MOU between GNA University and International Tractors Limited (ITL), Sonalika

Jalandhar, January 31, 2023: GNA University has always been known for maintaining robust Industry-Academia interface to impart learning about the latest and emerging technologies being used by the Industry as a part of academic curriculum taught to its students. Keeping this in mind, GNA University has inked a Memorandum-of-Understanding (MoU) with one of the leading Tractor manufacturing Companies of India, International Tractors Limited (ITL), Sonalika for the advanced training and placements of students.  

With the signing of MoU, GNA University has become the first university of North India to partner with ITL Group under its Academic Collaboration for Excellence to bridge the Academia-Industry Skill Gap. 

C. R. Tripathy, Dean FEDA-D showcased the advanced design and manufacturing facilities  of product design labs of Creo from PTC, USA, Catia from Dassault Systems, France, NX CAD/CAM Lab from Siemens, Germany, Rapid Prototyping (3D printing) facility from Stratasys USA, CMM lab, Robotics and Automation lab of the University to the delegates of the ITL and he further added that “GNA University is very grateful to S. Gurdeep  Singh Sihra, the Pro-Chancellor, GNA University whose encouragement always leads to bringing the advanced design and manufacturing facilities to the University.” He further thanked ITL for joining hands with the GNA University for the betterment of the students.

The MoU was signed by B. K. Singh, Assistant Vice-President, ITL and Mr. Kunal Bains, Deputy Registrar GNA University. While giving details about the MOU with ITL, Dr. VK Rattan, the Vice-Chancellor said, "Under this MOU, the students of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Robotics and Automation Engineering and Bachelor of Design would undergo hands-on training which will focus on their problem solving skills so that they can be made industry-ready before the completion of their academic tenure.” The purpose of this MOU is to define the areas for academic and industrial research as well as skill-based training in the field of Research and Development, Designing in which both ITL and GU desire to work together in the future for the betterment of the students of the region and developing a skill based workforce. 

B. K. Singh, Assistant Vice-President, ITL further added that, "The students of GNA University will be engaged from the 6th semester onwards and will work on live projects of ITL under the regular mentorship of the ITL professionals. In the 8th semester these students will be offered stipend based internship and further these students will be given priority in the campus placements conducted by ITL as the company has been a regular recruiter of engineering students for past many years." ITL will also give inputs on skill development of the budding engineers by helping them to understand emerging technologies and can have an edge over students from other universities, so that they become industry ready at the completion of his degree. In addition, the students will be given opportunity to work on real time projects under the guidance of industry experts so that their employability skills can be enhanced.

"It's a win-win situation for the students as they will be trained by the Industry Experts on the emerging technology platforms which will improve their chances of placements in top-notch companies and also being given a unique chance by ITL to work on real time projects from the industry during the completion of the degree itself," said S. Gurdeep Singh Sihra, the Pro-Chancellor, GNA University. 

MOU signing ceremony was also graced by Dr. Monika Hanspal, Dean Academics, Dr. Hemant Sharma Pro Vice-Chancellor and Deans of the other GNA University, Sunny Kaushal AM-HR, ITL and Pretiksha Karpe, HR ITL.