can experience an enriching campus life," opines Chakraborty. For guarantying the overall development of each student, the University conducts regular soft-skills training and personality development workshops.

"Given we are so dedicated towards the upliftment and growth of the next generation, we also take the effort to offer scholarships and financial aid for meritorious and needy students with Bank Loan facilities, contributing positively to the society," pinpoints Chakraborty. However, for empowering the students who have a knack for entrepreneurship, the University renders end-to-end assistance to them, leading a flourishing path of success. Emerged into a pride of 'the city of joy' Kolkata and favorite platform of skilling among the young minds in a very short period of time, the University aspire and envisions to become a pioneer in Education with Embedded Employable Skills Training (EEEST) in India, a Hub of "Skilled Knowledge" of local, regional and national significance and a renowned Center of Socio-Economic Development.