Page 8 - EDII Report-134

Remembering the Great Proponent of
Entrepreneurship... Late Dr. V.G. Patel
Padma Shri Dr. V G Patel’s contribution to the realm of entrepreneurship is unparalleled.
The country lost him on April 4, 2019. The Institute has since then been paying tribute to
this great exponent of entrepreneurship by hosting the Dr. V. G. Patel Memorial Lecture on
his birthday, ie, on 6th September every year.
The 7th lecture in the series was organized on September 6, 2025. The distinguished
speaker for the occasion was Shri Subodh Bhargava, Chairman, Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust.
Shri Bhargava spoke on the theme - ‘Job Seekers to Job Creators’.
The event commemorated Dr. Patel’s ideals and also recognized those who continue to
build on his vision by mentoring and guiding entrepreneurs across the country.
S h r i S u b o d h B h a rgava ,
Chairman, Bhartiya Yuva
Shakti Trust & Former EDII
Board Member (1999 to 2005);
Shri Harsh Patel, Son of Dr. V. G.
Patel & noted Entrepreneur
and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director
General, EDII paying tribute to
late Dr. V. G. Patel.
"Entrepreneurship has thrived in India since the most ancient of civilizations,
adapting and innovating with the changing times. The recent times, however, have
been most rewarding, with India securing the position of third largest entrepreneurial
ecosystem in the world. India's entrepreneurial landscape showcases unique
dynamism of youths. The innovative ideas and concepts are a testament to the
increasing interest of Indian youth in entrepreneurship. From Job Seekers to Job
Creators that should be our mandate for growth and advancement. My best wishes to
EDII for all their future initiatives under the leadership of Dr. Sunil Shukla.”
- Shri Subodh Bhargava, Chairman, Bhartiya Yuva Shakti Trust
“Dr. Patel introduced the concept of entrepreneurship to the nation at a time when
people had no clue about its potential. With his unwavering conviction, he proved
that entrepreneurship could be taught through mentoring and training. His vision not
only created a new discipline, but also inspired individuals to change their mindsets
and embrace entrepreneurship as a way of life not merely as a career. His
contribution remains truly unparalleled.”
- Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII
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Dr. V. G. Patel Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship
Trainer/Educator/Mentor 2025
On this occasion, the winner of the Dr. V.G. Patel National Memorial Award for
Entrepreneurship Trainer/Educator/Mentor 2025 was also announced. This National
Award recognises the outstanding contribution of a trainer/educator/mentor in
propagating innovations and technology driven new enterprises. This year 617
nominations were received from 41 countries, 33 Indian States and 384 institutions.
The high-level Award Committee followed a rigorous three-tier selection process
based on critical evaluation parameters and personal interview to select the awardees.
The award comprises a citation and cash prize.
The Winners of 2025:
Mr. Ulhas Upendra Bhale, Founder Director, Udyam Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd,
Maharashtra
Mr. Ulhas Upendra Bhale, is an entrepreneurship trainer, author and motivator
with 34 years of experience in self-employment, agripreneurship and women
entrepreneurship. He has authored several publications and received multiple
awards, including the National Award for Best Entrepreneur Trainer-Motivator
(EDII, 2003).
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Adla, CEO, AIC T-Hub, Hyderabad, Telangana
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Adla is a serial entrepreneur driving entrepreneurial growth
and innovation across India. He has designed numerous national startup
programmes and transformed thousands of entrepreneurs in India and the USA
through his mentorship. He is recognized for his leadership in the
semiconductor and space technology ecosystem building by the Ministry of
Commerce & Industry and NITI Aayog.
Special Jury Award:
Mr. Iytha Mallikarjuna, Founder & Director, Inclusive Divyangjan
Entrepreneur Association, New Delhi
Mr. Iytha Mallikarjuna is a seasoned social entrepreneur with over 27 years of
experience. He has been conducting Entrepreneurship Development trainings,
conferences, workshops and seminars focused on inclusivity. A much-
acclaimed author, he has been honoured with the prestigious National Award
for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities by the Hon’ble President of India
in 2024 and Best Social Entrepreneur Award by Government of Delhi in 2023.
Certificates of • Dr. Nagaraj Balakrishnan, CEO & Vice President, AIC Raise Business Incubator, Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu
Appreciation
• Dr. B. Dayakar Rao, Director/CEO, Nutrihub, ICAR-Indian Institute of Millet Research,
Hyderabad, Telangana
• Mr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, Kolkata, West Bengal
• Mrs. Sucharita Eashwar, Founder & CEO, Catalyst for Women Entrepreneurship, Yelahanka,
Karnataka
• Mr. Surya Kant, CEO, Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) – Birla Institute of Management Technology
(BIMTECH), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh