Udaan Initiative Launches in Dharamshala to Empower Youth Career Choices
Udaan Initiative Kicks Off in Dharamshala
Kumkum Mataik
DHARAMSHALA: To assist young individuals in making informed career decisions in a rapidly evolving job landscape, a digital news network in Himachal Pradesh collaborated with Arni University on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to launch the ‘Udaan: Discover Your Direction’ program in Dharamshala.
Hosted at Minerva Study Circle, this event emphasized career clarity, emerging opportunities, and skill-based planning, marking the beginning of a new social outreach campaign with Kangra as its inaugural location.
Participants, including students, educators, and professionals, engaged in interactive discussions about pathways from education to employment, entrepreneurship, and current market trends.
Sunil Chadha, Executive Editor, along with Political Editor S Gopal Puri and HR Head Abhinav Sharma, expressed that the initiative aims to motivate students to recognize their strengths, explore unconventional career paths, and make well-informed decisions at crucial stages. They stated, “Udaan is designed to help youth realize their potential and understand that achieving success today requires awareness, adaptability, and confidence.”
Emphasis on Confidence and Skill Development
The chief guest, District Tourism Officer Vinay Dhiman, shared insights from his academic and professional experiences, encouraging students to prioritize self-confidence, consistency, and timely decision-making. He highlighted that today’s opportunities are more varied than in the past, but achieving success necessitates careful planning and perseverance.
Dhiman noted that merely excelling academically does not guarantee success in a competitive environment. He emphasized the importance of developing multiple skills, gaining practical experience, and participating in extracurricular activities, stating that theoretical knowledge without practical application is insufficient.
Reflecting on his own journey from teaching to preparing for competitive exams, he advised students that temporary setbacks are part of every career and should not deter them. “Challenges are unavoidable, but patience and persistence are key to long-term success,” he remarked.
Guidance on Academic Planning from Arni University Experts
Dr. Raminder Singh, Dean of Arni University, offered comprehensive advice on academic planning and course selection, urging students to align their choices with their interests, skills, and future prospects. He stressed the importance of clarity, discipline, and consistency in higher education, encouraging students to explore various academic paths before making final decisions.
“Career paths are seldom straightforward. With appropriate guidance and a focused mindset, success is attainable even after facing setbacks,” he advised, encouraging students to view failures as learning opportunities rather than obstacles.
Dr. Charu Sharma, a faculty member at Arni University, reminded students that exams are just one aspect of life and not its defining factor. She advocated for a balanced, stress-free approach to studies and highlighted the diverse range of courses and career options available at Arni University, urging students to concentrate on their strengths and make informed choices.
Expanding Social Outreach Beyond Journalism
Since its inception in 2022, the digital news network has integrated research-driven journalism with community initiatives, including the TNR-Shining Star Awards to honor outstanding students and the Spring Carnival in Dharamshala to promote local tourism and culture.
With the launch of Udaan, the network has expanded its social initiatives to include structured career guidance and youth motivation. Plans are underway to conduct similar programs in other districts, aiming to assist students throughout Himachal Pradesh in discovering direction, confidence, and purpose in their career journeys.