St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, recently hosted a pivotal Expert Consultation on "Fostering Entrepreneurship Skills and Mindset among the Youth." This landmark event, held on December 12, 2024, was organized under the aegis of a prestigious ₹16 lakh-funded research initiative supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), as part of the visionary Viksit Bharat Mission 2047.

Reverend Father Dr. John Felix Raj, S.J., Vice Chancellor of St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, chaired the session, bringing his leadership and vision to the forefront. The discussion revolved around crucial themes, including the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, essential skills for success, and the role of education in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The consultation also explored pathways for collaboration among industry, academia, and government to nurture a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The event boasted an illustrious panel of experts, featuring Mr. Debashis Sen, Mr. Rajesh Chirimar, Prof. Mamata Ray, Prof. Zinia Mitra, Mr. Amit Bajoria, Mr. Niranjan Mundra, Mr. Sumit Jalan, and Dr. Gargi Dasgupta. Their diverse perspectives enriched the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in building a resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The consultation highlighted the urgency of policy-driven and experiential entrepreneurial education tailored to the needs of India's dynamic youth. By fostering innovation and resilience, the session laid the groundwork for transformative changes in higher education practices, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to lead India toward sustainable growth and global leadership.

Prof. Ruchita Burman
SXUK