Media Release
Udupi, Oct 4: The Counselling Cell of Shri Madhwa Vadiraja Institute of Technology and Management, Bantakal, organised a two-day leadership training camp on September 29 and 30, for students of Engineering, MBA, Nursing and Allied Health, in collaboration with the M R Pai Foundation, jointly with the Forum of Free Enterprise, Mumbai.
Gita Pai, trustee of the M R Pai Foundation, was the chief guest, and Swati Kapadia, CEO, served as guest of honour. The resource persons were Sachin Kamath and Vivek Patki from Mumbai.
In her address, Swati Kapadia highlighted the importance of leadership training in preparing students, the nation’s future, to lead responsibly. She acknowledged SMVITM’s management for hosting the programme for the first time.
Principal Thirumaleshwar Bhat delivered the presidential address, observing that while technical and engineering skills are taught in the curriculum, essential life and leadership skills are often not. He expressed his appreciation to Gita Pai and acknowledged the late M R Pai’s foresight and legacy in promoting youth development through such programmes over the last few decades.
The first day’s sessions focused on sharpening communication skills and the importance of goal-setting in the morning, while the afternoon explored how habits shape personal success.
Sachin Kamath and Vivek Patki engaged students through interactive activities, helping them distinguish between dreams, desires and goals, recognise life’s comparison and expectation traps, and develop habit-awareness for better time management, self-esteem and commitment.
The second day's session focused on decision-making and problem-solving, unlocking the personal potential of students, building meaningful connections through teamwork skills, and developing the confidence to believe in oneself.
Vivek Patki expressed his happiness at the students’ enthusiastic responses and extended his best wishes for their future endeavours. Dr Radhakrishna S Aithal acknowledged the efforts of the M R Pai Foundation and the Forum of Free Enterprise for organising such impactful programs. He also appreciated the students for sharing their heartfelt feedback, considered the camp a valuable initiative, and announced that this programme would continue to be held annually henceforth.
During the session, many students came forward to share their reflections - some speaking in public for the very first time.
The valedictory function of the programme was held on September 30.
The event was emceed by Akshitha, assistant professor, Department of ECE, with Sachin Kamath and Vivek Patki (resource persons), and Dr Radhakrishna Aithal, CEO of the Sode Group of Educational Institutions, on the dais.