In the quiet village of Pettamitta near Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, a young boy named Ramachandra Naidu Galla dreamt not just of personal success, but of transforming the destiny of rural India. With nothing more than determination, integrity, and a burning desire to give back to his roots, he returned from a successful engineering career in the United States to start what would become a groundbreaking industrial revolution in his hometown. Today, that dream has materialized into the Amara Raja Group, a ₹16,000 crore conglomerate with diverse interests across energy,…
Category: Entrepreneurship
Coconent: A Woman’s Journey from Homemaker to Trailblazing Entrepreneur
Kerala, known for its lush coconut groves, has long been a land of opportunity for those willing to innovate. Preeja, an inspiring entrepreneur, has transformed this abundant resource into a thriving business, Coconent. Specialising in dehydrated grated coconut, her venture brings the rich, natural flavors of Kerala to consumers worldwide. Her journey—from a career in banking to becoming a business leader—is a testament to resilience, innovation, and dedication. Preeja, alongside her husband, ventured into the food industry with a vision to create a sustainable business that empowers local farmers and…
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Dr. Maithili Tambe’s Inspiring Journey to Educational Leadership
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Small Enterprise India proudly celebrates the wisdom, resilience, and leadership of women who dare to break barriers and redefine success. Among such inspiring figures is Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of TAS (The Academy School) Pune —a visionary leader who transitioned from dentistry to education to create a lasting impact on young minds. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. In this heartwarming interview, Dr. Tambe shares how she found her true calling in education, driven by the…
International Women’s Day 2025: For ALL Women and Girls – Rights. Equality. Empowerment
International Women’s Day (IWD) is not just a celebration but a global movement advocating gender equality, social justice, and economic empowerment. The 2025 theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” underscores the need for inclusivity and equal opportunities worldwide. Despite remarkable progress, women still face significant barriers—ranging from violence and discrimination to wage gaps and limited financial independence. Globally, women continue to struggle for safety, legal protections, and economic inclusion, making gender equality an urgent priority. Women’s Empowerment in India: Progress and Challenges India has made notable strides…
Can MSMEs Break Barriers to Become India’s Next Unicorns?
While India has a thriving startup ecosystem, with startups being the toast of the country’s growth story, SMEs do not receive even a fraction of the attention that startups do. Why is the buzz and hype missing when it comes to SMEs? MSMEs have long been acknowledged as the backbone of the economy, contributing a significant 30% to GDP, 35% to manufacturing, and 40% to exports. They are also the second-largest employer after agriculture. Among the 6 crore+ enterprises registered on the MSME Ministry’s Udyam portal, about 52,000 are medium…
Bridging the Generational Divide: The Future of Indian Family Businesses in a Changing World
Family-owned businesses are the backbone of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment generation. However, succession planning remains one of the most pressing challenges for these enterprises, particularly in the SME sector. Despite their importance, only 21% of family businesses in India have a formal succession plan. This lack of preparedness often results in operational disruptions, leadership conflicts, and even business failure. Many family business owners expect their children to take over the enterprise, but the younger generation frequently aspires to different career paths, preferring entrepreneurship in new-age industries…
Kerala Welcomes Global Investors: Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 Kicks Off in Kochi
Kerala has once again opened its doors to global investors, signaling a new era of business-friendly policies and infrastructure development at the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025. The two-day event, that started on 21 February’25, held at Lulu International Convention Centre in Bolgatty, Kochi, aims to showcase Kerala’s investment potential, bringing together visionaries, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the world. A State Ready for Investment In his inaugural address, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan set the tone for the summit, emphasising the government’s commitment to cutting bureaucratic hurdles. “No…
The Changing Landscape of Rural India
Rural India, once synonymous with agriculture and traditional craftsmanship, is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The rise of rural entrepreneurship has not only redefined the socio-economic fabric of these regions but also positioned them as emerging hubs of innovation and enterprise. This shift is not merely a trend but a revolutionary movement contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth in the country. The Evolution of Rural Entrepreneurship in India Historically, rural entrepreneurship in India revolved around primary industries like farming, weaving, and pottery. However, with advancements in technology, government support, and evolving…
College Youth Ideathon 2025 Launches to Fuel Innovation and Entrepreneurship Among India’s Youth
ThinkStartup, IIT Delhi and MEPSC (a Sector Skills Council under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt of India), today announced the launch of College Youth Ideathon with an aim to be India’s premier innovation and entrepreneurship competition to ignite creativity & entrepreneurial spirit among the nation’s youth in the presence of Dr.Kiran Bedi , former Lt. Governor. College Youth Ideathon (CYI 2025) focuses on innovative ideas and entrepreneurship across ten key sectors, including technology, medicine & biotech, geospatial intelligence, education, agriculture, BFSI, Food & Beverage, Travel & Tourism and…
Sampige’s Natural Products: Redefining Rural Entrepreneurship with Tradition, Sustainability, and Heart
Sampige’s Natural Products, founded by R. Prashant Pillai, is a celebrated name in the realm of natural and sustainable living. Rooted in the lush landscapes of rural India, Sampige’s specialises in crafting eco-friendly, handmade soaps and natural products that resonate with purity and authenticity. The brand is an ode to the timeless values of quality and sustainability, intertwining the richness of traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern consumer needs. At the heart of Sampige’s vision lies a commitment to community empowerment and environmental stewardship. By sourcing raw materials from local farmers…