Page 44 - EDII Report-132

PG Corner

The Glorious; the Eminent:
PG Alumni Carving Their Own Success Paths

This section features PG Alumni excelling as business/social entrepreneurs. Let's
meet two entrepreneurs selected to be featured in this issue.

Ms. Niyati Shah
PGDBEM-1999-2000
Family Business Entrepreneur
Vice President, SUPACK Group
Chairperson, CII Indian Women Network – Rajkot Chapter

Management Development Programme on Promoting & Handholding Rural Enterprises, sponsored Niyati joined her family business, the SUPACK Group - a legacy
by Uttar Pradesh Khadi & Village Industries Board (UPKVIB), Lucknow, was conducted from April 14 to enterprise in the corrugated packaging sector, in 2017. Under her
17, 2025. 7 participants attended the programme which aimed at familiarizing them with the leadership, the company has expanded its operations with two
fundamentals of entrepreneurship and strategies to nurture new entrepreneurs. The programme also manufacturing facilities in Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Niyati's interventions have led to
brought together the officials from KVIB on a common platform to explore potential collaboration and adoption on contemporary production processes and expansion to newer markets.
convergence avenues with the institute for advanced learning opportunities.
Alongside business Niyati has also worked towards uplifting rural education by introducing
digital literacy and innovative pedagogy practices in underprivileged schools. As
Chairperson of CII- Indian Women Network, Rajkot Chapter, she continues to lead regional
and national initiatives focused on promoting entrepreneurship, education and skill
development among women. Her contributions have been widely recognized, earning her
several accolades, including the India CSR Leadership Award – Education & Health in 2021,
Chhattisgarh Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) Times Power Woman Award in April 2025, Women Power Award by Aajkal in March 2025
Moves Ahead with a Strategic Vision and Torchbearer of Empowerment & Excellence Award by Saanj Samachar in March 2025.

Ms. Riddhika Bhandari
A two-day Entrepreneurship Awareness
Programme (EAP) was organized under PGDM-DS 2018-2020
the Chhattisgarh Entrepreneurship Founder, Upraant Foundation
Development Centre (EDC) a joint initiative Riddhika is the founder of the Upraant Foundation, which empowers
by the Department of Commerce & women from marginalized communities through skill-based training in
Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh,
and EDII at Government ITI, Dhamtari. upcycling post-consumer textile waste. Over 120 women have been
More than 100 participants attended the trained to transform discarded fabrics into handcrafted lifestyle
programme. Participants were briefed on products using traditional crafts like Kantha, mirror work, patchwork
various government schemes and policies and embroidery. By combining environmental sustainability with inclusive economic
aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and empowerment, she has created a replicable model for grassroots impact.
venture creation.
The foundation promotes circular fashion and reduces environmental waste (over 2.5 tons
Key officials included Mr.Prashant Chandrakar, Manager, District Industry Centre Dhamtari, Govt of of fabric upcycled till date). All products are made through low-energy, non-industrial
Chhattisgarh; Mr. Inder Kumar khilvani, Lead District Manager, Dhamtari; Mr. Rahul Tiwari, Project methods, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint. Upraant ensures fair wages and reinvests in
Officer, EDII and Shri M.R.Dhruw, Principal, Govt. ITI Dhamtari were present in the programme.
community welfare and capacity building. In recognition of her work, Riddhika has been
awarded the Sustainability Champion: Grassroots Heroes Award by Outlook India & Gujarat
Tourism in 2025.

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