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) hosted the Valedictory Program for the Business Accelerator Program for the SC-ST entrepreneurs in IIM Jammu Campus at Jagti on 20th Jan 2024.

The event was presided over by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, who joined online, and Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu. The event commenced by an address about the program by Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu where he welcomed the participants of the Business Accelerator Program stating the objective of this program, i.e., to help students understand the nuances of businesses via the program consisting of various modules.

The Participants of the Business Accelerator Program talked about their experiences, praising the curriculum and the faculty's pedagogy at IIM Jammu, for helping them understand the teachings they were given, appreciating this initiative of IIM Jammu for offering such a comprehensive program for SCs and STs.

Shri K.K. Sharma, General Manager, SG (NSSH), NSIC, who joined the event virtually, commended the collaboration between IIM Jammu, National SC-ST Hub, MSME, DICCI, and CII. He emphasized the importance of this program in enhancing the competency of the buddying entrepreneurs and avail themselves of the benefits of the National SC-ST Hub launched by our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, stressed the significance of providing all program participants with the necessary assistance, inspiring them to persevere, pushing them to come up with more ideas, and guaranteeing that they will receive any help - financial or otherwise. He motivated the participants by stating, “You haven't lost; you possess all your potential. You have to move forward as you are the job creators, not the job seekers.”

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