Pursue Entrepreneurial Ventures, Study Market Dynamics at the Outset, Minister Tells Youth
The government has underscored the importance of industry linkages and market research to ensure the long-term sustainability of startups. Youth are encouraged to delve into market dynamics from the beginning to foster successful entrepreneurial endeavors.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a recent address, urged young people to abandon the notion of seeking only government jobs and instead embrace innovative and entrepreneurial ventures.
During the inauguration of the ‘National Startup Festival’ in Jammu, Dr. Singh emphasized the critical role that innovation, entrepreneurship, and early industry linkages play in the success of startups. He specifically highlighted the potential of agriculture-based startups, referencing the ‘Purple Revolution’ in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative has empowered over 3,000 young individuals in the region to achieve financial success through lavender-related businesses.
Dr. Singh encouraged the youth to discover their strengths and pursue entrepreneurial paths, offering an alternative to the traditional focus on government employment. He further discussed the thriving agri-startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah, Doda district, as a notable achievement that has placed the region on the global startup landscape.
The minister called for greater integration of urban areas within the scope of agri-startups, specifically promoting the expansion of lavender cultivation and other high-value agricultural enterprises.
With India hosting approximately two lakh startups, the nation has achieved third place in the global startup ecosystem. Dr. Singh noted that startups are crucial not only for economic growth but also for providing substantial employment opportunities, especially for women and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Acknowledging the rapid growth of India’s space economy, Dr. Singh attributed this to the successful collaboration between public and private sectors. He praised the significant contributions of women-led teams in pivotal space missions such as Chandrayaan-2 and Aditya L1.
On the educational front, Dr. Singh applauded the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This policy has reformed India’s educational system, ensuring a level playing field and promoting digital inclusivity.
In conclusion, the minister urged students to allocate at least 30 minutes daily to learn about government schemes and make use of available opportunities, thereby benefiting from the wealth of resources at their disposal.