Page 7 - EDII Report 124

EDII REPORTS 124 EDII REPORTS 124

Empowering 'Them' for
Rwanda India Entrepreneurship Development Centre
Entrepreneurial Roles Accomplishes Its Goals...

The Rwanda India Entrepreneurship Development Centre (RIEDC), Kigali
EDII houses the Centre for Empowerment of Differently Abled (CEDA) in association with inaugurated by Shri V Muraleedharan, Hon'ble MoS MEA in November 2021, was
handed over to Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and
Directorate of Social Defense and Gujarat State Handicapped (Divyang) Finance and
Microfinance (RICEM) after being handheld by EDII for more than 2 years. The end of
Development Corporation, Social Justice and Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat.
the project review and the handing-over process was scheduled in November 2023.
Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, EDII organized an event that not
The Director General was invited to visit Kigali, Rwanda during 2nd to 4th November
only recognized the achievements of successful Divyang entrepreneurs but also brought
2023 to attend the Governing Body Meeting and Project Monitoring Committee
together noted professionals to talk about the need to have an inclusive society with Meeting (PMC) of RIEDC. The meetings were attended by senior officials from MEA,
equitable opportunities for all. Government of India, and Government of Rwanda, where the Governing Body and
PMC appreciated the contributions of RIEDC.
The day was marked with engaging discussions and sessions, focusing on ways to overcome
challenges experienced by individuals with disabilities. During the occasion, the Director General also had a meeting with Shri Puneet R.
Kundal, Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa), to plan the next Entrepreneurship
The event welcomed Shri Kalpesh Vaniya, Deputy Director, Office of Directorate of Social Development Centre (EDC) in Namibia.
Defense, Govt. of Gujarat, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Shri Vaniya emphasized the
need for empathy in society's approach towards differently-abled. He said, “Society has to
bring in empathy in its approach towards the differently abled. The focus should be on Project PRERNA Brings Students A Step Closer
empowerment through training, skill building and counselling.”
to Entrepreneurship
The event also awarded noted Divyang Entrepreneurs for rising above their limitations to
EDII conducted 2, one-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes (EAPs) at D.A.V. Inter College and
make a significant impact in society. The awardees included Amitkumar Ashokkumar Patel
Shivkumar Agarwal Janata Inter College in Bulandshahar district under the Prerna Project supported
(Meetsun Renewable Technology), Shubhadraben Babubhai Patel (Grisha Computer &
by IFCI Social Foundation, New Delhi. The project entails conducting 15 EAPs, 2 Faculty Development
Common Service Center), and Manguben Bhalabhai Zala (in the field of animal husbandry). Programmes, Startup event and a
Each awardee received a citation in recognition of their commendable contributions. Hackathon by February 2024. Given the
benefits that entrepreneurship and the
As Project Director, Dr. Amit Dwivedi informed, “This is a significant step towards creating a traits associated with it, bring to the youths,
wholesome society where each one feels valued, irrespective of their circumstances.” this project looks forward to providing an
opportunity to selected schools from the
Western U.P. primarily from Ghaziabad and
Gautam Budh Nagar districts to understand
Lighting the ceremonial lamp:
(R) Chief guest, Shri Kalpesh the finer nuances of the rewarding
EDII has thus far Vaniya, Deputy Director, Office discipline of entrepreneurship. Students
trained 8533 of Directorate of Social Defense, will also get handholding and mentoring
PwDs through Govt. of Gujarat; (Center) Dr. support to develop their business ideas.
266 skill training
programmes Amit Dwivedi, Project Director, These will be assessed by experts from EDII
under CEDA, CEDA and Incharge-Dept. of and other institutions. Simultaneously, the
leading to setting Projects (Govt), EDII; (L) Mr. faculty group will also be trained to impart
up of 1247 Nikhilesh Desai, Advisor- learning and mentorship support to
enterprises. Business Development, EDII st u d e n t s s o t h at t h e y c o n s i d e r
during the event.
entrepreneurship as a career option.
- अिमत गोयल

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