By M S Nazki
I Create India, a trailblazing non-profit organization at the forefront of entrepreneurship development, marked its Silver Jubilee with a grand celebration on February 26th at the prestigious Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. Established with the vision of transforming job seekers into job creators, I Create India has dedicated the past 25 years to cultivating entrepreneurial skills, especially among Indian Army veterans and underserved communities.
The Silver Jubilee event was a momentous occasion to recognize and honor the outstanding achievements of over 40 Indian Army veteran entrepreneurs. These veterans, having successfully transitioned to entrepreneurship, are now thriving business owners, thanks to the comprehensive training and mentorship provided by I Create India. A cornerstone of the organization’s success is its strategic partnership with the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (DIAV), formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration has led to the creation of Business Incubation Centres (BICs) at 13 Regimental Centres, with plans to expand to 4 additional centres under this initiative.
The Chief Guest for the event, Lieutenant General Ranjeet Singh, Director General of Discipline, Ceremonial, and Welfare of the Indian Army, paid tribute to the exceptional contributions of these veteran entrepreneurs. Lt Gen Singh personally acknowledged each individual’s remarkable dedication and perseverance in achieving self-reliance. He expressed deep admiration for their entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the pivotal role their efforts play in inspiring other veterans to pursue self-employment and economic independence. Furthermore, he emphasized the vital role these veteran entrepreneurs play in the nation’s economic prosperity and social stability. By channeling the leadership and discipline they honed in the military, these veterans have not only secured sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families but also contributed significantly to their communities and the broader economy.
The celebration was further graced by esteemed representatives from the initiative’s sponsors, including HCL Foundation, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Allianz, The Hans Foundation, and IndusInd Bank, whose continued support is instrumental to the success of this initiative. A documentary showcasing the transformative impact of I Create’s work was featured during the event, along with the unveiling of a commemorative coffee table book, encapsulating the organization’s remarkable journey over the past 25 years.
To date, I Create India has trained nearly 14,500 Indian Army veterans through its network of Business Incubation Centres across the country. Upon retiring from the Indian Armed Forces, these veterans have launched successful micro and small businesses in diverse sectors, including grocery stores, agricultural ventures, travel agencies, dairy and poultry farms, cosmetic and medical stores, gyms, hardware stores, coaching centres, restaurants, and real estate. Of these, 1,687 veterans have already achieved entrepreneurial success, while nearly 3,000 are in the mentoring phase or developing their business plans. These veterans, typically aged 35-40 years, were celebrated for their entrepreneurial achievements during the Silver Jubilee event.
Mr. Harsh Bhargava, the visionary Founder of I Create India, passionately spoke about the organization’s unwavering commitment to solving India’s employment challenges. “For the last 25 years, I Create has been resolute in tackling India’s employment crisis through the power of entrepreneurship. Our army veterans leverage their disciplined approach to overcome business hurdles, our women entrepreneurs uplift entire communities, and our youth embrace self-reliance to become creators of employment. As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, we pay tribute to those who are shaping India’s future, one successful business at a time.”
Indian Army veteran entrepreneurs are not merely starting businesses; they are driving nation-building through their leadership, discipline, and determination. Their contributions are vital to strengthening India’s economic growth and social cohesion, playing a crucial role in advancing the vision of a self-reliant and prosperous Viksit Bharat.
