Ahmedabad, Gujarat, May 30, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, Gujarat, a ‘Centre of Excellence’ recognised by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, celebrated its 24th convocation of academic programmes on 30 May 2025, at its Ahmedabad campus.
The event was graced by chief guest Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, Former Secretary, DRDO and Distinguished Scientist. Also present on the occasion were Rakesh Sharma, President – EDII and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IDBI Bank Limited; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; and 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.
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). The ceremony marks a notable milestone, celebrating the academic journey and success of graduates as they step into entrepreneurial roles across industries/ institutions.
This year’s graduating batch represents 74 (Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Entrepreneurship-64 students; Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Innovation Entrepreneurship & Venture Development – 8 students; Fellow Programme in Management – 2 students) students from 12 states. While 21 students of PGDM-E have finalised their 5 year Perspective Growth Plan, 43 students of this programme have prepared Detailed Project Report (DPR). Students have also secured Grant sanctions from the student start-up innovation policy. Some of the business identified domains include: Providing small-scale wind turbines for commercial and residential applications; software designed to tackle the everyday challenges of time management in a professional setting; Fast, Safe, and Reliable Blood Delivery; installing digital lockers in residential buildings, allowing couriers to drop off packages securely, Residents receive mobile alerts and can collect parcels anytime; beneficiation of iron ore in dry and viable methods to obtain a desirable ore grade and without using precious water resources; innovative products for electrical efficiency & user comfort and many other contemporary opportunities.
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”
Shri 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.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII
