Ahmedabad: Entrepreneurship Development Institute
of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, a 'Centre of Excellence' recognised by the
Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, hosted
its 25th convocation of academic programmes on May 18, 2026, at its Ahmedabad campus. The event was
graced by chief guest Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor,
Union Territory of Ladakh. Also present on the occasion were Shri Rakesh
Sharma, President – EDII and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer,
IDBI Bank Limited; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; and esteemed
members of the EDII Governing Board including Shri Gopal Jha, Chief General
Manager (SME & Supply Change Finance), State Bank of India, Mumbai; Dr.
Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(DICCI), Pune; Shri Rajesh Gandhi, Managing
Director, Vadilal Industries Ltd., Ahmedabad and Dr. O. P. Goel, Advisor to CEO,
National Skill Development Corporation, New Delhi.
98 students and scholars were conferred with diplomas and graduating
certificates, at the 25th convocation, across academic programmes.
This year’s graduating batch represents 76 Post Graduate Diploma in Management
– Entrepreneurship (PGDM - E) students, 8 Post Graduate Diploma in
Management-Innovation Entrepreneurship & Venture Development (PGDM-IEV)
students, 11 Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Online (PGDM-Online)
students and 3 Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) students.
While 38 students of PGDM-E have finalised their 5 year Perspective Growth
Plan, 46 students of PGDM-E and PGDM-IEV programme have prepared Detailed
Project Report (DPR). Students have also secured grant sanctions from the
student start-up innovation policy. Some of the business identified domains
include: Plastic Waste Recycling Plant, AI Platforms, Child Mental Health,
Landscaping & Horticulture Solutions, Pet Health Tech Ecosystem and
Manufacturing of Biodegradable Paper Bottles.
Encouraging the students, Chief Guest Shri Vinai Kumar
Saxena, Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory of Ladakh,
said, “Reaching significant
milestones often creates the illusion that our education is complete. But this
is not true. Learning is a lifelong, perpetual journey. To thrive in an
ever-evolving world, one must maintain the curiosity, the eagerness to learn
something new, and evolve as a better professional. The world around you, would
always demand you to remain a student, and a scholar in pursuit of knowledge.
This thirst of knowledge, will help you strengthen your abilities, and make you
ready, for facing the ever-changing world of today. So, to the graduates, I
would say, become great entrepreneurs, play ethically, as that is the greatest
service, you can do to yourself, and the country. Set your goals, work
tirelessly to achieve them, and dedicate yourself to the service of the nation
and the mankind.”
Addressing the
students, Shri Rakesh Sharma, President – EDII and Managing Director &
Chief Executive Officer, IDBI Bank Limited, said, “Innovation remains the cornerstone of entrepreneurship. While EDII
alumni have exemplified this spirit, I urge, the graduating students, to remain
lifelong learners- to question assumptions, explore alternatives and approach
challenges with creativity and purpose. In a world defined by volatility,
uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, adaptability is no longer optional – it
is essential. However, let me reiterate a true entrepreneur is never
discouraged by roadblocks. On the contrary, challenges must strengthen your
resolve and sharpen your focus. With resilience, determination and courage, you
must confront obstacles and move forward.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, shared, “Over the past more than four decades, we have witnessed a palpable
upsurge in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Today, amidst all the policies and
development models, entrepreneurship has a crucial role to play. The start-up
wave is impressing upon our youth to adopt entrepreneurship as a career. I am
also happy to state that the significance of training and mentorship to create
entrepreneurs has got established like never before. The society today
acknowledges the power of knowledge, skills and determination in the growth of
an enterprise and an entrepreneur.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director
General, EDII.