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From Classrooms to Blue Economy: ICAR-CIFRI Inspires Gen Z Students of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya to Become Future Fishery Entrepreneurs

17^th March, 2026
Barrackpore, Kolkata,W.B.

Reinforcing its commitment to nurturing future-ready agri-entrepreneurs and advancing scientific fisheries education, the ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI) organized a dynamic educational exposure visit for students of PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, IIT Kharagpur under the PM SHRI scheme, as part of its 80th Foundation Day celebrations.
The students actively took part in the Foundation Day celebrations, making the visit both enriching and inspiring. The initiative highlighted the value of blending education with innovation, while fostering awareness among young minds about the vast potential of fisheries science, sustainable aquaculture, and entrepreneurship—thereby nurturing a resilient, self-reliant, and innovation-oriented future generation.

Addressing the students during the inaugural session, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, highlighted the institute’s larger social responsibility in shaping Gen Z by exposing them to the multifaceted dimensions of fisheries science and development. He emphasized that such early scientific orientation is crucial to groom young minds into future fish-based entrepreneurs—transforming them from job seekers into job providers and strengthening the nation’s blue economy.
The visit offered students a comprehensive glimpse into the vast potential of inland fisheries—not merely as a scientific discipline but as a sustainable and lucrative livelihood option. They explored advanced laboratories and research facilities, gaining first-hand insights into aquatic biodiversity, environmental monitoring, and sustainable resource management practices.

A major attraction was the aquarium and ornamental fish units, where students were introduced to ornamental fisheries and modern aquaculture techniques, opening their perspectives to emerging opportunities in fish-based enterprises and value-added products.
Interactive sessions with scientists and technical experts further enriched the experience, enabling students to understand how cutting-edge research and innovation are addressing pressing environmental and fisheries-related challenges. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Dibakar Bhakta, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Pranab Gogoi, Scientist at ICAR-CIFRI.
A total of 68 Class X students, accompanied by five faculty members, attended this immersive programme aimed at cultivating a scientific temper through experiential learning. Organized as a student–scientist interaction, the programme reflected the PM SHRI vision of connecting classroom learning with real-world applications.