The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, hosted the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Pre-Consultation, a significant initiative aimed at empowering young innovators and entrepreneurs on 28th January, 2025. Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Shri Balvantsinh Rajput, was the Chief Guest of the Inauguration Ceremony. The event was a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the Global Counter-Terrorism Council (GCTC). Designed as a platform to nurture entrepreneurial aspirations, the consultation facilitated young business minds and researchers in translating their ideas into viable ventures, reinforcing India’s commitment to fostering innovation and self-reliance in economic growth.
With positive remarks from Industries Minister Shri Balwantsinh Rajput saying “Young entrepreneurs are poised to drive national progress,” and Dr. J. M. Vyas, the NFSU Gandhinagar Vice Chancellor stating “Education, research, innovation, and start-ups are key to entrepreneurship”, the event was concluded on a positive note.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Shri Balvantsinh Rajput highlighted the critical role of startups in shaping India’s economy. He pointed out that, under the Startup Policy, Gujarat alone has witnessed the emergence of over 12,000 startups, while the national startup ecosystem has expanded to more than 1.5 lakh enterprises. Stressing the importance of youth participation in entrepreneurship, he stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 relies heavily on fostering innovation-driven economic expansion. He urged the younger generation to embrace entrepreneurship and contribute meaningfully to national development by advancing research and technology. The minister also emphasized that the current era of transformation across industries presents unparalleled opportunities for young entrepreneurs to play a decisive role in India’s economic resurgence.
During his address, NFSU Vice Chancellor, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr. J. M. Vyas, spoke of the forthcoming BRICS Summit in India and underscored the importance of showcasing the entrepreneurial talent of young Indians on a global stage. He elaborated on the government’s initiatives to highlight and support emerging business leaders, with GCTC playing a crucial role in facilitating these efforts. He further stressed that four fundamental pillars are integral to entrepreneurial success—education, research, innovation, and start-ups. Encouraging the youth to seize the opportunities in these domains, he noted that NFSU takes immense pride in being part of this national initiative. He called upon young entrepreneurs to leverage opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and information technology, which offer immense potential for growth and impact.
The event also witnessed an engaging address by GCTC Strategic Consultant, Ms. Pragya Kulshreshtha, who described today’s youth as a bridge between India’s rich legacy and its promising future. She underscored the need for young entrepreneurs to harness India’s cultural and economic strengths to drive sustainable progress. Further elaborating on India’s evolving startup landscape, GCTC Research Consultant, Dr. Paromita Dutta, spoke about the transformative impact of government initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, and Start-up India. She pointed out that these initiatives have significantly contributed to creating a vibrant start up ecosystem in India, offering unparalleled opportunities for young entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive global market.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Prof. (Dr.) S.O. Junare, Campus Director of NFSU-Gandhinagar, remarked that such initiatives serve as a catalyst for young entrepreneurs to take their ideas forward and build successful ventures. He emphasized that the consultation provided an exceptional opportunity for young business leaders to gain insights, interact with experts, and refine their entrepreneurial visions. Adding to this, Prof. (Dr.) Haresh Barot, BRICS Program Coordinator at NFSU-Gandhinagar, highlighted that the event saw the participation of over 600 young entrepreneurs, with the top five receiving awards for outstanding start-up ventures.
The event concluded on a high note, with participants expressing enthusiasm and commitment toward advancing India’s innovation-driven economy. As India continues to position itself as a global leader in entrepreneurship and technological advancement, initiatives like the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Pre-Consultation reaffirm the nation’s focus on fostering a robust and dynamic start up ecosystem, aligning seamlessly with its long-term vision of becoming a global entrepreneurial powerhouse.
