IITH Launches NBV Skilling Centre to Empower Rural and Semi-Urban Youth
In a significant step towards promoting inclusive education and rural empowerment, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) has inaugurated the ‘NBV Skilling Centre’ under its Rural Development Centre (RDC). This initiative, launched on November 4, 2025, is a collaborative effort involving IITH, Next Bharat Ventures (an initiative of Suzuki Motor Corporation), and the Deshpande Foundation.
Mission and Objectives of the NBV Skilling Centre
The core mission of the NBV Skilling Centre is to equip rural and semi-urban youth with industry-ready technical skills, entrepreneurial capabilities, and enhanced educational opportunities. The Centre aims to serve as a hub for holistic development by offering comprehensive programmes that include:
- Soft skills training
- Communication training
- Hands-on exposure to innovation-driven technologies
Vision for Rural Development
During the inauguration, IITH Director Professor B S Murty emphasized the importance of the Rural Development Centre, which was established in 2020 with the vision to support rural development through innovative technologies. He stated, “The new Skill Development Centre takes this vision forward, empowering India’s youth through education, innovation, and real-world skill building.”
Core Themes of the Initiative
Dr. Satish Regonda, Chairperson of the RDC, highlighted that the Centre reinforces the core themes of Education, Environment, and Entrepreneurship. These themes are pivotal in transforming rural regions into spaces of opportunity and innovation.
Flagship Programmes
The initiative is anchored by the Next Bharat Skilling Foundation (NBSF), a Section 8 not-for-profit entity. Its flagship programmes include:
- SkillPlus: Targeted at rural graduates.
- Skill in Village (SiV): Designed for school students.
- Technical Skilling for MSMEs: Aimed at Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
These programmes aim to train over 50,000 youth and impact more than 50,000 school students by the year 2035.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
Dr. Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande, Founder of the Deshpande Foundation, remarked that collaborative initiatives like the NBV Skilling Centre bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. This enables youth from every corner of the country to actively participate in India’s growth story.
Kinji Saito, Director of Next Bharat Ventures and Councillor at Suzuki Motor Corporation, expressed that the partnership reflects Suzuki’s commitment to empowering India’s youth through practical skills and inclusive growth.
Community and Industry Support
The inauguration event was attended by various dignitaries, including Ranga Rao Nutakki, Chairman of Sai Deepa Rock Drills Pvt Ltd, who pledged support to the mission. Senior officials from Suzuki, the Deshpande Foundation, and IITH were also present, showcasing a unified commitment to the cause of rural development and youth empowerment.
Conclusion
The launch of the NBV Skilling Centre marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards empowering rural and semi-urban youth in India. By providing access to essential skills and education, this initiative holds the potential to transform lives and contribute to the overall development of rural communities.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates as of November 2025.
