“Dream of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ can be realised only when entrepreneurs from rural areas are encouraged,” said Kishore Rathi, noted Businessman and District Governor (Elect), Rotary District 3030 for the year 2027-28. Rathi was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of ‘Sixth Gramayan Udyam Expo’, organised by Gramayan Pratishtahn at Amrut Bhavan, North Ambazari Road, near Jhansi Rani Square. Sudarshan Shende, Managing Director, Vithoba Industries; and Girdhari Lal Mantri, President, VIA CSR forum also were present as chief guests. The expo that will conclude on January 20, is organised to provide a platform to startups and various NGOs being run from the rural areas to showcase their products to the larger customer group.

 

The expo also aims to propogate value of becoming employement generators rather than job-seekers. The expo features around 100 stalls by various producers and processors from rural background. Giridharilal Mantri, in his address, shed light on visionary leadership of Nitin Gadkari, Member of Parliament from city. He informed the gathering how Gadkari, to curb farmers’ suicide in Vidarbha came up with the idea of establishing a Sugar mill in the region to give farmers an option of growing a cash crop. Later, he followed this idea with initiative to promote solar pumps in farms for improved irrigation with the help from Central Government.

 

Mantri appealed to citizens to encourage entrepreneurs from rural areas at the expo by visiting the stalls ad buying products. Sudarshan Shende said that the name ‘Gramayan’ is itself very meaningful. The expo is crucial as it is providing a platform to entrepreneurs from rural areas. At the outset, Chandrakant Ragit made the introductory remarks. Narendra Giridhar hosted the programme while Milind Giripunje proposed a vote of thanks.