Lucknow | Highlighting the pivotal role of the business community in driving economic growth, Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh said that traders are the backbone of the state’s prosperity and their growth directly contributes to the overall development of the region.
He was speaking as the chief guest at the MSME Trade Summit and Udyam Ratna Award Ceremony 2026, organized under the aegis of Udyog Samvad at Hotel Renaissance Gomti Nagar.
“Prosperous Traders Mean a Prosperous State”
Addressing a gathering of entrepreneurs and business leaders, Singh emphasized that Uttar Pradesh’s economic strength is closely tied to the success of its trader community.
“When traders prosper, the state naturally moves towards prosperity,” he said, adding that a conducive business environment has already attracted investments worth ₹40 lakh in the state.
He also outlined the government’s plan to allocate dedicated stalls for One District One Product (ODOP) items at every bus terminal across the state, a move aimed at boosting local employment and promoting indigenous products.
Branding Key in Digital Age
Minister of State for Urban Development Rakesh Rathore, who attended as the guest of honour, highlighted the importance of branding in the era of e-marketing.
“In today’s competitive digital landscape, traders who establish themselves as brands can easily transition into industrialists,” Rathore said, encouraging entrepreneurs to leverage modern platforms to expand their reach.
Entrepreneurs Drive the Economy
Presiding over the event, Amit Gupta, founder of Udyog Samvad, described traders and entrepreneurs as the backbone of society.
“We are not just engaged in buying and selling goods; we drive the economy, create jobs, and contribute significantly to social development,” he said. Gupta also stressed the need to take India’s ODOP products to the global stage, adding that every effort—from small artisans to large industries—plays a role in strengthening the nation’s economy.
Udyam Ratna Awards Presented
During the ceremony, several entrepreneurs were honoured with the Udyam Ratna Award 2026 for their contributions to business and industry. The awardees included Indra Prakash Gupta, Chhavi Goyal, Ashish Gupta, Mohammad Sufiyan, Zulaikha Bibi, Rajesh Gupta, and Joy Chopra.
Strong Participation from Business Community
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent figures, including Siddharthnagar MLA Vinay Verma, along with Anita Agarwal, Manish Agarwal, Ritesh Agarwal, Vinod Prince Kesarwani, Shyam Sundar Kesari, Ravindra Jaiswal, Alok Arya, Govind Tata, and Gajendra, among others.
A large number of traders and entrepreneurs from across the state and the country attended the summit, reflecting the growing importance of MSMEs in shaping Uttar Pradesh’s economic future.
