First-ever startup leadership conclave held at JKEDI Pampore

PAMPORE: A daylong startup conclave was organised at J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday which was inaugurated by Prashant Goyal (IAS), Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, J&K. Around 200 entrepreneurs from different parts of Kashmir participated in the conclave and interacted with Maharashtra bases business Tycoon, Pyare Zia Khan, who was the guest of honour at the occasion.

Director JKEDI Pampore, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat welcomed the guest of honour and the chief guest. Pyare Zia Khan, CEO of Ashmi Group and an inspiration for budding entrepreneurs across the country was the guest of honour.

In his inaugural address, the Principal Secretary said that the Startup India initiative of the Government of India has been a game changer for the country.

“It has provided a platform for upcoming startups and has been instrumental in positioning India among the top performers on the global stage. The UT Government is fully committed to providing an enabling platform for startups to strengthen and flourish their businesses,” he said, adding that revision of the startup policy of 2018 is one such effort to create an all-inclusive and sustainable startup ecosystem in J&K. This policy will be in tune with the latest developments happening across the globe.

Director, JKEDI, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat in his welcome address highlighted the importance of organizing this event and how this will benefit the youth of J&K. “The startup ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir is growing steadily taking a cue from the country’s rising startup culture. Under the guidance and support of Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary, the UT is witnessing a sea change. He has been instrumental in creating a robust startup ecosystem in J&K.

Our guest of honour, Pyare Zia Khan is an inspiration for us and a product of arduous hard work and persistence, he said, adding that there is a lot to learn from him. “I am sure the startups present here will take this learning and implement it in their businesses. In the future, the Institute will organize more such events for the benefit of startups,” the Director added.

Pyare Zia Khan enlightened the audience about his journey from a slum dweller to a successful entrepreneur. “I had no money and was from a poor family but my passion to do something big always kept me on the path. Initially, I was a rickshaw driver, but now I own a transport business worth around 600 crores. IIM Ahmedabad did a case study on me. At first, I was apprehensive and avoided them as I had never been to college in my life. That challenge was later won by me. I have won more than 150 awards globally. If I can be a successful entrepreneur, then anyone can do it,” he said.

Director JKEDI told Kashmir Reader that the startup policy 2018 will be amended. He said that they will train startups and will continue incubation work at full pace. He also said that they are starting a PG course at JKEDI.

Talking to Kashmir Reader, Pyare Zia Khan said that Jammu & Kashmir is the biggest tourist hub of the country. He said that he came to inspire the youth of Kashmir that he came from a poor background and was having no formal education.

“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are mostly educated and they have the potential to excel,” he said, adding that they need proper guidance and knowledge of finance. He said that he wants the youth of Kashmir to work for themselves as the first party.

BILAL HABIB