Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu in collaboration with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), National SC-ST Hub, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) inaugurated the Business Accelerator Program for the SC-ST entrepreneurs in IIM Jammu Campus at Jagti on 15th Jan 2024.   The Chief Guest of the programme was Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, MSME Govt of India, and Guest of Honor Padma Shri Ravi Kumar Narra, President, DICCI. 

The event was presided over by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, Shri Khurshid Dar, Head, CII, J & K and Ladakh,     Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu. The event commenced with the lamp lighting ceremony followed by an address about the program by Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu. 

Chief Guest Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (MSME), Govt. of India, commended the collaboration between IIM Jammu, National SC-ST Hub, MSME, DICCI, and CII. She emphasized the crucial role of IIM Jammu in providing formal management training, access to industry mentors, and capacity-building interventions for the upliftment of marginalized sections, contributing to nation-building. She outlined MSME's commitment to fostering a vibrant business ecosystem, formalizing MSMEs, and empowering women, ultimately contributing to the nation's GDP. She urged participants to be ambassadors of MSME, highlighted various ministry schemes, and discussed initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, Skill India, Champion, Samadhaan, and Udhyam for MSME growth. Acknowledging IIM Jammu's support, she appreciated their role in handholding the SC-ST community and contributing to the nation-building exercise.

Guest of Honor Padma Shri Ravi Kumar Narra, National President, DICCI, praised the collaborative efforts of IIM Jammu, MSME, and CII in launching the Business Accelerator Program. He highlighted its aim to empower SC-ST entrepreneurs, fostering inclusive economic growth and inspiring success stories. Mr. Narra emphasized DICCI's pivotal role in uplifting the SC-ST community and its collaboration with academic institutions, government bodies, and Entrepreneurs for their welfare. He underscored the importance of staying grounded in their endeavours.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, welcomed the second batch of the Business Accelerator Programme and mentioned the success of the first program starting on May 15, 2023, at Noida. Highlighting IIM Jammu's dynamic status as the youngest IIM, he credited Dr. Milind. P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, other Board Members, along with faculty and staff for achieving the 15th position among all IIMs in the NIRF Rankings. He also acknowledged key initiatives, including the Center for Small Business Development and the unique, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, inaugurated by Former President Shri Ramnath Kovind. Emphasizing IIM Jammu's commitment to India's growth, he reiterated the institute's role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, outlined by the Shri Narendra Modi, The Hon'ble Prime Minister of India. He encouraged participants to explore the campus, enjoy their stay, and stressed the importance of discipline in lives. He reiterated that the Business Accelerator Program aims to promote entrepreneurship and create more opportunities for small and medium enterprises, playing a catalyst role in filling skill gaps across the country.

Mr. K.K. Sharma, General Manager, National Small Industries Corporation Ltd. (NSIC), MSME, Govt. of India, highlighted the uniqueness of the Business Accelerator Programme as a platform for learning industry best practices. He expressed his satisfaction, anticipating that the program would empower participants and make them more vibrant in their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Shri Khurshid Dar, Head, CII, J & K and Ladakh mentioned that the Business Accelerator Program is a remarkable initiative, and the collaboration between IIM Jammu, MSME, DICCI, and CII reflects a collective commitment to foster entrepreneurship among the SC-ST community. This program will undoubtedly contribute to the economic empowerment of individuals and Entrepreneurs.

The Centre for Diversity & Inclusion at IIM Jammu is dedicated to transforming the lives of entrepreneurs from the SC & ST Entrepreneurs, providing them with an avenue to realize their hopes and aspirations. Established to enhance the lives of underprivileged Entrepreneurs, the Center offers a safe environment for exploring and understanding the intricacies of entrepreneurship. The program features assistance from National SC-ST Hub and scholarship by IIM Jammu.The inaugural ceremony culminated with the National Anthem and vote of thanks by Dr. Vedika Saxena, Member, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu.