The group of 100 distinguished entrepreneurs from across India from the skill ecosystem entrepreneurs, invited by the Government of India on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day as special guests at the Republic Day parade, were felicitated by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) while recognizing their pivotal role in driving the nation’s growth and innovation under the Skill India Mission.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State for the Ministry of Education, commended the entrepreneurs present for elevating India’s reputation as a source of skilled talent. “The participation of 100 entrepreneurs at this national celebration underscores the impact of our skilling initiatives. programs have empowered individuals nationwide, creating sustainable livelihoods and inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurial journeys,” he said.
A particularly notable moment of the event was the recognition of 16 trailblazing entrepreneurs from the Northeast, including nine women entrepreneurs. Among them were Mrs. Namita M. Marak from Dhubri district, Assam, and Mrs. Mandira Baglary from Udalguri district. These remarkable women were celebrated for their resilience and success despite significant challenges. Their stories highlight the transformative power of skill development and entrepreneurship, especially for women in rural and underserved areas.
The minister who returned from the Annual meeting of World Economic Forum – WEF2025 in Davos only a few days back, shared insights from his interactions with global business leaders at the felicitation event. “India’s skilled workforce is gaining immense global recognition, with our talent pool being widely appreciated. Our emergence as a global skill capital is a testament to our commitment to excellence,” he said.
India’s start-up ecosystem is the largest in the world, with 118 unicorns valued at $354 billion. This success is driven by visionary policies, effective execution, and the resilience of entrepreneurs. The critical role of the MSME sector was also underscored, comprising 63 million enterprises, employing over 11 crore people, and contributing 30% to the GDP and 45% to exports. Additionally, the transformative impact of the Skill India Mission was noted, emphasizing its role in empowering youth and fostering self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat)