Acknowledging and encouraging the potential of the college students in the city of Pune and giving respect to the initiatives taken by them, the College of Engineering Pune (COEP) has come up with a novel plan called ‘Ignited Innovators of India’ (I2india). The renowned educational institute is willing to fund as many as 300 ‘social projects’ undertaken by the youth under this initiative.

The programme will get underway in a grand inauguration at a function to be held at the COEP Auditorium on September 28. Institutes like the COEP, an NGO called Friendship Union For Energizing Lives (FUEL), the Bhau Institute of Innovation Entrepreneurship have come together in this enterprise.

Gantavya Sharma, a student and ambassador of ‘Ignited Innovators of India’ was talking to the correspondents on Saturday. He said, “The programme is unique because of its simplicity and freedom. Students just have to propose an idea with a plan and start implementing their projects.”

He added, “Students in Pune will get a chance to implement social projects of their choice this initiative will not only encourage young entrepreneurs, but will also instill leadership skills in students to solve problems the city is facing.”

I2India is going to be a team work where the teams consisting of 5 members at the most will identify the burning social issues, carry out the discussions in order to find out the feasible solutions and submit their proposal dealing with the most beneficial way to implement the solutions to the social problem. There will be a selection process for the teams willing to be a part of the noble initiative.

Mr. Narendra Kale, one of the founders of the Bhau Institute, in a press conference on Saturday said, “This will give them an opportunity to bring about small yet significant changes in the world around them and also to evaluate themselves as social entrepreneurs. Bhau Institute will support the projects with seed money, mentorship and networking opportunities”.

In the first phase of the I2India as many as 100 social projects will be funded while the remaining 200 will get the financial aid in the second phase. A considerable budget of Rs. 5 Lakhs has been allocated for the first phase of the endeavor.

Mr. Kale said, “Any project having a social significance will be worth being qualified for the I2India. The projects can aim at making a difference to the society in all possible ways, right from organizing parking lots in their colleges, building a database of auto rickshaw drivers, promoting hygiene in college canteens, etc.”

When approached by the correspondents Mr. Anand Khandekar who is a chief mentor of FUEL said, “Our long term vision in the movement is to develop mainstream, socially conscious entrepreneurs with a will to generate employment, money, along with significant social benefit.”

Mr. A.D Sahasrabuddhe, the director COEP said, “We will provide all the selected participants with guidance from mainstream social entrepreneurs. We will provide each participating team with opportunities and networking to generate sponsorship for their projects.”

- Yogesh Sapre