Ahmedabad, Sept 06, Noted entrepreneur Savjibhai Dholakia, Founder & Chairman Hari Krishna Exports Pvt. Ltd., delivered the Memorial Lecture that was organised by Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII),Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
The lecture, sixth in the series, was held at EDII campus today. The Topic of the Lecture was Entrepreneurs are the pillars of Nation Building.
EDII lost its founder Padma Shri Dr. V.G. Patel on April 4, 2019. To commemorate Dr. Patel’s great work in the field of entrepreneurship, the Institute started an annual lecture series in 2019. Recognised by the entrepreneurship fraternity as the ‘Pioneer of Entrepreneurship Movement,’ Dr. V.G. Patel committed himself to propagate entrepreneurship within India and globally. Not only did he succeed in establishing the credibility of his belief across India, but also went on to establish the National Resource Institute, EDII, in 1983.
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII recalled Dr. Patel’s exceptional contribution to the economic development of the nation by introducing and promoting the concept of entrepreneurship. He said, “Dr. Patel introduced the country to Entrepreneurship when people had no clue about its potential. Dr. Patel held on to the belief and persisted till he proved to the world that training and mentoring could create successful entrepreneurs, and that there was no truth in the fact that entrepreneurship was a privilege of only a few. Dr. Patel’s contribution to the domain of entrepreneurship is unparalleled. He not just created a knowledge infrastructure but also raised the motivation of people and changed mindsets of people in favour of entrepreneurship.”
Addressing the audience, Shri Savjibhai Dholakia, said, “It is my honour to come and speak on this momentous occasion. Dr. Patel, a legendary figure, was a true visionary who not only introduced entrepreneurship to our nation but also instilled the values of independence & self-reliance through it. Only an accomplished entrepreneur could convince the sponsors in 1983 to set up an Entrepreneurship Institute. What a great achievement that was, and all that followed as a part of his work continued to create history. I think Dr. Patel’s attitude and skills are a learning for today’s entrepreneurs. He, in a way, sowed the seeds of Start Up India and Atmanirbhar Bharat that we talk about so proudly today. The youths who want to become entrepreneurs have to understand that hardwork and the strength to get up after every storm, is what makes entrepreneurs. If you are entering into the field to earn money alone, please stay away. Entrepreneurship is about resilience, strength of mind, countless hours of hard work, sleepless nights and a positive midset. Dr. V G Patel stood for all these entrepreneurial values. I am glad Dr. Shukla is carrying forward the legacy. My best wishes to EDII for all their future initiatives.”
Up India and Atmanirbhar Bharat that we talk about so proudly today. I am glad Dr. Shukla is carrying forward the legacy. My best wishes to EDII for all their future initiatives.”
On this occasion, the winner of the Dr. V.G. Patel National Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship Trainer/Educator/Mentor 2023 was also announced.
About Dr. V. G. Patel Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship Trainer/Educator/Mentor
In 2020, EDII instituted Dr. V. G. Patel Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship Trainer/Educator/Mentor to honor the late legendary, Dr. V. G. Patel who emphasized on the significance of instituting a cadre of entrepreneur trainer-motivators to sustain the entrepreneurship movement. Dr. Patel hailed this cadre of professionals as the backbone of the entrepreneurship development movement. This National Award recognises the outstanding contribution of a trainer/educator/mentor in propagating innovations and technology driven new enterprises. To arrive at its decision, the high-level Award Committee follows a three-tier selection process based on critical evaluation parameters and personal interview. This year 469 nominations were received. The award comprises a citation and cash prize.