CHENNAI: The Indo-German Training Centre (IGTC), Chennai, celebrated the convocation of their PGPBA (Post Graduate Program in Business Administration) class of 2017/19 and the EBMP (Executive Business Management Programme) class of 2018/19, at the Turyaa Hotel on the 24th April.
IGTC, is a division of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), is a non-profit organisation which was established in 1956. It is a part of the Association of German Chamber of Commerce, Berlin. IGCC has been a significant catalyst for the promotion of trade and industrial relations between India and Germany for 60 years.
Ms Karin Stoll, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Chennai, along with Mr Suresh Kumar Kannappan, Chief Commercial Officer, DB Schenker India Pvt Ltd, Chennai, were the Guests of Honour for the event.
“We should never think that our work is complete, right after receiving a diploma. There is no end to learning. Every day in professional life, is a challenge. In order to overcome these challenges, we should have the attitude and the aptitude, to learn.” said Mr Ranjit Pratap, Chairman SRC, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce & Managing Director Raito Enterprises Pvt Ltd, motivating the graduates during the welcome address.
Mr Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), addressed the students during the event. Mr Bernhard has been the driving force for the growing Indo-German bilateral trade. His active participation in conferences, meetings and events across the country, has motivated and developed the relationship between India and Germany in a variety of positive and mutually helpful ways.
“Our system of education, which is a mixture of theory and practice, helps people have focus on what is happening in theory and realise what is happening in practical times as well. It is very important that the industry be very flexible, in order to adapt to the changes.” he said.
Mr Bernhard also mentioned that the graduates were heading into “exciting” times, where numerous dramatic changes can occur, with a lot of knowledge to learn. “The doors are wide open and with the new immigration law in Germany, our focus will be on getting the best of talents. And the Indian talent in Germany is the largest group among the Blue-Card holders, who have high-demand jobs”, he said.
Select students from the PGPBA and from the EBMP programme, shared their experience of completing the 18 month course at the IGTC, where they praised the model of education and their mentors.
Mr Suresh Kumar Kannappan, in his special address said that, “Success does not happen over-night. With my first salary being 750 Rupees in 1995, I worked hard and I wasn’t afraid of failures. That is what the graduates here should know, and not give-up.”
“At present, we are equipped with tools, such as the internet and reading materials, which provide us with tons of knowledge. We must use them wisely and become the game changers in the business.” he added, encouraging and motivating the graduates.
Before presenting the students with their diplomas, Ms Karin Stoll delivered her special address. She stated the IGCC has interacted with the local government, in order to find out the best possible ways to improve employability and skills training.
“We have showcased some of the Indo-German Firms and Institutions to the Tamil Nadu government and a collaboration in the future is possible. We to find out practical ways to cooperate, as employability as become the focus in the recent times, in the industry” , she added. Finally, Ms Stoll also said that, “From the perspective of the students or apprentices, this training is very convincing because it creates better opportunities in the job market.”
Mr T R Gopalan, Director, IGTC, & the Regional Director, IGCC, concluded the graduation day by saying, “Germany has been one of the most trusted and reliable partners for India, since Independence. Similarly, in terms of skilling India, the German contribution has been phenomenal.”
“Successive German Ambassadors and Consul Generals have also been very proactive on initiatives introduced for the country’s development.” he added.
Indian Business Review 