Ahmedabad: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, in partnership with the India Think Council, successfully hosted the conclusion of Udyamita Pakhwada 2025 and the 5th Cultural Economy Conclave. The event was honoured by the presence of Chief Guest Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha. Also in attendance were the Guest of Honour, Shri Arjun Modhwadia, the Hon’ble Minister of Forests and Environment, Climate Change, Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat. The Special Guests included Dr Neerja A. Gupta, Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat University; Shri Uday Mahurkar, a renowned author and former Central Information Commissioner of India; Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII; and Shri Saurabh Pandey, Founding Director of the India Think Council.
Speaking about the crucial role of entrepreneurship, Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati said,“EDII is doing a noble task; the Institute is creating entrepreneurs, which is the need of any country that sets its goals on becoming a bed of innovations and technical advancements. India is progressing at a rapid pace and its new and existing entrepreneurs play a crucial role in this journey. Moulding the minds of the young to adopt entrepreneurship as a career is a tough task but EDII is doing it with ease and also showcasing worthy results. Entrepreneurship can be a force for transformation if the Government, Industry and Institutional mechanism join hands and work in tandem. I am happy that the Institute ran a 15-day nationwide Entrepreneurship Pakhwada celebration. My compliments to EDII for laying a strong foundation for entrepreneurship. Also, India Think Council, organises the Cultural Economy Conclave every year, covering a wide range of subjects on the economy related to our heritage & history and traditional trade practices prevalent in the Indian economy. My compliments on this thoughtful initiative and the two bodies joining hands for a mission.”
Shri Arjun Modhwadia in his address said, “The emphasis on entrepreneurship and start-ups is the need-of-the-hour. I look at Udyamita Pakhwada (Entrepreneurship Fortnight) 2025 celebration by EDII as a major entrepreneurship event which must have led to new awareness, knowledge and skills in understanding and practicing entrepreneurship. I urge that more such events must be undertaken. And, when this celebration connects with the Cultural Economy Conclave initiative of India Think Council, there is a unique exploration of cultural beliefs, values, and how these influence economic behaviour. Entrepreneurship finds a unique place in the cultural and tradition of the country. So, economic phenomena and the cultural phenomena are interestingly interconnected.”
Dr. Neerja A. Gupta, said, “Every academic institute contributes to the nation’s growth in its own way. An Institute like EDII which is more focussed on promoting entrepreneurship across the nation and beyond, plays a crucial role in economic growth as well. Initiatives like Udyamita Pakhwada create an ecosystem where ideas are celebrated, talents are nurtured and aspirations are shaped into enterprises.”
Shri Uday Mahurkar, said, “The confluence of entrepreneurship and culture lays the foundation for India’s next phase of growth. By empowering youth with skills, knowledge and a sense of purpose, we can accelerate inclusive growth. The Udyamita Pakhwada exemplifies the power of collective action in strengthening India’s entrepreneurial quotient.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, shared, “EDII has been an advocate of the benefits that entrepreneurs bring to a society and an economy. As India moves towards becoming a global economic powerhouse, the contribution of entrepreneurs will be even more crucial. In that context, the fortnight of celebration of entrepreneurship (the Udyamita Pakhwada) across 10 states and 3 Union Territories with multiple activities helped us reach out to women, youth and the society at large. They could be convinced about entrepreneurship as a career. It is also EDII’s privilege to join hands with the India Think Council and collaborate with the Cultural Economy Conclave. The Cultural Economy Conclave’s brainstorming sessions and conversations on Economics, Politics, Society and Culture quite align with EDII’s vision of deep-rooting entrepreneurship across sections of society. ”