Ghaziabad, 10 January (H.S.): In a resounding commitment to India's entrepreneurial future, 100 selected students from Ghaziabad today pledged to transform themselves from job seekers into job creators, marking a pivotal moment in the region's youth empowerment journey. The event, which underscored the national vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma, who described the programme as a cornerstone for building a self-reliant economy driven by young innovators.

The grand inaugural ceremony of the Ghaziabad Entrepreneurship Mission unfolded at the prestigious Ram Chameli Chadha Vishwas Girls College, organized by the Ghaziabad Management Association (GMA). This landmark initiative is being hailed not just as a local milestone but as a blueprint for entrepreneurship across Uttar Pradesh, providing a structured platform to nurture startups and channel youthful talent into economic growth engines.

Sunil Kumar Sharma, the Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for IT & Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh, led the inauguration with an inspiring address to the gathering. He praised the programme as the first organized district-level effort of its kind in the state, meticulously designed to shift the mindset of youth from mere employment seekers to proactive employment providers.

This mission will emerge as a milestone in achieving the national goal of Viksit Bharat, Sharma declared, emphasizing its potential to inspire replication in other districts. He highlighted how empowering young minds with enterprise skills would foster enterprise-driven growth, propelling India toward self-reliance and development.

The minister's presence elevated the event, signaling strong governmental backing for grassroots entrepreneurship. His words resonated deeply, reinforcing that true progress lies in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

Adding official weight was special guest Abhinav Gopal, Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Ghaziabad. Gopal positioned the event as the dawn of Ghaziabad's evolution into a vibrant startup hub. We are proud that such a pioneering initiative is launching from Ghaziabad, he stated, assuring comprehensive support from the district administration.

Beyond guidance, he promised tangible opportunities, including linkages with the District Industries Centre (DIC) for access to government schemes, subsidies, and funding.This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between ideas and execution, enabling participants' startup concepts to generate real employment.

Gopal's commitment reflects a broader administrative push to integrate entrepreneurship into local development strategies.

GMA's Vision: Bridging Industry and Youth AspirationsThe programme kicked off with a warm welcome address by Rahul Agrawal, Executive Director of GMA. Agrawal positioned the mission as a natural extension of GMA's longstanding role as a bridge between industry and society. We firmly believe the youth of Ghaziabad must become job creators, not job seekers, he asserted, framing the initiative as a prime example of industry's social responsibility.

Industrial leaders, he noted, are stepping up to offer direction, mentorship, and platforms, ensuring the next generation is equipped for success.This industry-led approach underscores a collaborative model where private sector expertise fuels public good.

Inside the Selection Process: From 4,000 Applicants to Elite 100Providing an in-depth overview was Praveen Rajbhar, Founder and CEO of SkillingYou, who traced the mission's journey from inception to launch. Out of nearly 4,000 students from 12 colleges across Ghaziabad who applied, the top 100 were handpicked based on a rigorous Founder Fit Test and the viability of their startup ideas. These elite participants will now embark on a intensive two-month comprehensive training and support programme, building their confidence and skills to launch viable ventures.

Rajbhar's insights highlighted the competitive nature of the selection, ensuring only the most promising talents advance.

The event drew a distinguished audience, including the top 100 selected students—the heart of the mission—who actively participated and pledged their commitment. Senior GMA members, such as founding member I.C. Agrawal, NK Dhand, and Neetu Chawla, Principal of Ram Chameli Chadha Vishwas Girls College (the venue host), also took the stage.

Each speaker extended best wishes, urging the youth to seize this opportunity not just for personal gain but to shape Ghaziabad's economic identity and contribute to Uttar Pradesh's growth.Their collective messages emphasized resilience, innovation, and community impact, inspiring the young audience.

With this inauguration, Ghaziabad steps boldly into an era of entrepreneurship-led development. The synergy of industry (GMA), administration (CDO and DIC), and educational institutions (colleges) is forging a robust, self-reliant youth ecosystem. The initiative delivers a powerful message: the foundation of Viksit Bharat will be laid at the district level, with young entrepreneurs at its core.

As these 100 students gear up for their training, all eyes are on Ghaziabad to set a precedent for scalable, youth-centric innovation. This could well spark a wave of similar missions statewide, aligning perfectly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for an atmanirbhar (self-reliant) India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar