A one-day workshop focusing on ‘Mentoring Budding Entrepreneurs from Labs to Markets’ transpired at Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA) under the auspices of ‘Swavalambi Bharat Abhiyan.’ The workshop, specifically designed for educators from various schools in Punjab, aimed to enrich their understanding and prowess in guiding emerging entrepreneurs.
The distinguished keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Ashish Arora, Head of the Business School at GNDU Regional Campus. Dr. Arora, in his discourse on ‘Mentoring Budding Entrepreneurs from Labs to Markets,’ emphasised that entrepreneurship is not merely a subject to be taught but a practice to be embraced. He underscored the need for providing today’s youth with the appropriate tools and guidance to translate their innovative ideas into tangible successes.
Dr. Arora articulated the challenge faced by the younger generation, possessing a plethora of novel ideas but often lacking the necessary means and guidance to actualise them. Stressing the importance of new, socially relevant, and commercially viable ideas, he highlighted a crucial gap in practical knowledge during students’ formative years, leading to waning enthusiasm and abandoned projects.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of educators, Dr. Arora also urged school teachers to recognize and nurture the potential of their students, providing essential guidance and encouragement. The responsibility, he asserted, lies with educators to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.
In attendance at the workshop were prominent figures in the field, including CA Mr. Pankaj Jindal, Chairman of Bharat Vikas Parishad, Convenor of Punjab Swadeshi Jagran Manch, and Mr. Siddharth Sharma, Business Development Leader, and Professional Advisor at the Department of Cooperation.
Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal of ACFA, shared her perspective on the workshop’s objective, emphasising the need for early guidance to students. She highlighted the importance of educators facilitating the realisation of students’ ideas during their formative years. Dr. Dhingra further expressed her belief that such encouragement would not only contribute to the individual success of the students but also lead to societal and national welfare.
Taking a moment to commend the successful organisation of the workshop, Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra extended appreciation and congratulations to Dr. Jagmohan Mago and Dr. Keval Nailwal. She inspired them to continue conducting similar workshops in the future, recognising their pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset of future generations.
