- 74 students graduate across entrepreneurship programmes at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) 24th Convocation
- He emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural communication and innovation in achieving comprehensive national development
- He underlines the necessity of maintaining authentic Indian perspectives while collaborating globally
EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAY 31
Stating that entrepreneurs are primary architects of India’s transformation into ‘Vikshit Bharat’, a developed nation, by 2047, NITI Aayog member and former DRDO scientist Vijay Kumar Saraswat said ‘Viksit Bharat’ not merely govt policy, but a collective aspiration and “I see more than graduates – I see catalysts who will translate India’s dream into reality.”
In his address as Chief Guest at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India’s (EDII) 24th convocation here on Friday, Dr. V. K. Saraswat inspired the graduating students with an invigorating speech with insights into India’s evolving and growing entrepreneurial landscape and how each of their contributions will add to the nation-building.
He said, “Your ability to navigate ambiguity, make decisions with incomplete information, and adapt strategies based on new realities will determine your sustained impact. Cross-cultural communication proves critical in our interconnected world. India’s diversity, be it linguistic, cultural, or economic, demands entrepreneurs who can design solutions that resonate across communities and contexts. Global collaboration demands understanding how to work effectively with partners from different cultures while maintaining authentic Indian perspectives.”
He added, “Every solution you develop, every enterprise you build, every innovation you pursue must be measured not just by its commercial success but by its contribution to India’s comprehensive development. We stand at an unprecedented moment in India’s journey, where the vision of Viksit Bharat, a developed India by 2047, is not merely a government policy but a collective aspiration that requires entrepreneurs like you to be its primary architects.”
In his pep talk, he said, “Your alma mater has given you something that traditional business schools cannt – an entrepreneurial mindset rooted in India’s realities. EDIIs focus on experiential learning, incubation support, and industry partnerships has prepared you not just understand the markets, but to create them. The institute’s emphasis on rural entrepreneurship, woman entrepreneurs, and social enterprises reflects its commitment to inclusive growth, values that align perfectly with Vikshit Bharat vision.”
Quoting the Missile Man of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s inspiring words that “Dreams are not what see you in sleep; dreams are the things that don’t let you sleep,” he said “Your entrepreneurial dreams shaped by EDII’s methodology of combining vision with execution, should be the kind that keep you awake not with worry, but with possibility of creating solutions that serve the farmers in Punjab, the artisan in Gujarat, the student in Kerala, and the innovator in Bengaluru, all while competing on the global state.”
74 graduates were conferred with diplomas and graduating certificates, at the 24th convocation, across academic programmes including the Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Entrepreneurship (PGDM – E); Post Graduate Diploma in Management-Innovation Entrepreneurship & Venture Development (PGDM-IEV)and Fellow Programme in Management (FPM).
Rakesh Sharma, President – EDII & Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IDBI Bank Limited, said, “This year, in April EDII celebrated its 43rd Foundation Day. In over four decades of its journey, the Institute has played a crucial role in establishing entrepreneurship as a familiar discipline. Today when the nation talks about employing entrepreneurship as a tool to enhance productivity, competitiveness and overall efficiency, EDII continues to remain centre stage in leading and reinforcing this development. The Institute’s nationwide presence is instilling entrepreneurial behaviour across a diverse cross-section of people.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, shared, “Since the inception of EDII, we have worked consistently to nurture entrepreneurial talent capable of leading with innovation, integrity, and impact. EDII’s meticulously designed curriculum integrates academic rigour with practical exposure, equipping students with a deep understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership. With the wings that we have provided, I am sure our students are going to fly to newer heights. To add to this flight is the inspiring presence of Dr. Saraswat. It is a pleasure to have him grace this convocation and guide our students.”
Also present on the occasion were esteemed members of the EDII Governing Board, including . Rajesh R. Gandhi, Managing Director, Vadilal Industries Limited, Ahmedabad; Rahul Bhave, Managing Director and CEO, IFCI Limited, New Delhi and Purnima Bhargava, CGM & Head, Learning & Employee Engagement, IDBI Bank Ltd.
