Around 200 participants attend the seminar organised by MSME-DFO Solan in collaboration with Bahra University; experts from 11 institutions and two successful entrepreneurs share insights.
Solan, November 4: Emphasising the need to promote entrepreneurship among young people, a one-day National Seminar on MSME Schemes and Exports was organised at Bahra University, Waknaghat, Solan, by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Solan, under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, in collaboration with Bahra University.
Around 200 participants, including students from various faculties and MSME entrepreneurs, attended the seminar. Experts representing 11 institutions and two successful entrepreneurs shared practical insights on starting businesses, securing financial assistance, accessing government schemes, business expansion and exploring international markets.
Congratulating the organisers and participants on the successful conduct of the programme, Bahra University Chairman Sardar Gurvinder Singh Bahra said that young people should aspire to become job creators rather than remain job seekers. He emphasised that entrepreneurship empowers youth, creates employment opportunities for others and contributes to the country’s economic growth. He added that Bahra University remains committed to encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial skills alongside academic education.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rish Pal Nanta, while addressing the participants, encouraged students to consider entrepreneurship as an important career option. He said that in today’s competitive environment, young people must go beyond academic qualifications and focus on innovation, practical skills and creative thinking. He urged students to explore available government schemes and resources to transform their business ideas into successful ventures.
Registrar and former IFS officer Mr. Vineet Kumar highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in promoting self-reliance and economic development. He encouraged students to develop innovative ideas, take initiatives and make effective use of available opportunities to establish their own enterprises.
The programme commenced with registration and distribution of seminar kits, followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting and felicitation of invited speakers. Ms. Gokul Devi E, Assistant Director Grade-II (IEDS), MSME-DFO Solan and Programme Coordinator, delivered the welcome address. Mr. A.K. Gautam (IEDS), Head of Office, MSME-DFO Solan, also addressed the gathering.
Representing the university, Director of Student Welfare Mr. Anurag Awasthi and Head of Media and Communication Mr. Gaurav Bali were also present. Mr. Awasthi conducted a special session for students.
Experts highlight financial assistance, exports and government schemes
The technical sessions covered various aspects of entrepreneurship and MSME development. Mr. Gopi Nammi, Assistant General Manager, SIDBI; Mr. Rahul Joshi, Manager, Reserve Bank of India; and Mr. Mahesh Singh, Chief Manager, Punjab National Bank, provided insights into business financing, credit facilities and funding opportunities.
Mr. Vinay Sharma, Deputy Director, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), spoke about export opportunities and access to international markets. Mr. Amit Kashyap, Consultant, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), discussed quality standards and certification requirements.
Mr. Anil Chauhan, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, EPFO, explained employee provident fund provisions, while Mr. Siddharth Jaiswal, IRS, Additional Commissioner, CGST, discussed GST and tax compliance.
Mr. Ravi Verma, Trainer, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), explained the government procurement system. Mr. Sukhman Singh, Deputy General Manager, MSME Technology Centre, Baddi, highlighted technological support available to enterprises, while Mr. Vinay Verma, Manager, District Industries Centre, shared information about industrial development and government support schemes.
Successful entrepreneurs share their journeys
An important highlight of the seminar was the interaction with successful entrepreneurs. Mr. Girish Minocha, Founder and CEO of Minchy’s, and Mr. Arun Rawat of Glide Inn shared their entrepreneurial journeys, initial challenges and experiences of building their businesses.
They encouraged students to pursue innovative ideas, take calculated risks and make effective use of available opportunities to establish successful enterprises.
The seminar aimed to familiarise students with practical aspects of entrepreneurship, government support mechanisms, financial resources and export opportunities. The initiative also sought to motivate young people to establish their own ventures, generate employment and contribute to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Abhishek Kumar Rai, Assistant Director Grade-I (IEDS), MSME-DFO Solan.
