India's bold push to train 85,000 semiconductor engineers by 2035

India's push to strengthen its semiconductor industry is gaining momentum through the Chips to Startups (C2S) initiative. The programme, led by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), aims to train 85,000 engineers over the next decade. Meanwhile, academic institutions in the National Capital Region are playing a key role in semiconductor design and validation.

Separately, the Santali language has reached a new milestone with the release of the Indian Constitution in Ol Chiki script. This development highlights the growing recognition of tribal heritage in modern India.

The C2S initiative is expanding access to advanced semiconductor training across the country. It currently supports 315 academic institutions, offering students over 1.85 crore hours of hands-on experience with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. Leading hubs in the National Capital Region, such as IIT Delhi, NIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, DTU, JNU, and IGDTUW, are central to this effort.

Students benefit from a full-cycle learning process, including design, fabrication, packaging, and testing at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Mohali. The ISM 2.0 plans to extend the programme to 500 universities nationwide, ensuring representation from every state. This expansion aims to create a steady pipeline of skilled engineers for the semiconductor industry, which expects 2 million new jobs in the coming years. In a separate cultural development, the Santali language has achieved a significant landmark. The Indian Constitution is now available in Ol Chiki, the script created by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925. This script gained official recognition in 2003 when Santali was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The Santali community has a rich history of resistance and cultural preservation. Leaders like Tilka Majhi and Sido-Kanhu fought against colonial oppression in the 18th and 19th centuries. Literary works such as Murmu's plays *Bidu Chandan*, *Kherwal Veer*, and *Sido Kanhu – Santal Hul* have kept their legacy alive while fostering social awareness. Tribal communities, known for their deep connection to nature, continue to offer valuable lessons in environmental stewardship.

The C2S programme is set to transform India's semiconductor workforce by training thousands of engineers over the next ten years. With 500 universities expected to join, the initiative will support the industry's growing demand for skilled professionals.

For the Santali community, the Constitution's translation into Ol Chiki marks a step forward in preserving linguistic and cultural identity. This recognition reinforces the importance of tribal contributions to India's diverse heritage.