Expert highlights industrial and educational potential of Kalaburagi at KKCCI event

The Hindu

15-05-2025

The Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) hosted a special talk titled 'Vision for Kalaburagi: Empowering Industry and Education with Global Insights' by executive director of Khana Foundation Kris Murthy, who is also director at Scottline Healthcare, Logistics Marshal of the Republican National Committee (USA), and Chief White House Correspondent, at the S.S. Patil Auditorium in Kalaburagi on Wednesday.
Dr. Murthy, who will be based in India for the next three years, shared strategic recommendations to leverage Kalaburagi's potential on the global stage.
In his welcome address, KKCCI president Sharanabasappa M. Pappa emphasised the need for comprehensive development in Kalaburagi. He noted that Dr. Murthy's presence offered a unique opportunity for the region to gain from his international experience in both education and industrial development.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Murthy highlighted that Kalaburagi currently lacks income-generating large-scale industries beyond cement and dal mills. He stressed the need to attract major industrial investments, which would, in turn, spur the growth of allied small-scale units. Recognising the role of education in driving long-term economic development, he proposed the early identification of students' interests at the high school level and recommended targeted skill training in nursing, information technology, and hospitality, three sectors that are in high demand globally.
Dr. Murthy further advocated for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kalaburagi as a catalyst for rapid industrialisation and urged entrepreneurs, industrialists, KKCCI, and the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) to collaborate towards this goal. He also announced the adoption of ten local schools under a pilot project to train both students and teachers, thereby equipping youth with essential skills.
In a major boost for aspiring business owners, Dr. Murthy pledged project funding ranging from ₹2 crore to ₹20 crore for viable business proposals. He underscored that dedicated effort, clear focus, and strong determination were essential ingredients for entrepreneurial success.
KKCCI hon. secretary, Shivaraj V. Inginshetty, reaffirmed the chamber's commitment to pursuing investment opportunities and the establishment of an SEZ in Kalaburagi. He welcomed Dr. Murthy's collaboration and expressed confidence that, with collective effort, significant transformation could be achieved within the next three to four years.
Other dignitaries on the dais included Baburao Hudgikar, retired District Health Officer and former Administrator of Kalaburagi branch of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research and KKCCI's immediate-past president Shashikanth B. Patil, chairman of the Entrepreneurship, HR & Skill Development sub-committee Dinesh A. Patil and programme coordination sub-committee head Ravishankar A. Jamadarkhani.