Celebrating National Entrepreneur Day 2023 and the Power of Ideas

The word 'entrepreneur' has a long history, dating back to the 18th century when the French economist Jean-Baptiste first coined the term. While many people today associate entrepreneurship with financial success, the term's original meaning was much broader. It encompassed a wide range of creative and innovative endeavors. Richard Cantillon, an Irish-French economist, explored this concept further in his book 'Essay on the Nature of Trade in General.' There, he describes an entrepreneur as someone who not only acquires a product at a certain cost but also navigates the unpredictable nature of the market to resell it. This definition perfectly captures the dynamic and ever-changing nature of entrepreneurship.

National Entrepreneurship Day is celebrated in India every year on the 25th of November. This day serves as a bridge between the historical roots of entrepreneurship and its vibrant contemporary landscape. It not only celebrates individual entrepreneurs' achievements but also underscores their collective impact on the national economic fabric. India is a country known for its rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and economic diversity, where the entrepreneurial spirit becomes a unifying force, driving innovation and contributing to the economy's dynamic growth. The celebration of National Entrepreneurship Day is a tribute to the evolution of the entrepreneurial spirit within India, from the traditional bazaars to the digital marketplaces that define the modern era. It's a day to reflect on the transformative power of entrepreneurial ventures, transcending geographic and sectoral boundaries. The intricacies of entrepreneurship, as highlighted by Cantillon's definition, mirror the complexity and adaptability required to navigate the contemporary business landscape.

From the bustling streets of Mumbai, the tech hubs of Bengaluru, and the cultural melting pots of Delhi, Entrepreneurs in India are not just business leaders but also architects of change. They are celebrated not just for their corporate successes but also for their local businesses and startups that make a difference in communities. They leverage technology to address societal challenges and contribute to societal development and positive change. National Entrepreneurship Day in India is more than just a date on the calendar. Recognizing the dynamic spirit propels the nation forward, celebrating the risk-takers, dreamers, and doers who shape India's economic destiny. As we celebrate in 2023, let us embrace the diversity of entrepreneurial journeys and acknowledge the power of ideas to transform businesses and entire societies.

A Strong Mindset Matters

“I believe that in order to become a successful woman entrepreneur, having a strong mindset towards your goals is extremely important, and as we celebrate Women Entrepreneurship Day, I hope to see a world where gender breaks off the barrier and merit becomes the only criterion for success. In the coming years, I aspire to see a surge in funding for women entrepreneurs and enable them to scale their ventures and contribute significantly to the economy,” says Madhuri Ganadinni, co-founder of The Tea Planet.

Break Barriers & Create Legacies

“In my experience, the ability to rebound from setbacks, break through societal barriers, and leave that prominent mark on the business landscape hinges on unwavering resilience. This tenacity, along with my background in jewelry design, has fueled the inception of DishiS Designer Jewellery. I strongly believe that when we all work together, we can leave a legacy of inspiration and empower the future generation”, says Dishi Somani, the founder of DishiS Designer Jewelry.

Fuel Passion with Setbacks

“We as women often find ourselves breaking barriers and challenging the norms that society has set for us, but being able to take setbacks as opportunities and turn obstacles into stepping stones is what makes our entrepreneurial journey unique. I don’t want our Indian startup ecosystem to just acknowledge the work of women but also actively champion the diversity, creativity, and resilience that women bring to the forefront of innovation”, says Nidhi Sabharwal, Director and co-founder of PRtainment Media and Communication Pvt Ltd.

Celebrating Authenticity & Dedication

“Recode Studios is that dream of mine which I dared to chase. Just like every day is a fashion show, we at Recode strive to be the showstopper. Despite being completely from a different background, Recode today, proudly stands before you for the strides the brand has made in the beauty industry, competing shoulder-to-shoulder with giants. This journey was not always easy, every challenge and setback was a fuel to my strong ambitions. Over the years, Recode has seen phenomenal growth soaring from 25 lakhs in 2018 to an astounding 30 crores in FY 22-23. Recode is not just selling products but is creating a heaven for beauty enthusiasts”, says Dheeraj Bansal the Founder of Recode Studios.

Be the Guiding Light for the Upcoming Generation

“As a successful woman entrepreneur in India, I attribute a significant part of my journey to a relentless pursuit of resilience. In the dynamic and often challenging landscape of entrepreneurship, resilience has been my guiding force. This has not just shaped my professional life but also helped me in my personal growth. In a country like India, the entrepreneurial ecosystem can thrive, but at the same time, it can be challenging. And embracing resilience has not only fueled my own success but has also empowered me to inspire and support other aspiring women entrepreneurs”, says Nikita Malhotra, the Co-Founder of Winston.

A World of Inclusivity & Empowerment

“Being a successful entrepreneur is not just about skills and strategy; it’s about how you stand strong through a storm and take setbacks with a sweet, positive smile. Just like the delicate notes in our perfumes, I hope to see women get recognized for their unique contributions and be given equal opportunities to flourish. At the end of the day, all I want to see is a future where the world is made of greater inclusivity and empowerment”, says Nidhi Gupta, the CMO of French Essence.

