Address by Governor at the inauguration of Indian School of Management and Entrepreneurship (ISME)

Address by Shri CH Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra at the inauguration of Indian School of Management and Entrepreneurship (ISME) at One India Bulls, Lower Parel, Mumbai at 1050 am on Tuesday, 19 July 2016.

Dr. Indu Shahani, Former Sheriff of Mumbai and President ISDI & ISME, Ms. Radha Kapoor, Founder & Executive Director ISDI, Ms. Raakhe Kapoor Tandon, Founder & Executive Director ISME, Mr. Richard Rekhy, CEO KPMG, Mr.Tom Simon Director, Babson Collaborative, Ms. Jennifer Larson, Deputy U.S. Consul General, Mr. Vivek Jain, Senior President, DCW Limited, Mr Siddharth Shahani, Co-founder and Executive Director, Parents, Teachers, dear Students, ladies and gentlemen,

I am indeed very happy to meet you and to have the opportunity of interacting with you today.

Two years ago I was present for the inaugural ceremony of the Indian School of Design and Innovation and I am glad to see that the Institution has grown further and is establishing ISME – The Indian School of Management and Entrepreneurship.

Today is indeed a very special occasion for the team of ISME and I congratulate them for their efforts and endeavours in this regard.

I would like to place on record my appreciation to Dr. Shahani and her team for their efforts in creating the Institution and their constant endeavour to bring International standards in running the institution.

The country is making rapid strides in various spheres of development and particularly Maharashtra is in the forefront of this process.

I do not have any doubt in my mind to say that institutions like this play an important role in all these processes.

Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had launched the Make in India, Start-up India and Skill India programmes so as to make India a global destination for investment and also to create the environment for reaping the benefits of demographic dividend.

State government has also launched Make in Maharashtra campaign for attracting the investors.

You have entered in this reputed institution at a time when India stands on a cusp of change. All of us have seen the response Hon’ble Prime Minister had received in various countries of the world, be it United States, England, Australia, China, Japan or the developing countries of the world.

It clearly shows that the perception of the world towards India has changed remarkably. India has emerged as the fastest growing economy in the world. This change of perception is taking place at the most appropriate juncture when India has emerged as the most youthful nation in the world. It is estimated that by 2020, the average age of an Indian will be 29 years, that is 8 years younger than the average age of a Chinese or an American. As youths of this country, you are going to be the drivers of our economy and development. Our success in taking advantage of the demographic dividend, depends upon how we convert our youths into productive human resources through education, skills and values.

I am glad to note that management of this institute is bringing top international educators to conduct courses and collaborating with colleges across the country.

I am very happy to note that ISME imparts all the necessary training to build the entrepreneurs. I urge the students to make the most of your time in the institute and learn as much as you can during your time here at the institution.

India not only needs to develop economically as a nation, but also in the social sector by developing a progressive inclusive society. I am given to understand that a Rural Impact Program is going to be conducted for the students here. I am very glad to know that this program helps the students experience Rural India and to understand the Rural Markets, which constitute about 69 percent of India’s population.

The expectation and hope laid on the shoulders of youth has never been higher. The youth need to be trained on how to face adversities, withstand them and come out stronger.

In the face of adversity, we must remember to find solutions with a creative and constructive attitude.

I am sure that Indian School of Management and Entrepreneurship will impart such qualities to the students so as to enable them to meet the numerous challenges in setting up their own enterprises and in realising their aspirations.

Dear students,

I would like to tell you that there are a number of industrialists and entrepreneurs in India who have inspite of their very humble back grounds and numerous adversities, have become what they are, by way of their positive attitude, creativity and hardwork. There are numerous opportunities available for the youth but they become visible only when you develop the ability to convert every challenge into an opportunity.

Opportunities do not come to you by mere wishful thinking, they come to you if you are prepared to do hard work and develop an ability to build a team around you.

Education must open minds, unite people, emphasise service and most of all teach our young people to love and co-exist with people who are different. While charting out your path please do remember that growth has to be inclusive and then only it remains sustainable.

On this note, I would like to congratulate all the students, for embarking upon this new journey. I would also like to appeal to the students to make the institute as a launchpad for their bright careers in the years to come and also to mould themselves so as to provide a platform for lending a helping hand to those in need.

I have great pleasure in inaugurating the Indian School of Management & Entrepreneurship and express my wishes that very soon the institute will attain reputation at global level.

Thank you.

Jai Hind

Jai Maharashtra