Pune: Vivek Velankar, a career counselor, inspired students at a recent seminar organized by YOJAK NGO. Velankar stated, “Invest in yourself as much as possible to feel proud of your future while being a student. The decisions you make today can have a significant impact on your future success and fulfillment. Education is the key to a brighter future.”
The seminar, focusing on opportunities in science and technology after 10th and 12th grades, was held at Ga. Di. Madgulkar Natyagruha, Akurdi. It saw an impressive turnout of around 800 students from grades 10 to 12, along with concerned teachers from community learning centers operated by YOJAK in collaboration with Bajaj Auto Ltd.'s CSR department.
Ramesh Venugopalaswamy, the chief guest, provided valuable guidance to the students, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions for a successful future. Other notable attendees included Vijay Wavare, Anuja Saptashwa, Reshma Andhale, and Renu Inamdar, the founder and director of YOJAK NGO.
Velankar also underscored the importance of inculcating good habits in students, likening it to laying the foundation of a strong building.
“It enhances academic performance and shapes your character, leading to success in all areas of life. If you want to choose a career scientifically, then aptitude or intelligence tests are the best solutions. Plan your career carefully, as competition has increased but so have the choices. Education remains the key to success,” he added.
Renu Inamdar spoke about YOJAK’s mission over the past fifteen years to provide access to education and development in remote villages of Pune district and slums of Pimpri Chinchwad.
She emphasized the need to open doors of secondary and higher secondary education, as well as science and technology sectors, to students from vulnerable populations.
YOJAK, in collaboration with Bajaj Auto Ltd.'s CSR department, operates community learning centers that benefit over 2500 students from grades 1 to 12.
These centers focus on building a strong foundation for higher education and developing balanced personalities among students from weaker sections, with a significant number of beneficiaries being girls.
The STEM Lab initiative, started in the last two years, aims to foster interest in science and technology among students."