I Create India, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to entrepreneurship development, commemorated its 25th anniversary with a Silver Jubilee celebration on February 26th at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. Founded with the mission of transforming job seekers into job creators, I Create India has spent the last quarter-century fostering entrepreneurial skills, particularly amongst army veterans and un-deserved communities.
The organization’s Silver Jubilee event highlighted the achievements and felicitation of over 40 Indian Army Veteran entrepreneurs, who have successfully transitioned to business ownership following I Create’s comprehensive training and mentorship programs. Key component of I Create’s success is its collaborative partnership with the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV), formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership has facilitated the establishment of Business Incubation Centres (BICs) at 13 Regimental Centres and 04 more Regimental centres are in the process to be on boarded under this initiative.
The Chief Guest for the event, Lieutenant General Ranjeet Singh, the Director General of Discipline, Ceremonial, and Welfare of the Indian Army, honoured the outstanding contributions of over 40 Indian Army veteran entrepreneurs. He took a moment to commend each of them for their remarkable dedication and perseverance in achieving self-reliance. Lt Gen Singh expressed his deep appreciation for their entrepreneurial spirit and emphasized the importance of their efforts in inspiring other veterans to pursue self-employment and economic independence. Moreover, he highlighted the crucial role that these veteran entrepreneurs play in the nation’s economic growth and social stability. By turning their military discipline and leadership skills into successful business ventures, they not only ensure a sustainable livelihood for themselves and their families but also contribute to the community and the larger economy.
The senior representatives of the initiative’s sponsors, including HCL Foundation, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Allianz, The Hans Foundation and IndusInd Bank, graced the event with their presence. The celebration prominently featured a documentary highlighting the remarkable impact of I Create’s efforts, as well as the unveiling of a commemorative coffee table book.
To date, I Create India has trained nearly 14,500 Indian Army Veterans across various Business Incubation Centres established throughout the country. Upon retiring from the Indian Armed Forces, these veterans have successfully launched micro and small businesses in diverse sectors such as grocery stores, various types of agricultural farming, travel agencies, dairy farms, poultry farms, cosmetic stores, medical stores, gyms, hardware stores, coaching centres, restaurants and real estate ventures. Among these veterans, 1,687 have already become successful entrepreneurs, while nearly 3,000 others are currently in the mentoring phase or working on their business plans. These veterans, typically aged 35-40 years, were acknowledged for their entrepreneurial achievements during the event.
Mr. Harsh Bhargava, the Founder of I Create India, highlighted the organization’s unwavering dedication to tackling India’s employment challenges. He stated that for the past 25 years, I Create has been steadfast in addressing India’s employment crisis through entrepreneurship. Our Army veterans leverage their disciplined approach to overcome business obstacles, our women entrepreneurs uplift entire communities and our youth embrace self-reliance to become job creators. As we commemorate this Silver Jubilee, we pay tribute to those who are shaping India’s future, one business at a time.
Indian Army veteran entrepreneurs are making significant contributions to nation-building through their disciplined approach and leadership skills acquired during their service. Through their dedication and perseverance, these veterans are playing a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s economic growth and social stability, ultimately contributing to a more self-reliant and Viksit Bharat.
