Ninjacart, India’s leading agri-startup that leverages technology and data to organise the global agriculture ecosystem, hosted a career guidance counseling session for children of agri communities belonging to Madurai’s Smart Fruit Market and Orunginaintha Kaaigari Vaniga Valagam.
The event held at Courtyard by Marriott, Madurai brought together distinguished personalities like. Keshav Hingonia, IAS, Special Secretary, Government of Punjab, and author of Failing Forward - Fourth Fail to IIT to IAS: Success Mantra for Achieving Your Dreams and N. Valarmathi, Former ISRO Scientist and recipient of the Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award to share their knowledge and experiences with the next generation of the agri-sector. The initiative addresses the critical need for career guidance and personal development opportunities in rural communities. By connecting the children from the Madurai agri community with accomplished professionals, Ninjacart seeks to bridge career development gaps, equipping them with essential soft skills and expanding their career opportunities.
These esteemed guests shared insights on career planning, the importance of education, and the skills needed to succeed in various fields. The guests emphasised the critical role of education in shaping future leaders and decision-makers by sharing their journey in their fields and encouraging students to pursue careers in diverse fields. Their talks focused on breaking barriers and the importance of perseverance in achieving one's goals. Recognizing the limited access to such guidance in rural areas, Ninjacart's initiative aims to bridge the gap for the agri-community's children, providing them with the knowledge and inspiration needed to navigate the broader world.
Keshav Hingonia, IAS, Special Secretary, Government of Punjab, emphasised the importance of continuous learning, stating, "Ninjacart's program marks a pivotal step in empowering the next generation of our agricultural community. By delivering both educational resources with practical experience, this initiative is not just nurturing individual talent—it's paving the way for the future of India's agricultural sector. It's inspiring to see private enterprises taking the lead in bridging the gap between urban and rural areas while fostering innovation and creating lasting opportunities for rural youth.”
Commenting on the initiative, Vasudevan Chinnathambi, Co-Founder of Ninjacart, said, "At Ninjacart, we recognise the immense potential within our agri-communities. This career guidance session in Madurai, a region with a rich agricultural heritage is our way of investing in the future of these children. By providing them with the right guidance and opportunities, we aim to level the playing field and empower them to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background."
This career guidance session marks the launch of Ninjacart's broader initiative, ‘Better Lives for the Children of Agri’ aimed at uplifting and supporting the next generation of the agricultural community. As part of its commitment to the agricultural community, Ninjacart also unveiled two significant community outreach programs during the event. The Ninjacart Scholarship Program will provide financial assistance of up to Rs 25,000 along with laptops to meritorious students, supporting their educational aspirations. Additionally, the Ninjacart Internship Program will offer valuable work experience to children of Ninja Kirana and Ninja Mandi users across India, providing them with hands-on exposure to the agri-tech sector.