Industrialist Rajiv Bajaj on Friday asked Kashmiri students to be not just bike enthusiasts but be also involved in its production.
“The first four bikes I saw as I left the airport were Bajaj Pulsar motorcycles and was happy they are used in a big way but I want you to come to our factories and make Pulsars too,” Mr. Bajaj said addressing an interactive session with students of Kashmir University here. He was part of industrialists whom Congress leader Rahul Gandhi brought to the University to interact with the students.
Stability, trust
Speaking at a panel discussion on “Building bridges: Students of J&K and economic opportunity in the country,” Mr. Gandhi said: “I will be little blunt. Business people are after business. They will go to places where they get business. And wherever they go for it they will need two things — stability and trust. We need to develop a long-lasting relationship of stability and trusts. Once it is done then you will find that investments are coming.”
Mr. Gandhi said the idea was not to set up or start a project. “The idea is to establish sustainable projects,” he said, suggesting that peace in the region should be a precursor to future investments.
Internships offered
As the students spoke of lack of job opportunities, the industrialists promised to pave the way for job openings by offering internships and exchange programmes.
The internships were offered by Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata and HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh, who, along with Mr. Bajaj and Aditya Birla group chief Kumar Mangalam Birla, were part of the delegation.
One girl said the students wanted the captains of Indian industry to ignite the spark in them.
Responding, Mr. Tata offered internship for students of the university in Tata group firms and it could lead to permanent employment. Stipends would also be provided.
“The industry has not looked consciously at the wealth and capabilities in Kashmir. We need to correct that and savour the capability of people in the region,” he said.
Mr. Parekh also offered internship for the students in his bank besides providing banking skills after graduation that could earn them a certificate.
Mr. Parekh echoed Mr. Gandhi’s view and said banks were not shying away from giving money but the project had to be viable. He asked people to tap opportunities in tourism.
Mr. Birla promised the students that the State would see much more investments in the year to come.
