Jammu: With an aim to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship, a first of its kind two-day start-up event for entrepreneurial development was launched in Jammu on March 17-18 2023. It was jointly organized by MIET, Agenc, Maharaja Hari Singh Foundation and FICCI FLO JKL for creating a platform for young start-ups from J&K by providing them the right networks and resources and to give them an opportunity to learn and grow.
This was as an extension to the outreach to the start-up eco system from Jammu & Kashmirled by Dr.Kunwrani Ritu Singh, Founder Chairperson – FICCI FLO -JKL toboost youth employment in J&K for creating a sustainable system of doing business in Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh.
The day one of the festival started with a session at MIET, laying emphasis on pitching, open-ended communication, knowledge sharing, networking, awards and participation of stakeholders from IIT, IIIM, IIM, JKEDI, SMVDU, SKUAST, BGBSU & MIET & Women Entrepreneurs from FLO.Dr.KunwraniRitu Singh shared her blue sky vision of creating 50 unicorns by 2030 and laid emphasis on how SEED will create a positive impact on the same.
Later, Maharaja Hari Singh Foundation & Hari Niwas hosted “Sufi under the Stars” at the iconic Amar Mahal by Ustad Ma Zila Khan and her musicians who captured the audience’s attention, leaving them spell-bound as she paid reverence to the force of Shakti in a powerful rendition of the Devi Stotras and her melody of ghazals, Sufiana and curated songs for “SEED”.
Reviving the age old traditions of the Royal household, M.K. Ajatshatru Singh and Kunwrani Ritu Singh along with their daughter Adishree Singh played impeccable hosts giving Jammu a taste of their Royal patronages. This concluded with a lavish and tastefully grand dinner set in the Majestic Lawns of the Hari Niwas.
Day 2 of the festival brought a curated series of talks, workshops, panel discussions, film screenings by industry leaders and motivational speakers to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. This unique opportunity provided the participants with exclusive resources, community access and real-time feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
There was also a curated market place along with a grub fest showcasing the best of brands and culinary experiences from the region. The other highlights of the event were a powerful face yoga session by Kanupriya Garg, film screening “Girhein” by Sonalika Jain & a film on Female Foeticide by Dr. Virender Sharma. The participants at the event included students and faculty from IIT Jammu, IIM Jammu, MIET, GCW Gandhi Nagar, GCW Akhnoor, GCW Parade, Alumni from DPS, along with several start-ups, entrepreneurs and members of FICCI FLO JKL, enthusiastic shoppers & several members of the press.
Overall, the day focussed on powerful networking, and creativity stimulation, and bridging gaps for community empowerment.
The Guests of Honour included Dr. Rashmi Singh, Commissioner State Taxes, Prof. Manoj Gaur ,Director IIT Jammu, Mr. Vivek Sharma CIO, IIM Jammu, while the list of speakers included, KunwaraniRitu Singh, JyotikaJalani, Varuna Anand, Adishree Singh, Aditi Chopra, CA Ayush Sawhney, NukulMehra, Delight William & Suvidha Jain.
The Panelists on the reverting discussions were Shristi Nagpal, Goumtesh Singh, Capt. Sachin Verma, Sonad Gupta, Ridhima Dewan, Vasudha Prabhakar, Mannat Kharbanda, Shreya Jain, Akshat Dhawan, Himani Kapoor &Harjot Singh.
Creating history “SEED” has given the Start up eco system a legendary impetus to the industry, shaping the future for several,promoting the interests of Jammu & Kashmir. The event was a grand success.
