IIM Jammu launches second batch of Business Accelerator Program for SC-ST entrepreneurs

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu in collaboration with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), National SC-ST Hub, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) inaugurated the Business Accelerator Program for the SC-ST entrepreneurs in IIM Jammu Campus at Jagti on Monday.
The Chief Guest of the programme was Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, MSME Govt of India, and Guest of Honor Padma Shri Ravi Kumar Narra, President, DICCI.
The event was presided over by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, Khurshid Dar, Head, CII, J & K and Ladakh, Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu.
The event commenced with an address about the program by Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu.
Mercy Epao emphasized the role of IIM Jammu in providing formal management training, access to industry mentors, and capacity-building interventions for the upliftment of marginalized sections, contributing to nation-building.
She outlined MSME’s commitment to fostering a vibrant business ecosystem, formalizing MSMEs, and empowering women, ultimately contributing to the nation’s GDP.
She urged participants to be ambassadors of MSME, highlighted various ministry schemes, and discussed initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Skill India, Champion, Samadhaan, and Udhyam for MSME growth.
Acknowledging IIM Jammu’s support, she appreciated their role in handholding the SC-ST community and contributing to the nation-building exercise.
Padma Shri Narra emphasized DICCI’s pivotal role in uplifting the SC-ST community and its collaboration with academic institutions, government bodies, and Entrepreneurs for their welfare. He underscored the importance of staying grounded in their endeavours.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, welcomed the second batch of the Business Accelerator Programme and mentioned the success of the first program starting at Noida.
Highlighting IIM Jammu’s status as the youngest IIM, he credited Dr. Milind. P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, other Board Members, along with faculty and staff for achieving the 15th position among all IIMs in the NIRF Rankings.
He also acknowledged key initiatives, including the Center for Small Business Development and the unique, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, inaugurated by Former President Ramnath Kovind.
Emphasizing IIM Jammu’s commitment to India’s growth, he reiterated the institute’s role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, outlined by the Narendra Modi, The Prime Minister.
He encouraged participants to explore the campus, enjoy their stay, and stressed the importance of discipline in lives. He reiterated that the Business Accelerator Program aims to promote entrepreneurship and create more opportunities for small and medium enterprises, playing a catalyst role in filling skill gaps across the country.
K.K. Sharma, General Manager, National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), MSME, Govt. of India, highlighted the uniqueness of the Business Accelerator Programme as a platform for learning industry best practices.
Khurshid Dar, Head, CII, J & K and Ladakh mentioned that the Business Accelerator Program is a remarkable initiative, and the collaboration between IIM Jammu, MSME, DICCI, and CII reflects a collective commitment to foster entrepreneurship among the SC-ST community. This program will undoubtedly contribute to the economic empowerment of individuals and Entrepreneurs. The inaugural ceremony culminated with the National Anthem and vote of thanks by Dr. Vedika Saxena, Member, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu.