Panchkula became the epicentre of young entrepreneurial energy as it hosted a significant state-level summit for the Kushal Business Challenge (KBC) – Youth Startup Mahotsav. The event, held at the Indradhanush Auditorium, saw the active participation of Haryana's Education Minister, Mahipal Dhanda, who championed the innovative spirit of the state's students.
Financial Boost for Young Innovators
In a major push to nurture grassroots business ideas, Mahipal Dhanda distributed cheques worth Rs 1 lakh each to 66 student teams. These teams were selected at the state level for their promising startup concepts. The financial support is aimed directly at fueling the growth and development of their ventures, providing crucial early-stage capital often inaccessible to student entrepreneurs.
The minister did not hold back his admiration for the creativity on display. He spent time reviewing the various innovative products and business models developed by the students. Dhanda described the entire KBC initiative as a strong foundation for building a "developed India", emphasizing how such practical exposure complements traditional academics.
Spotlight on Success and Effective Mentorship
A particular highlight was Dhanda's mention of one standout team that had already achieved impressive real-world results. This team reported a turnover of Rs 40,000 and secured a net profit of Rs 12,000, demonstrating the tangible potential of student-led enterprises. The minister also extended his praise to the vocational teachers whose guidance and mentorship were instrumental in shaping these young minds and their business acumen.
Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Schools
The event was organized under the Samagra Shiksha programme by the Haryana School Education Project Council. It was conducted in collaboration with SCERT Haryana and the Udyam Learning Foundation. The core mission of KBC-2.0 is to seamlessly integrate entrepreneurship with academics for students in classes XI and XII.
The program's primary objective is clear: to move beyond textbook learning and provide students with hands-on, practical exposure to core business concepts and the dynamics of the startup ecosystem. This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to education, aiming to equip students with skills for self-reliance and job creation alongside their conventional studies.
By fostering a culture of innovation and business thinking at the school level, Haryana is taking concrete steps to empower its youth, potentially shaping the next generation of business leaders and contributors to the state's and nation's economy.
