Govt committed to promote entrepreneurial, startup culture in J&K: LG

Addresses LEAD’s ‘Mahotsav 2023’

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reiterated the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Administration to promote entrepreneurial and startup culture in the Union Territory.
“In today’s age dominated by algorithm, the entrepreneurs can upgrade the business and marketing skill in promotion of unique local products”, the Lieutenant Governor said while addressing ‘Mahotsav 2023’ and Entrepreneur Conclave Swavlamban se Swabhiman organised jointly by Indian Institute of Management, Jammu, and Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue (LEAD) at Gulshan Ground.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Vocal for Local initiative is full of dynamism and potential to put the J&K on a higher growth path,” the Lt Governor said.
He appreciated the efforts of the team of professionals of LEAD initiative who are working towards sustainable development of Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh.
Highlighting the growth potential of various sectors in Jammu Kashmir, the Lt Governor called upon young entrepreneurs to take advantage of new opportunities and strengthen the local to go global.
Flagship programmes, like, One District One Product and District Export Hub is providing opportunity to artisans, agro-based industries to exploit the potential, increase the share of our exclusive products in growing global demand and strengthen the brand positioning of unique crafts, he said.
He said the active participation of entrepreneurs during the two-day Mahotsav will become a source of inspiration for the aspiring youth of the UT.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor honoured the VeerNaris, family members of martyrs of Security Forces and Ex-servicemen.
He visited the stalls put up by government departments, SKUAST Jammu; Institute of Music and Fine Arts, JU; Army; entrepreneurs; Farmer Producers Organizations, Cooperatives and Self Help Groups, during the Mahotsav.
Major General Gaurav Gautam, GOC Tiger Division; Sunil Shah, Director LEAD; Lt Gen RK Sharma (Retd.), Maj Gen SK Sharma (Retd.), Brig Balbir Singh (Retd.), Col BS Mangotra (Retd.); Ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, youth and people in large number were present.
The LEAD IIM Jammu Entrepreneur Conclave is designed to foster the spirit of ‘Swawlambhan,’ and ‘Swabhiman’ reflecting its alignment with Startup India, nurturing entrepreneurship, and instilling a sense of self-reliance within the youth and the community. The inaugural ceremony commenced with an engaging AV presentation by LEAD, setting the tone for the festivities, followed by a warm welcome and homage to Bharat Mata. The Mahotsav 2023 was graced by Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

During the event, a detailed overview into the Memorandum of Understanding between LEAD and IIM, emphasizing its focus on promoting and encouraging entrepreneurship in the picturesque regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh was presented.
Sunil Shah, Director, LEAD, in his talk, emphasized the importance of celebrating local excellence and preserving cultural heritage under the theme of Swadeshi, Swawlambhan & Sanskriti. He mentioned that the Grand Mahotsav serves as a pivotal platform, endorsing and empowering local businesses in alignment with the ideologies of Vocal for Local and Make in India.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, highlighted that the LEAD IIM Jammu Entrepreneur Conclave aims to tap into local potential, promote entrepreneurship, and foster unity and pride in Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh. He affirmed IIM Jammu and LEAD’s commitment to sustainable development in the Union Territories, emphasizing free youth programs and the need for continuous self-improvement. He stressed on IIM Jammu’s actively contributing to the economy and achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India an developed Nation by 2047and thereby urging active participation in nation-building.
During the program, an Audio-visual of the state-of-the-art automated library that is functional at its permanent Campus was played along with the showcasing of Virtual tour of the Permanent Campus of IIM Jammu at Jagti.
CA Rakesh Gupta, Member, LEAD, emphasized on the core values of Self Reliance and Atmanirbhar Bharat as put forward by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
Anil K Goel, Independent Director of J&K Bank, noted the program’s uniqueness, being the first of its kind in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that Swalambhan revolves around connecting with others and linking it to the nation’s self-esteem.
R. K Chhibber, Former CEO and Managing Director of J&K Bank, commented on the diminishing self-reliance in today’s youth, attributing it to a lack of physical activity resulting in reduced brain engagement. He emphasized the ongoing necessity for young individuals to actively explore diverse entrepreneurial opportunities.
Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson of J&K Khadi & Village Industries Board, advocated against job hunting and instead encouraged female students to embrace entrepreneurship, become their own bosses, and actively contribute to the progress of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Shakti Munshi, Director of JKSC, highlighted that the Entrepreneur Conclave organized by LEAD and IIM Jammu aims to promote entrepreneurship and cultivate a robust and healthy business ecosystem in the union territories of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson of Srinagar Off-Campus at IIM Jammu, offered insights into the initiatives of IIM Jammu. He extensively discussed the diverse measures taken by the institute to establish a sustainable ecosystem in the Union Territory of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The event also featured a captivating Audio Visual of the Entrepreneurs followed by Panel Discussion with entrepreneurs ranging from Pooja Gupta (Nimbark), Shubham Sharma (Kaladi Factory), Mansi Sharma (Manukrishi), Arjun (Genetico), Vaibhav Sharma (Himalaya 360), Atul Banotra (Rach Smart Solutions), Shivang Satya Gupta (Espa Learn P Ltd.), and Abhimanyu.
The interactive session with the audience was followed by the felicitation of speakers and the announcement of an entrepreneurship connect with IIM.
In conclusion, the inaugural session ended on a positive note with the vote of thanks proposed by Manish Ahluwalia, Director, LEAD.