Lightstorm, a major provider of connectivity infrastructure and services, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, to launch an “Employment Skilling Initiative.” 

This collaboration seeks to bridge the skill gap among underprivileged students and support underserved youth, women, and job seekers from tier 2 & 3 cities. 

Lightstorm, in partnership with IIT Madras’ Technology Innovation Hub, will offer comprehensive placement assistance for students in Arts, Science, and Commerce degrees. High achievers may also secure internships, furthering their professional development.

Dr. Mangala Sunder Krishnan, Professor Emeritus at IIT Madras, emphasised the importance of quality education and growth opportunities for all backgrounds. “We firmly believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education and opportunities for personal and professional growth.” He praised Lightstorm’s initiative to provide necessary tech skills to underprivileged students, facilitating inclusive economic development.

According to a 2023 survey, over 75% of industry leaders see a need for more practical knowledge among recent graduates. Another industry report revealed that only 45% of Indian graduates applying for jobs are employable and prepared to meet changing industry demands, highlighting the necessity for specialised technology skills.

Amajit Gupta, Group CEO and Managing Director of Lightstorm, expressed excitement about the partnership: “This is a significant step towards closing the skill gap among underprivileged students and providing them with meaningful employment opportunities. We aim to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds and drive inclusive economic growth.”

The ‘Employment Enablement Program through Skill Development’ offers a well-designed curriculum that includes Networking Essentials, ITIL Fundamentals, and Soft Skill Training, among other key topics. Taught by a mix of academic and industry experts, the program combines classroom instruction with practical learning experiences for maximum skill retention and applicability.

Lightstorm’s commitment to corporate social responsibility includes ambitious goals for 2024, focusing on successful program implementation with partner organisations.

Lightstorm builds hyperscale networking infrastructure in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, driving growth and innovation in the digital economy. The company has established a resilient fibre network, SmartNet, in various regional countries.