For close to two centuries, The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) has been at the forefront of identifying and encouraging exemplary talents across businesses and industries. In continuation of its rich legacy, the Chamber hosted The Entrepreneurship Conclave and Awards 2020-21 on March 6, in association with the Techno India Group, Offbeat CCU, Wow! Momo, and Technopreneurs.
The afternoon’s proceedings got underway with the welcome speech by Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Chairperson, The Entrepreneurs’ Committee, BCC&I, along with an address by Deb A Mukherjee, President, BCC&I.
“The narrative that entrepreneurship is not active in West Bengal needs to change. Today's ceremony, with so many incredible entrepreneurs, is proof of that," said Mukherjee as part of his presidential address.
Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, in a fireside chat session with Deepak Daftari, chairperson, Taskforce on Investments, The Entrepreneurs’ Committee, BCC&I and director & CEO of DD Web Vision. Sourced by the correspondent
The Entrepreneurship Awards aims to reward entrepreneurs with outstanding vision and skills, who have been instrumental in socio-economic development irrespective of their size, capital, or geography.
"Female entrepreneurs have definitely caught up with their male counterparts these days...For me, the secret to success is to take care of my people, especially at a challenging time like the pandemic," noted Vanita Bajoria, from Hard Rock Cafe and Lord of the Drinks, who was named as the Most Promising Woman Leader.
Among the other awardees in the Power Women's category were the likes of Vayjayanti Pugalia, from skill institute Sonali's Cubo (winner of the Innovative Approach in Addressing Social Issues award); Jayshree Ghosh, from Nabakatha Initiatives (winner of the Woman Entrepreneur with Social Impact award); and Keya Seth, from Keya Seth Group of Companies (winner of the Woman Changemaker Award), a beauty, health and wellness brand.
The winners in the men's category included the likes of Anil Joshi, from Unicorn India Ventures (Venture Capitalist of the Year); Apurva Salarpuria, from the Salarpuria Group of Companies (Investor of the Year); and Radio Mirchi's Somak Ghosh (Influencer of the Year).
Sanjay Kumar Das, WBCS, joint secretary, Department of IT & Electronics, in a fireside chat session with Sandeep Sengupta, member of The Entrepreneurs’ Committee and founder-director of ISOAH Data Securities. Sourced by the correspondent
In the start-ups category, Rahul Basak, Co-founder and Chief Editor, My Canvas Talk, secured the first prize while for companies with three to 10 years of incorporation, it was Mukul Gupta, Founder, Capital Numbers Infotech Private Limited, who came out on top.
Alongside the presentation of the awards, a series of "fireside chats" were also a part of the event’s line-up.
Sanjay Kumar Das, WBCS, Joint Secretary, Department of IT and Electronics, spoke about the ways in which governments can collaborate with start-ups to empower entrepreneurship while Keya Seth recounted her journey to entrepreneurial success after navigating through systemic and circumstantial challenges.
Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group, was also involved in one of the "fireside chats" and had a message for all young entrepreneurs: "Don't force yourself to do something you don't enjoy...Alongside your skills, focus on your values. Ultimately, values are what define businesses."
