AI workshop at Dhamtari festival helps Abhanpur student secure summer internship, highlighting growing opportunities for rural youth
TFP Bureau,Raipur, April 29,2026: The positive impact of Yuva Fest 2026, held in Dhamtari earlier this month, has begun to emerge with a remarkable success story of a Class 12 student securing an internship with a Bengaluru-based technology company after participating in an Artificial Intelligence workshop during the event.
Pratik Tamrakar, a Class 12 student from Abhanpur in Chhattisgarh, has been selected for a summer internship at TEKNIKOZ Software Private Limited, an IT firm headquartered in Bengaluru. The internship opportunity came after the student impressed industry experts during an Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop organised as part of the two-day youth festival held in Dhamtari on April 24–25.
According to officials, Pratik was chosen based on his active participation, strong technical aptitude and exceptional performance during the workshop sessions. As part of the internship programme, he will work with the company from April to June 2026, gaining practical exposure to real-world technology projects and industry practices.
Hands-on AI training during festival
The AI workshop was conducted by a team of technology experts from Bengaluru who introduced participating students to emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, digital skills, startup ecosystems and modern technological innovations.
Participants were given opportunities for hands-on learning through practical demonstrations, project-based activities and career guidance sessions. During these interactions, Pratik stood out for his curiosity, innovative thinking and eagerness to learn, which ultimately led the instructors to recommend him for the internship.
Officials said the workshop was designed to expose young students—particularly those from smaller towns and rural areas—to rapidly evolving technology sectors and help them understand future career possibilities.
Administration lauds achievement
District Collector Abinash Mishra congratulated Pratik on his achievement and extended his best wishes for a bright future. He said the purpose of organising youth-oriented programmes like Yuva Fest is not limited to cultural celebrations but also focuses on identifying hidden talents among young people and connecting them with meaningful opportunities.
“Pratik’s success demonstrates that when youth from rural areas and small towns receive proper guidance and the right platform, they can compete at the national level and achieve recognition,” the Collector said.
He also encouraged other young people in the district to actively participate in innovation and skill-development programmes, stating that exposure to modern technologies and new learning opportunities can significantly expand career prospects.
Festival aimed at youth development
Officials said that Yuva Fest-2026 was designed as a comprehensive platform for youth engagement, combining programmes related to technology, sports, culture, innovation and entrepreneurship. Various competitions, workshops and interactive sessions were organised across the district to nurture creativity and develop practical skills among students.
The festival aimed to inspire young participants to explore new ideas, build confidence and develop leadership abilities while also preparing them for future careers in rapidly changing professional fields.
Despite the challenges of organising a large-scale youth festival within a limited timeframe, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across the district and was widely appreciated for its effective coordination and planning.
Inspiration behind the success
Pratik Tamrakar credited his success to the encouragement and guidance of his uncle, Pawan Kumar Tamrakar, a professor at Government College in Kurud. He said his uncle motivated him to participate in Yuva Fest and helped him develop an interest in technology and innovation.
Pratik said platforms like Yuva Fest provide invaluable exposure to young students, allowing them to learn new skills, interact with experts and transform their aspirations into real opportunities.
Connecting local youth to national opportunities
Administrators believe that initiatives like Yuva Fest are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between local talent and national or global opportunities. By bringing experts, mentors and industry representatives together with students, such programmes are helping young people from smaller regions gain exposure to emerging fields and career pathways.
Officials added that the success of participants like Pratik Tamrakar demonstrates the transformative potential of skill-based youth initiatives and underscores the importance of providing the right platforms for young talent to flourish.
