-P.Archibald Furtado
Barkur, August 29, 2024 - The hallowed halls of National PU College's auditorium resonated with inspiration and wisdom as Mr. Bhaskar A Amin, a distinguished alumnus and former Senior Manager of Karnataka State Financial Corporation (KSFC), addressed an eager audience of students and faculty. The event, part of the college's 'Gyana Deevige' workshop series, aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world experience, offering students invaluable insights into the professional landscape that awaits them.
As the clock struck 2:30 PM, the auditorium buzzed with anticipation. Mr. Amin, a son of Barkur soil, stood before the gathering - a living testament to the heights one can achieve with determination and education. His journey, from the humble classrooms of Barkur's Government Primary School to the corridors of power in Karnataka's financial sector, served as a beacon of hope for the assembled youth.
Mrs. Vijayalaxmi, a Lecturer in Commerce, set the tone for the afternoon with a concise introduction to the 'Gyana Deevige' initiative. Her words underscored the importance of such interactions in shaping the future of the students. Following her, Prof. Archibald Furtado, Coordinator of National Group of Educational Institutions, took to the podium. With a touch of pride and nostalgia, he introduced Mr. Amin not just as a distinguished guest, but as a former classmate and a shining example of the college's legacy.
As Mr. Amin began his address, the auditorium fell into a hushed silence. His words, laden with decades of experience, painted a vivid picture of the professional world. He regaled the audience with tales from his 32-year tenure at KSFC, where he rose through the ranks to become a Senior Manager at the Udupi Regional Office.
"Success," Mr. Amin emphasized, "is not just about academic achievements. It's about applying that knowledge to real-world challenges." He shared anecdotes of how he guided countless young entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complex landscape of business and self-employment. These stories, drawn from real-life incidents, seemed to strike a chord with the students, many of whom were seen furiously taking notes.
The seasoned professional then delved into his experiences as the District Skill Development Officer in Udupi. "In today's rapidly evolving job market, skills are your currency," he stated emphatically. Mr. Amin elaborated on the various start-ups and small-scale industries he had mentored, providing the students with a glimpse into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
As the session progressed, Mr. Amin, now running his own consultancy as an Industrial Project Advisor & Financial Consultant, shared practical tips on how students could prepare themselves for the challenges that lay ahead. He stressed the importance of internships, networking, and staying abreast of industry trends.
The impact of Mr. Amin's words was palpable. Students listened with rapt attention, their eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and determination. Many raised hands during the Q&A session, eager to glean more wisdom from the accomplished alumnus.
Prof. U Kottraswamy, the Principal of NJC Barkur, delivered an insightful presidential address to conclude the session. Building on Mr. Amin's advice, he emphasized the critical role of soft skills in today's competitive job market. "While your degrees open doors, it's your communication skills, leadership abilities, and unique talents that will set you apart," he advised the students.
In a touching gesture that bridged past and present, Prof. Kottraswamy presented Mr. Amin with a commemorative memento, acknowledging his contributions not just as a guest speaker, but as a valued member of 'The Barkur Educational Society'.
As the event drew to a close, the atmosphere in the auditorium was electric. Students clustered around Mr. Amin, eager for a few more words of advice or perhaps a selfie with the accomplished alumnus. The faculty members, too, seemed reinvigorated, discussing how to incorporate more such real-world perspectives into their curriculum.
Reflecting on the event, Priya Shetty, a final year student, shared her thoughts: "Mr. Amin's journey is so inspiring. It's one thing to read about success in books, but hearing it firsthand from someone who walked these same corridors? That's powerful."
As the sun set on this enlightening afternoon, it was clear that the impact of Mr. Amin's words would linger long after the event. The seeds of ambition and practical wisdom sown today promised to bear fruit in the years to come, potentially shaping the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from Barkur and beyond.
In organizing such events, National PU College continues to demonstrate its commitment not just to academic excellence, but to holistic education that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the real world. As Mr. Amin's visit proved, sometimes the most valuable lessons come not from textbooks, but from those who have walked the path before us.