- Foundation to Future: 44 years of nurturing entrepreneurs powering India’s growth story
- Voices of Vision: Leaders highlight courage, innovation, and mentorship as success pillars
- Stories that Inspire: Coffee table books celebrate alumni achievers and rural entrepreneurs
- Nation Building Through Enterprise: Startups and skills driving inclusive socio-economic transformation
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, APR 20
Marking over four decades of shaping entrepreneurial aspirations, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India celebrated its 44th Foundation Day with a strong call to empower the next generation of innovators and job creators.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Kishor Kharat, Former President of EDII and former MD & CEO of Indian Bank and IDBI Bank Ltd., who delivered an inspiring address on “How to Succeed as an Entrepreneur.” Also present was Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, along with dignitaries from government, corporates, industry bodies, and academia.
Addressing the gathering, Kishor Kharat said, “Entrepreneurs have remained a strong foundation of the Indian economy. The phenomenal rise of India from a poor nation to the 5th largest economy in just seven decades was possible because of these courageous entrepreneurs, who dared every challenge on their way and succeeded. Quite a few might have failed, but not without leaving a bit of their contribution in the growth story of India.”
Sharing his personal connect with the institute, he added, “I always derive immense pleasure in meeting and guiding the young entrepreneurs of our country. I am happy to be here at EDII, an institution with which I have had a close association, and to witness its continued contribution towards nurturing future entrepreneurs. I congratulate EDII on its 44th Foundation Day and wish the Institute continued success in its mission of strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the country.”
Highlighting the evolving landscape, Dr. Sunil Shukla said, “Today, amidst all policies and development models, entrepreneurship has a crucial role to play. It has given the confidence to the people of India to reclaim their ingenuity and spirit of enterprise.”
He further emphasised the role of new-age innovation: “The tech and digital-first wave are inspiring our youth to adopt entrepreneurship as a career. I am also happy to state that the significance of training and mentorship in creating entrepreneurs has been established like never before. Renowned institutions today offer courses on entrepreneurship as people now acknowledge the power of knowledge, skills and determination in the growth of an enterprise and an entrepreneur.”
A key highlight of the celebration was the release of two coffee table books — one documenting 55 success stories of EDII alumni across programmes, and another showcasing 100 successful beneficiaries of the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), supported by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. EDII serves as the National Resource Organization for SVEP, currently operational across 84 blocks in 15 states.
Over the years, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India has partnered with multiple ministries, state governments, and corporates, advancing enterprise creation and livelihood generation across sectors and regions — reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
