DAV Girls College Holds Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme for Students

Experts highlight MSME schemes, bank finance, digital skills and self-employment opportunities for young women

YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

DAV Girls College organised an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme under the aegis of its Institution Innovation Council (IIC) to familiarise students with self-employment opportunities, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), government schemes and the practical aspects of starting a business.

The programme was organised with the objective of encouraging young women to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career option and to make them aware of the financial, technical and institutional support available for setting up their own enterprises. The event was presided over by Acting Principal Dr Surinder Kaur and IIC Convener Vivek.

A panel of experts from different fields participated in the programme and interacted with the students. The speakers included Meenu Dhiman, Assistant Director, MSME Development Facilitation Office, Karnal; Ravi Prakash Goyal, Director, PNB RCT; Dr Rakesh Kumar, Professor of Computer Science, Central University of Haryana; Shashibala, proprietor of AVK Enterprises; and Shashi Gupta from ‘Ek Soch Nai Soch’.

Addressing the students, Meenu Dhiman provided detailed information about various MSME schemes being implemented by the Central Government. She explained the opportunities available for setting up enterprises in both rural and urban areas and highlighted the different forms of government assistance, subsidies and support available to aspiring entrepreneurs.

She encouraged students to learn about the eligibility criteria and procedures associated with government schemes before starting a venture. According to her, young people can establish small businesses even with limited capital if they have a clear business plan and make effective use of the support mechanisms available through government programmes.

Dhiman also emphasised the importance of awareness in converting an entrepreneurial idea into a sustainable business. She encouraged the students to explore sectors according to their skills, interests and local market requirements rather than viewing entrepreneurship only as an option for people with substantial financial resources.

Ravi Prakash Goyal, Director of PNB RCT, explained the training and financial assistance facilities available through the institution. He informed the students about free training programmes and the process involved in obtaining loans for starting a business.

He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to prepare a proper project report before approaching a financial institution. He stressed the importance of understanding the estimated investment, working capital requirements, expected revenue and repayment obligations. He also encouraged the students to develop basic financial and banking knowledge so that they could take informed decisions while establishing and expanding their enterprises.

The session also focused on the growing importance of technology in modern entrepreneurship. Dr Rakesh Kumar, Professor of Computer Science at Central University of Haryana, said that operating a business successfully in the present digital era is becoming increasingly difficult without adequate computer and digital skills.

He explained that technology now plays an important role in almost every aspect of business, including marketing, communication, accounting, customer management, online sales and digital payments. He encouraged students to develop practical digital skills and become familiar with modern technological tools that can help them improve the efficiency and reach of their future businesses.

The students also received an opportunity to hear a first-hand account of entrepreneurship from Shashibala, proprietor of AVK Enterprises. Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, she highlighted the importance of determination, hard work, patience and a clear sense of direction in building a successful enterprise.

She encouraged the students not to restrict their career aspirations to seeking employment. Instead, she urged them to consider becoming job creators as well as job seekers. She said that women can achieve financial independence and contribute to their families and society by developing their skills and converting their ideas into sustainable businesses.

The programme also provided students with an interactive platform to understand the practical challenges associated with entrepreneurship. During the interaction session, students asked the participating experts several questions related to starting a business, government assistance, financing, training, digital technology and other aspects of entrepreneurship.

The experts responded to the queries and provided practical guidance, helping the students gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities involved in establishing an enterprise.

The organisers said that programmes of this nature are important for creating an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Educational institutions can play a significant role in helping young people understand that career opportunities are not limited to conventional employment and that innovation, skills and enterprise can also provide avenues for professional growth and financial independence.

The programme concluded with an emphasis on encouraging students to acquire relevant skills, explore available government and institutional support and approach entrepreneurship with proper planning and confidence.

The event successfully created awareness among the students about self-employment, MSME opportunities, financial assistance and digital entrepreneurship, while reinforcing the message that educated and skilled young women can play an important role in strengthening the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

POD/DESK