As the world awakens from its winter slumber, opening its eyes to the melting snow and delicate buds on trees, drinking the scent of blooming flowers, the ICT Academy of Kerala is with the world in feeling the new warmth and hope. In the month of change and transition, ICTAK marched ahead by embracing growth and capturing the beauty of impermanence.

Let’s go for a walk through the path basking in the sunlight!

Embrace equity

On 8th March 2023, the ICT Academy of Kerala enthusiastically embarked on celebrating International Women’s Day – a day to commemorate the indomitable spirit of women, champion their cause, and embrace equity.

The highlight of the Women’s Day celebration was an online session with LinkedIn titled ‘Own Your Career with LinkedIn’ on 7th March 2023. The session featured Mr. Anup R. Menon, the Regional Director of Academics and Government, LinkedIn India, and Ms. Sneha Nair, the Senior Account Director of Talent Solutions, LinkedIn India. They embarked on a journey of learning and discovery, where women could empower themselves, build a digital presence, and leverage LinkedIn tools to achieve career goals.

The program witnessed an influx of participation through different digital platforms. The Women’s Day program was a beacon of hope, a step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and achieve their full potential.

Adding more feathers to the cap

The ICT Academy of Kerala has added yet another feather to its cap with a recent recognition, further embellishing its commendable efforts. At the ‘Thozhilarangathekk’ job fair offer letter distribution ceremony held at Mahatma Ayyankali Hall, T’puram, the academy received recognition for the seamless execution of the job fair. It was conducted in all 14 districts by the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission (KKEM), with the unyielding support of the ICT Academy of Kerala.

During the event, Mr. Santhosh Kurup, the CEO of ICTAK, was felicitated with a token of appreciation by Hon. Minister for General Education and Labour, Mr. V. Sivankutty. This recognition of the unwavering commitment of ICTAK in connecting deserving candidates with suitable opportunities is a testament to its dedication to building a better future for the youth of Kerala.

Innovation Day ‘23

Innovation Day ’23, an event featuring the leading programs of the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), talks and panel discussions happened on 13th March 2023. Hon. Finance Minister Mr. K.N. Balagopal inaugurated the program, setting the tone for an enlightening and inspiring day. At the event, Mr. Santhosh Kurup delivered a speech highlighting the importance of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP) as a progressive initiative that can elevate human capabilities. Later in the afternoon session, Mr. Santhosh also participated in the ‘Panel Discussion of Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission’ and captivated the audience with his insights on the impact of digitalization on the industry.

The occasion provided a platform for stimulating discussions and speeches while also serving as a moment to acknowledge and honour exceptional individuals for their noteworthy accomplishments. Dr. Manoj A.S., Head of Planning, Competency Development & Innovations at ICTAK, was honoured for his invaluable contribution to the successful conduction of YIP. As an integral part of the event, ICTAK set up a stall – a guiding light, showcasing various skilling programs that paved the way towards a brighter future.

Learning in action

In the bustling month of March, the academic programs of ICTAK were in full swing as the Academic Operational Unit kicked off a series of exciting classes. The Front-end Development using Angular course at Providence College Chengannur offered students a chance to delve deep into the art of creating interactive web applications, while the Data science and analytics with R program at Rajadhani College provided a fascinating insight into the intricate world of data science.

The workshops on Digital Marketing, FSD add-on, and BI with Tableau offered a chance to gain practical experience and learn from experts in the field. The RPA and AI workshops picked the interest of those looking to explore cutting-edge technologies. Perhaps the most intensive program was the STT- REACT JS course at Nirmala College, which saw students from BCA A, BCA B, and BSC CS. With a palpable passion for learning, students demonstrated their hunger for knowledge and their drive to succeed in the world of technology.

ICTAK’s presence in ‘Umagine Chennai’

Mr. Thomas Joseph, Manager of Corporate Relations at the ICT Academy of Kerala, recently attended Umagine Chennai, Asia’s largest summit on technology and innovation. He represented ICTAK and engaged with industrial experts and policymakers at the three-day conference held from March 23 to March 25, 2023, at the Chennai Trade Centre. This summit provided ICTAK with a great opportunity to showcase its technological and innovative expertise on a global platform. By participating in this event, ICTAK can position itself as a significant player in the technology and innovation sector and attract potential partners and investors to Kerala.

Fruitful discussions

March was a month of fruitful discussions for the ICT Academy of Kerala, with a series of exciting dialogues taking place. The academy played host to a discussion from IBM, including Ms. Latha Raj, Ms. Madhuri D.M., and Mr. Devkant Aggarwal, who met with Mr. Santhosh Kurup. In another promising development, ICTAK’s leaders visited the Hon. Vice Chancellors of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and Digital University Kerala, with a focus on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance problem-solving skills. Mr. Thomas Joseph also engaged in a discussion with Mr. Abida Aneez, Head of CSR at the Legrand Group, to explore the potential areas of collaboration between the two companies.

From virtual to reality

The Knowledge Office of the ICT Academy of Kerala organised a series of physical sessions, leaving an indelible impression on the participating individuals in March. With a handful of programs spanning diverse domains, the Academy ensured a holistic learning experience for the attendees.

The Nirmala College of Arts and Science, Chalakudy, witnessed a stimulating discussion on RPA, AI/ML, and Front End technologies, which left the participants spellbound. The Capacity Building Program at Kerala State IT Mission addressed four batches of eager learners, which aim to equip them with the skills necessary to navigate the fast-paced digital world. The VSSC training on Advanced Python Programming opened up a new world of possibilities for the participants, who were left enthralled by the power of this versatile language. DSA training for Rajadhani Business School, with its 30 hours of intensive learning, enabled the students to master the intricacies of data structures and algorithms.

The academy also delved into social media marketing with an 18-hour program at Vimal Jyothi College of Engineering. The add-on programs at PGM College and Nilgiri Arts and Science College, covering AI/ML, Digital Marketing, and FSD, gave the attendees a well-rounded perspective on various aspects of the digital world. Overall, the physical sessions conducted by the academy encompassed a whopping 292 hours of immersive learning, which will undoubtedly benefit the participants in their future endeavours.

An endnote

As our CEO Mr. Santhosh Kurup said in ‘Inspired Talks’ by Reflections, “ICTAK does not limit her functionalities to skill training alone, we redefine career according to each individual and thus changing lives of people“. Each one of us strictly adheres to this policy throughout the growth of the organisation and we are committed to uphold the values in the future too.