From Chaos to Couture

“ Our journey began with a visionary, my father Mr. Shyam Gupta, who sowed the seeds of this brand with a mere 1000 in 1980. Today on Entrepreneurship Day his inspiration, creativity and resilience have pushed us through all the challenges and setbacks we have achieved in our journey. Against all odds, our brand has achieved a remarkable 50% growth in sales. In the face of uncertainty, our loyal customer base has been the driving force behind a remarkable turnover of Rs 10 crore last year. Seeing our creations adorn the likes of Abhay Deol, Riteish Deshmukh, Saqib Saleem, Rajkummar Rao, Sunny Kaushal, Rana Duggabati, and many more celebrities is not just a victory but a symbol of the dreams that we dared to dream”, says Ravi Gupta the Creative Director & Designer of Gargee Designers.

From Humble Start to Thriving Success

“The incredible journey of Milap Cosmetics is proof that commitment, dedication, passion and innovation are all you need to become extraordinary in life. We started our journey with a sindoor and today we stand with a diverse portfolio of 700+ distinct SKUs across 19 categories. The heart of our success lies in the trust of our customers and it is their support that has pushed Milap to an impressive average year-over-year growth of 37%. As the Director of Milap Cosmetics, I find inspiration in our journey and the challenges we've overcome. And on this Entrepreneurship Day, I urge every aspiring entrepreneur to embrace challenges, celebrate diversity, and persistently innovate”, says Mr Sachin Chadha, the Director of Milap Cosmetics.

Nitin Godawat, Managing Director, CREST Olympiads

“Happy Entrepreneurship Day to my fellow entrepreneurs and aspiring ones! Today, let's celebrate the spirit of innovation, courage and determination that drives entrepreneurs. In my opinion, entrepreneurship is about turning dreams into reality, building an all-round personality and fuelling the country’s economic engine. On this day, I also ask for a better eco-system from the Government and support from society”.

“A few words of wisdom for the ones who would like to embrace entrepreneurship –  'Do not copy an existing idea, Identify a gap and fill that up, Build a strong team, Initially invest your own funds rather than depending on investor money, Stay focused, Solve one problem at a time, and Take care of financials'. People will be willing to pay for your service or product if it is cheaper, faster and better, and adds value to people’s lives. Keep innovating, keep creating, and keep inspiring”.

Rupa Bohra, Managing Director, TNSIF

“In my journey of empowering women, each little step tells a story of determination. On Women's Entrepreneurship Day, let's celebrate the strength and uniqueness of women in business. Their entrepreneurial spirit not only brings them financial independence but also fuels a much larger impact in society. They turn challenges into triumphs, paving a legacy that inspires and transforms the lives of little girls who never thought success and freedom was possible. Here's to shaping a future where every woman's story is a beacon of empowerment for future generations”.

Dr. Reema Nadig, Co-founder & Group Medical Director, KITES Senior Care

“In the realm of geriatric care, each day whispers stories of strength and compassion. On Women Entrepreneur Day, let's celebrate the unique fusion of feminine leadership in crafting a future where elders receive not just care but a touch of empathy and understanding. In this canvas of entrepreneurship, women are weaving threads of change, making a difference one elder's smile at a time. Here's to all the women entrepreneurs who dare to innovate, creating ripples of impact across diverse fields”.

Anushree Jain- Cofounder of SocialTAG

“Women Entrepreneurship Day is a testament to the courageous spirit of female founders. It's about breaking barriers, not glass ceilings. I'm proud to be part of the influencer marketing industry where persistence and creativity are the cornerstones of success and where women can empower brands and build meaningful connections. I consider myself fortunate to have received unwavering support along the way, and I hope that every aspiring businesswoman gets the same level of encouragement and opportunity to thrive in their chosen fields. Let's continue to build a future where every woman has the opportunity to chase her dreams and create her own success story”.

Chaitali Pishay Roy, Founder of CPR Consultants

“As a woman entrepreneur, I've witnessed the transformative power of resilience and determination. In every boardroom, every negotiation, and every milestone, women are not just contributors but architects of success. As we celebrate Women Entrepreneur Day, here's to defining success on our terms. Cheers to embracing strength and brilliance, shaping a future of endless possibilities!”.

Mamta Roy, Founder of Odette

“Women Entrepreneurship Day is a day to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women who lead businesses, both big and small. In the fiercely competitive world of fashion, I've worked tirelessly to bring my vision to life through Odette. Women Entrepreneurship Day is a testament to the determination and innovation of women entrepreneurs. We have the power to break barriers, set new trends, and build successful ventures. Let's continue supporting and uplifting one another because when women empower women, incredible things happen. Together, we're unstoppable”.

In conclusion, National Entrepreneur Day is a celebration of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of entrepreneurship in India. It recognizes the transformative impact of innovative ideas on the economy and collective destiny of the nation. The entrepreneurial spirit serves as a unifying catalyst that drives innovation and contributes to dynamic economic growth, reflecting the complexity and adaptability that define entrepreneurship. As we celebrate this day in 2023, let us acknowledge the power of ideas to transcend boundaries, transforming not only businesses but also the destiny of nations.