“Enterprise is on the rise in Africa as leadership there has realized its relevance to economic development and the well being of people.” – Mr. Raj Aggarwal
Rousing the spirit of entrepreneurship among African students, Lovely Professional University is promoting India-Africa Partnership Initiative to benefit hundreds of African Students studying at its campus. With the support of Ministry of External Affairs Government of India; AIMA (All India Management Association) and LPU have joined hands to organize a two day awareness program on ‘Enterprise Development’ for African Students. The theme of the program is “Do not Hunt for the Job: Be your Own Boss”. Panel of resource persons for this organization comprises stalwarts like Mr Raj Aggarwal, Director of All India Management Association (AIMA); Mr J S Juneja, Chairman SME Committee of AIMA; and Mr HR Bhojwani, Emeritus Scientist CSIR. In all, five sessions will be held on two days where renowned SME entrepreneurs will share their success stories in between regular interactions.
In his thematic address, the Chairman of the first session Mr J S Juneja elaborated on ‘Enterprise Development in Africa’. Narrating certain small and medium enterprises’ success-stories, he urged students to be determined to be job providers instead of being job-seekers. Mr Juneja briefed students that SMEs have advantages over large scale competitors as these are more adaptable to market conditions. These projects can easily withstand adverse economic conditions. Mr Raj Aggarwal informed students, “Enterprise is on the rise in Africa as leadership there has realized its relevance to economic development and the well being of people. When you go back to your countries after completion of your studies, you must carry ideas of entrepreneurial projects, and we are to guide and support you.” On learning that no less than 17 entrepreneurial projects of students are successfully running at the campus itself and many other are on the verge of starting, both of the resource persons appreciated students oriented LPU endeavours. Mr H R Bhojwani, Emeritus Scientist CSIR also interacted with the African students.
Addressing the students, LPU Chancellor Mr Ashok Mittal congratulated them on being in consonance with the Indian culture as they are regularly participating and even excelling in cultural, sports, academic and allied activities. According thanks to Ministy of External Affairs and AIMA, Mr Mittal inspired students to bring out novel business ideas to grow more in your own country. No doubt we have made special arrangements for your placements in your own areas, but the present scenario wants you to be successful entrepreneurs as your country has abundant natural resources to work on.
During different sessions of the two day oevent, Mr Ahsanui Haq, President Jalandhar Management Association; Mr Sudhir Gera, Director IEC Gensets Ltd; LPU Executive Dean Dr Sanjay Modi; Mr Ashwani Kumar, Director Victor Tools are also encouraging the students to adopt entrepreneurship. Students will also be taken on field visits to Fine Swichgears Pvt Ltd and Opal Engineering Corporation in Jalandhar and will be suggested a roadmap to set-up an enterprise. Students will also be awarded for coming up with the ‘Best Business Plans’ in context to their country.
