Lucknow: In a progressive step towards women’s empowerment and skill development under the fifth phase of Mission Shakti, the Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Institute of Women’s Studies, University of Lucknow, hosted a special workshop on the theme “Skill Development in Entrepreneurship”. The event was held to foster the ideals of self-reliance and respect for women while promoting entrepreneurial skills, a key component of women’s empowerment in Uttar Pradesh.
Keynote Address by Gaurav Srivastava
The highlight of the event was the keynote address by Gaurav Srivastava, the CEO and Founder of Inner Soul Well Being Private Limited. He provided an insightful comparison between start-ups and traditional businesses, emphasizing the unique opportunities and challenges each presents.
Srivastava underlined the critical need for start-ups in India, calling them engines of innovation and economic growth. His interactive approach included posing thought-provoking questions to the audience, encouraging them to think critically about entrepreneurship.
Using the success stories of iconic Indian industrialists like the late Ratan Tata and the late Dhirubhai Ambani, he inspired the audience to embrace innovation and resilience. He also addressed the primary challenges faced by budding entrepreneurs, particularly financial hurdles, offering practical solutions through:
- Government Schemes: Various state and central initiatives aimed at supporting start-ups.
- Incubation Centers: Spaces that nurture start-ups by providing mentorship and resources.
- Crowdfunding: A modern approach to raising funds through community support.
- Bank Loans: Financial support available from banks for viable business ideas.
His address resonated deeply with the attendees, empowering them with knowledge and actionable insights to venture into entrepreneurship confidently.
Opening and Coordination
The workshop commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Ram Milan, Head of the Department of Commerce, who emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in creating a self-reliant society. The seamless coordination of the program was led by Dr. Akriti Jaiswal, the Mission Shakti coordinator within the department.
Notable Attendees
The workshop saw an enthusiastic gathering of faculty members and students from the Department of Commerce. Key attendees included:
- Prof. Audhesh Kumar, Dean of CDC, who also delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the collaborative efforts behind the workshop.
- Dr. Sunita Srivastava, who actively contributed to the discussions and motivated students to participate.
Impact and Conclusion
The workshop served as a pivotal platform for fostering entrepreneurial mindsets among students. It highlighted the role of education and institutional support in empowering women and the youth, aligning with the objectives of Mission Shakti.
With its well-structured agenda and inspiring speakers, the event not only enhanced the knowledge base of the participants but also instilled a spirit of innovation and self-reliance. This initiative stands as a testament to the University of Lucknow’s commitment to empowering its students, particularly women, to drive economic and social change.
