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The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today concluded the third edition of the National Entrepreneurship Awards (NEA), by honouring 30 outstanding young entrepreneurs and three entrepreneurship ecosystem builders for their exceptional contribution in entrepreneurship development at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The awards were conferred in the presence of Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation; Shri Anantkumar Hegde, Minister of State for Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Dr. KP Krishnan, Secretary, MSDE.



Among the winners and models of excellence included Ms. Roshan Kahtoon, 23, from Bihar, who is an inspiration to many. Despite her physical disability, she has beaten all odds and has set up a small bangle manufacturing unit. Ms. Shruthi Reddy Sethi, 33, of Kolkata, who started Anthyesti Funeral Services to provide end-to-end funeral management service, Ms. Tana Sumpaaged, 35, of the Nyishi tribe, Arunachal Pradesh, who is successfully running piggery farms and fisheries and also helping local people, women, housewives and unemployed youth with quality training and livelihood support. Among others felicitated were Mr. Mahipal Chary Kadivendi, 38, of Telangana, who has developed a self-propelled weeder-cum-cultivator that can be used for a number of agricultural processes such as hoeing, weeding, tilling, sowing and also for applying fertilizer or insecticides.



Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, said, “I would like to congratulate all award winners for their exemplary performance. The definition of entrepreneurship is constantly evolving and with change in fixed tenure jobs, the nature of working environment is changing with more people creating their job space versus joining a certain industry. There are ample opportunities for our youth to be gainfully engaged in launching start-up initiatives in the country. “



He further added, “The economic growth of a country depends on the economic growth of its people. The youth needs to be empowered today with skills which can empower them. The change in market environment is no more a challenge, but has become an opportunity for many. Government of India’s initiatives like Mudra Yojana, Start Up India, the GeM portal, etc. are giving the best and most conducive environment to our young entrepreneurs.”



Congratulating the winners, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said, "Adopting an inclusive approach, this year new categories were introduced for grassroot entrepreneurs with special focus on women, persons with disabilities, SC/STs and entrepreneurs from difficult areas. Our endeavour has been to incubate entrepreneurial spirit to build self-sustainable livelihood. National Entrepreneurship Awards not only recognises small and medium entrepreneurs, but creates aspirations for all those who are willing to innovate, and are determined to create their own enterprise. India is emerging as the fastest growing economy in the world and we are committed to promote entrepreneurship to fuel growth”



Talking about the award recipients this year, Minister of State, MSDE, Shri Anantkumar Hegde, said, "Our country's strength is its human resource. The Government is committed to supporting everyone - across small, medium or large categories of entrepreneurs, and create market linkages for all. No entrepreneur is different from another as each has to invest the same amount of passion, grit and commitment in their venture. National Entrepreneurship Awards is a recognition of immense talent that our youth has. I would urge our youth to work hard, take risks and write their own destiny. This is just the beginning. There are immense opportunities in the country and sky is the limit."



Milind Kamble, Founder & Chairman, The Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "The current incumbent government is making commendable efforts to create a strong support system for entrepreneurs across categories including those who are marginalized. I would give AAA rating to the Government for being Accessible, Accommodating and being Action oriented. We are happy to associate with the Ministry and commit our support in their endeavors to boost the MSME sector."



The National Entrepreneurship Awards (NEA) was instituted by MSDE in 2016 to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship across the country. A total of 33 winners – 30 Young Entrepreneurs and 3 Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders were awarded. Each of the enterprise/individual winners received a trophy, certificate and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, while each of the winning organizations/institutes received a trophy, certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.



The Awards ceremony witnessed attendance from senior officials of the ministry, members of the Skill Sector Councils, corporate leaders; successful and budding entrepreneurs among others.