CUK celebrates World Entrepreneurs Day

Ganderbal, Aug 21: The Design Innovation Centre (DIC) in collaboration with the Skill Hub, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) celebrated “World Entrepreneurs Day” at the varsity’s Green Campus on Wednesday.

Addressing the participants, Director DIC and Dean School of Business Studies, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka, said, “it's a moment to reflect on the spirit of innovation, perseverance, and resilience that drives entrepreneurs forward.” He said that this day serves as a reminder of the huge potential that everyone of us have to accomplish great feats. “Entrepreneurship goes beyond launching ventures; it’s about envisioning possibilities, overcoming obstacles, and making a lasting impact,” Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka said.

He asked the students to be inquisitive and hunt for opportunities. To foster innovation, provide financial support, and create a conducive environment for startups and small businesses, the Government of India has launched several schemes to promote entrepreneurship which includes Startup India, Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency), Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) etc, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said, the entrepreneurs’ day inspires people, especially the youth to look into their potential as entrepreneurs and take actions toward making their business ideas a reality. “It gives prospective entrepreneurs the skills, information, and resources they need to realise their ideas.” He highlighted the potential of entrepreneurship in generating employment.

"With the right support and resources, entrepreneurship can be a game-changer in reducing unemployment," Prof. Shahid further said. He said Jammu and Kashmir has been bestowed with plenty of natural resources and those aspiring to take up entrepreneurship can utilize them. “There is huge scope in mushroom cultivation, floriculture, apiculture and mining,” Prof. Shahid said.

Guest faculty, Prof. Javid Kamili, in his speech, gave insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the challenges of starting and scaling a business in today's market. He said events like these educate aspiring entrepreneurs, students, about various initiatives and resources available to support their ventures.

Chief Strategy Officer, Glovistix Centre of International Collaboration of India, Prof. Sunil Gangwani, in his presentation laid thrust on creative and critical thinking. “The students have to think out of the box and take up entrepreneurship as a challenge,” he said.

JKEDI faculty, Abdul Rouf Khan, said the JKEDI inspires and equips the next generation of entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful ventures. He further asked the students to take up entrepreneurship as a career and become job providers than seekers.

Nodal Officer, Dr. Ramjit said the objective of the event is to prove a unique opportunity for students to learn from experts to tackle the issues faced while pursuing entrepreneurship as a career.

Coordinator DIC, Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal conducted the proceedings and Nodal Officer, B. Voc Programmes, Dr. Zia-ul-Haque proposed the vote of thanks in the event attended by students and faculty members.