Another powerful session marking the anniversary of Professor M. S. Swaminathan was titled “Building the Next Generation of Leaders” and centered on grassroots efforts to promote agricultural sustainability.
Session chair Shri K. V. Shaji (Chairman, NABARD, Mumbai) emphasized India’s youth potential—over 60% under age 35—and outlined key pillars: updated education, strong mentorship, and innovation-driven ecosystems.
@NABARDOnline
Prof. Eric Danquah (University of Ghana) emphasized leadership training in African communities, stating, “If you want to grow your country for the next 100 years, grow your people.”
@UnivofGh
Prof. Karim Maredia (Michigan State University, USA) echoed this, advocating for hands-on learning, incubation, and global partnerships over handouts: “Don’t give fish—teach them how to fish.”
@michiganstateu
Dr. B. C. Deka (VC, Assam Agricultural University) highlighted the need for team-building and cultural competence, while bridging academia and entrepreneurship through joint faculty-student projects.
@AAU_Jorhat
Dr. Tara Satyavathy (Director, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad) spotlighted 4,067 millet startups supported through Nutrihub, linking millets to nutrition, climate change, and mental health under the slogan: “Eat Millets & Stay Healthy.”
@Icariimrfponest
Dr. A. K. Singh (VC, Central Agricultural University, Jhansi) called for early research exposure, interdisciplinary mentorship, and international collaboration to nurture a resilient, innovative generation from the grassroots up.
@Rpcau_pusa
#Biohappiness
#GrassrootsAgriculture
#Millets