Ahmedabad: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, a recognised Centre of Excellence under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, hosted the 25th Convocation of its academic programmes at the institute’s Ahmedabad campus on May 18, 2026.
The convocation ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The event was attended by Shri Rakesh Sharma, President – EDII and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IDBI Bank Limited; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; along with distinguished members of the EDII Governing Board.
Among the dignitaries present were Shri Gopal Jha, Chief General Manager (SME & Supply Chain Finance), State Bank of India, Mumbai; Dr. Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), Pune; Shri Rajesh Gandhi, Managing Director, Vadilal Industries Ltd., Ahmedabad; and Dr. O. P. Goel, Advisor to CEO, National Skill Development Corporation, New Delhi.
A total of 98 students and scholars received diplomas and graduating certificates across various academic programmes. The graduating cohort included 76 students from the Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Entrepreneurship (PGDM-E), 8 students from the Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Innovation Entrepreneurship & Venture Development (PGDM-IEV), 11 students from the Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Online (PGDM-Online), and 3 scholars from the Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).
Highlighting the entrepreneurial achievements of the graduating batch, EDII shared that 38 students from the PGDM-E programme finalised their five-year Perspective Growth Plans, while 46 students from the PGDM-E and PGDM-IEV programmes prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). Several students also secured grant sanctions under the Student Start-up Innovation Policy.
The start-up and business domains identified by students included Plastic Waste Recycling Plants, AI Platforms, Child Mental Health Solutions, Landscaping & Horticulture Solutions, Pet Health Tech Ecosystems, and Manufacturing of Biodegradable Paper Bottles.
Addressing the graduating students, Chief Guest Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena said, “Reaching significant milestones often creates the illusion that our education is complete. But this is not true. Learning is a lifelong, perpetual journey. To thrive in an ever-evolving world, one must maintain curiosity and the eagerness to learn something new. The world will always demand that you remain a student and a scholar in pursuit of knowledge. Become great entrepreneurs, work ethically, set your goals, and dedicate yourselves to the service of the nation and mankind.”
Shri Rakesh Sharma, President – EDII and Managing Director & CEO, IDBI Bank Limited, said, “Innovation remains the cornerstone of entrepreneurship. I urge graduating students to remain lifelong learners, question assumptions, explore alternatives and approach challenges with creativity and purpose. In today’s world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, adaptability is essential. A true entrepreneur is never discouraged by roadblocks; challenges must strengthen resolve and sharpen focus.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, stated, “Over the past four decades, we have witnessed a significant rise in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Today, entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in development models and economic progress. The growing start-up ecosystem is inspiring youth to adopt entrepreneurship as a career, while the importance of training and mentorship in building successful entrepreneurs is being recognised more than ever before.”
The convocation ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.