ICFAI University, Jharkhand on Wednesday conducted a National Seminar on ‘Unleashing Entrepreneurship in India - Opportunities and Challenges’, which was attended by several successful entrepreneurs, industry personnel, banks, academicians, researchers and students.
Welcoming the participants, Professor ORS Rao, Vice Chancellor of the University said that a number of Indian entrepreneurs made a mark for themselves by building World Class organisations in sectors like Automotive, IT, Petrochemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Steel etc.
“Yet, most of the entrepreneurs face hurdles, during the initial phase, like access to bank finance, market access, infrastructural constraints etc. If they can be addressed, a lot of entrepreneurial energy can be unleashed, which can benefit the country,” he added.
Ashok Bhagat, Secretary of Vikas Bharati, Bishunpur addressing the seminar as Chief Guest, said that it was imperative to focus on farming, to address the problems of unemployment and price raises. “Major challenges faced in rural entrepreneurship are availability of right human resources with good attitudes and taking the products to the market and realize remunerative prices,” added Bhagat.
Dr Ashish Hajela, from IIM, Ranchi, who was the key note speaker, exhorted the students to shed fear of failure and have self confidence so that they can become successful entrepreneurs.
Amit Saha, CEO of Akshaya Rolling Mills, Dr Alok Sahay, Director CTRI, Bikas Singh, president, FJCCI, Rajiv Mahajan, Dy GM, NABRAD, Mohita Sahu, Co-chairperson, Sapphire International School, Kavita Yadav, Founder of Padosan Masala, Roshan, CEO of Tribal Fashion Apparels shared their experiences in setting up or promoting new ventures. Dr Viplava Thakur from XISS and Dr Ramesh Sharan from Ranchi University chaired the technical sessions, wherein a number of papers were presented on topics like Rural Entrepreneurship, Women Entrepreneurship and role of technology in entrepreneurship etc.
A book titled ‘Unleashing entrepreneurship - opportunities and challenges’ was released on the occasion. Best paper awards were given to the presenters of papers and to the students of the University that won in the poster and model competitions.
Addressing the valedictory session, Dhirendra Kumar, Managing Director of Jharcraft highlighted the immense opportunities for rural entrepreneurs in Jharkhand and the contribution of Jharcraft in harnessing the potential.