76th Republic Day: Minister Jayant Chaudhary honours 100 entrepreneurs
Highlights global demand for skilled workforce
On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, Jayant
Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State for the
Ministry of Education, celebrated the achievements of 100 distinguished
entrepreneurs from across the India from the skill ecosystem at a special event
hosted at Kaushal Bhawan. These entrepreneurs, invited by the Government of
India, were also honoured as special guests at the Republic Day parade,
recognizing their pivotal role in driving the nation’s growth and innovation
under the Skill India Mission.
Returning from the Annual meeting of World
Economic Forum - WEF2025 in Davos, Chaudhary shared insights from his
interactions with global business leaders. “India’s skilled workforce is
gaining immense global recognition, with our talent pool being widely
appreciated. Our emergence as a global skill capital is a testament to our
commitment to excellence,” he said. Discussions at Davos revolved around
sustainability, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, and a focus
on women-led development.
India’s start-up ecosystem is the largest in the
world, with 118 unicorns valued at $354 billion. This success is driven by
visionary policies, effective execution, and the resilience of entrepreneurs.
The critical role of the MSME sector was also underscored, comprising 63
million enterprises, employing over 11 crore people, and contributing 30% to
the GDP and 45% to exports. Additionally, the transformative impact of the
Skill India Mission was noted, emphasizing its role in empowering youth and
fostering self-reliance (AtmaNirbhar Bharat)
Jayant Chaudhary commended the entrepreneurs
present for elevating India’s reputation as a source of skilled talent. “The
participation of 100 entrepreneurs at this national celebration underscores the
impact of our skilling initiatives. These programs have empowered individuals
nationwide, creating sustainable livelihoods and inspiring others to pursue
entrepreneurial journeys,” he said.
He highlighted the hard work of these entrepreneurs
from diverse regions, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Chhattisgarh, and the Northeast. Special recognition was given to an
entrepreneur named Ritendra Prasad, a resident of Ramgarh, from Jharkhand who
graduated in Electricals and Electronics from AVIT Chennai and with a decade
long experience in solar energy sector. He underwent an Entrepreneurship
Development Program (EDP) from NIESBUD and then opened his own solar business.
A particularly notable moment of the event was
the recognition of 16 trailblazing entrepreneurs from the Northeast, including
nine women entrepreneurs. Among them were Mrs. Namita M. Marak from Dhubri
district, Assam, and Mandira Baglary from Udalguri district. These remarkable
women were celebrated for their resilience and success despite significant
challenges. Their stories highlight the transformative power of skill
development and entrepreneurship, especially for women in rural and underserved
areas.
Honouring the Constitution
The Minister also reflected on the enduring
legacy of the Indian Constitution, which continues to serve as the backbone of
India’s democratic ethos, safeguarding equality, justice, and opportunity.
The event was attended by staff and top
officials of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE),
including Joint Secretary, Hena Usman. Earlier on Saturday, the 100
entrepreneurs also visited the PM Museum.
This celebration was a proud moment for India,
showcasing the strength of government initiatives, the achievements of its
skilled workforce, and the promise of a brighter, inclusive future driven by
entrepreneurship.
