“Established Business Leaders Must Mentor Small Entrepreneurs” – Former MP Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

Yajnavalkya Entrepreneur Development Mission (YUVA) Anniversary Celebration — Mukta Barve and Prasad Kulkarni Honored with Youth Artist and Youth Entrepreneur Awards

Pune: Today, many small entrepreneurs are availing themselves of various government schemes such as the Mudra Yojana to build their own businesses. To ensure the progress of such entrepreneurs, it is essential that established business leaders come forward and offer guidance. Although the country’s Non-Performing Asset (NPA) ratio is currently low, it could be reduced further if large-scale industrialists “adopt” Mudra entrepreneurs and mentor them. This would strengthen the entrepreneurial culture in India and help increase the number of job creators rather than job seekers, stated former Member of Parliament Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe.

The 18th anniversary and awards ceremony of the Yajnavalkya Entrepreneur Development Mission (YUVA) — an initiative of the Shukla Yajurvediya Madhyandini Maharashtrian Brahmin Central Board — was held at Tilak Smarak Mandir. On this occasion, the Srujan Art Gallery’s Srujan Yuva Kalakar Puraskar was presented to actress Mukta Barve, and the Late Chandrakant Joshi Memorial Yuva Udyogik Puraskar was awarded to entrepreneur Prasad Kulkarni.

The event was attended by MP Dr. Medha Kulkarni, Charuhas Pandit, Vishram Kulkarni, Shrikant Joshi, Upendra Kelkar, Sachin Pandit, Manjusha Vaidya, Pratibha Sangamnerkar, Harshal Lele, Ajay Kulkarni, Ashish Kulkarni, Mandar Mahajan, Anjali Darwhekar, Milind Darwhekar, Swati Kulkarni, Abhijit Deshpande, Prashant Deshpande, and Kartiki Joshi, among others. The awards consisted of a memento and a citation. A special felicitation was also accorded to entrepreneur Makrand Vipat.
MP Dr. Medha Kulkarni said, “Every community has the inner strength to help its own members. Then why should we lag behind in expressing ourselves and extending help? We must unite — not only to support our own community but to help others as well. Let us come together and extend a helping hand to our fellow citizens who are struggling.”

While responding to the honor, Mukta Barve said, “While working in the field of art, I have often observed people from other walks of life doing incredible things for society. Seeing their work constantly provides inspiration and energy.”
Prasad Kulkarni added, “A person may see the path ahead, but walking that path requires the support of one’s people. The support I received from my family is the true reason behind my success.”

Following the award presentation, Ketan Gadgil conducted interviews with both award recipients.