The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) launched the second edition of the "IITGN-Dakshana Leadership Programme" on June 7 for about 70 students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and other government schools from 16 Indian states, with the goal of equipping IIT and engineering aspirant students from humble backgrounds with essential skills of communication, leadership, and critical thinking.

These students were chosen from the Dakshana Foundation's Pune, Bundi, Kottayam, and Lucknow centres based on their outstanding performance in IIT JEE preparation at Dakshana. The average annual income of these students' parents/guardians is less than Rs 2 lakh. This year's cohort also includes ten students who are already studying at various national institutes with scholarships from the Foundation for Excellence (FFE).

Over the next month, these students from across India who have demonstrated exceptional academic abilities despite their families' limited financial resources will be provided with the best training and knowledge in an IIT environment to help them reach their full potential.

The communication skills module will help them improve their English language and communication skills, allowing them to speak more confidently. The Leadership module, which is integrated with the "Finding a Leader in You" (FLY) programme, aims to make students aware of their strengths and work on their weaknesses in order for them to become confident leaders.

Someshwar Singh, who is from Jharkhand and is affiliated with the Dakshana Centre in Bundi, expressed his excitement about the programme, saying, "I am really excited to come to an IIT for the first time." I'm excited to hone my leadership and communication skills here.