YESummit 2025 Concludes at Christ University, Bengaluru

The final day of the YESummit 2025 began with an insightful session on how traditional businesses can leverage modern technology for growth. This session was moderated by Mr. Arun R J, Assistant Professor at CHRIST University, and co-moderated by Ms. Sonia Garcha, Board Member of YouthAid Foundation. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Ujjwal Chowdhury, Director General of MSEED, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, followed by an expert panel featuring Dr. Pooja Pandey Tripathy, Founder of Arogya Physiotherapy, and Mr. Md. Sohel Khan from Telangana State Innovation Cell. 

Prof. Chowdhury emphasized the significance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indian Economy. He stressed the importance of accelerating the digitization process, as modern technology can revolutionize MSMEs by opening new opportunities, enhancing productivity, and helping businesses reach wider markets. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to remain proactive in learning, upgrading their skills, and leveraging innovation to drive success. 

Dr. Pooja Tripathy shared her personal journey of embracing technology in her business. She explained how digital tools helped her expand her reach beyond geographical boundaries, enabling her to serve patients worldwide. She emphasized that technology not only enhances efficiency but also creates new opportunities for scaling and innovation. She urged young entrepreneurs to adapt to digital advancements and unlock their full potential in the global market. 

Mr. Md. Sohel Khan discussed key parameters for a successful business, using real-life examples to illustrate his points. He highlighted that pitching, investment, partnerships, outsourcing, market analysis, pricing, and innovation are fundamental to business growth. He highlighted the importance of an effective business pitch for attracting investors, strategic partnerships for expanding operations, and outsourcing for improving efficiency. He also stressed that market analysis and competitive pricing are crucial for understanding consumer behavior and ensuring profitability. Above all, he emphasized that innovation is essential for sustaining and scaling a business, even in traditional sectors. 

Valedictory Session and Program Highlights 

The summit concluded with a valedictory session where Dr. Ravindranath C Cherukuri, Associate Director at CHRIST Incubation Center, presented a comprehensive summary and highlights of the three-day program. A highlight video recapped the key moments from the event, followed by feedback from participants who shared their experiences and learnings from the summit. 

Keynote and Guest of Honour Speeches 

The valedictory keynote was delivered by Mr. Abhishek Ranjan, Senior Director at Brillio, Bengaluru. He shed light on grassroots social enterprises and the role of sustainability in creating long-term impact. He pointed out that while India allocates 4% of its GDP to education, the actual requirement is 6%, resulting in a $100 billion shortfall. This deficit disproportionately affects students from government schools, with 70% unable to access premier business education.  

Discussing Viksit Bharat 2047, Mr. Ranjan outlined four key pillars necessary for India’s development, stressing that sustainability must be integrated into all initiatives. He defined impact as an irreversible forward change and highlighted that funding is not the real challenge—rather, the issue lies in utilizing and accessing funds effectively. He emphasized the need for platforms where social entrepreneurs can showcase their impact and attract investments. 

Dr. L.H. Manjunath illustrated  the importance of entrepreneurship, motivation, and social impact. Drawing from his experience with SKDRDP, he emphasized that entrepreneurial opportunities lie at the grassroots level, urging young entrepreneurs to identify and solve rural challenges. He discussed four key motivations for success: achievement motivation (goal-setting and risk-taking), social motivation (working for the underprivileged), power motivation (leadership influence), and extinction motivation (procrastination, which hinders growth). He encouraged young people to take immediate action and focus on impactful solutions. 

Guest of Honour Dr. Johny Joseph, Registrar (Academics) at CHRIST University, reinforced that education should extend beyond textbooks, equipping students with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed for innovation. He highlighted the role of initiatives like Startup India and the Atal Innovation Mission in fostering entrepreneurship. He encouraged attendees to leverage their networks and take concrete steps toward innovation, reminding them that success is built through consistent efforts and an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Degree is Valuable,  Skill Indispensable for business, says Dr CN Manjunath, M.P 

Dr. C. N. Manjunath Member of Parliament emphasized the critical role of young entrepreneurs in India’s journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse. Addressing a diverse audience of aspiring and established entrepreneurs, he highlighted India’s rapid economic growth, currently at 6.2% to 6.4%, and projected that by 2027, India will be the world’s third-largest economy. He urged the youth to seize opportunities and contribute to the country’s development through innovation, resilience, and strategic execution. 

Dr. Manjunath  highlighted the significance of grassroots entrepreneurship, stating that India is witnessing a revolution in business and innovation. He pointed out that in 2014, India had only 500 startups, whereas today, the country boasts over 100,000 startups across various sectors. Under the Make in India and Work in India initiatives, the Government of India has implemented several supportive measures, including increased credit limits for MSMEs and collateral-free loans for first-time entrepreneurs. He urged young business leaders to make the most of these opportunities, emphasizing that success is not a result of luck but of intellect, hard work, and smart execution. 

Encouraging innovation and sustainability, Dr. Manjunath shared real-world examples of resourceful entrepreneurship, such as using sugarcane waste to create carpets and ceilings and reusing coffee plant residues into eco-friendly cups and plates. He also highlighted India’s MSME sector, which contributes 40% of the nation’s exports, particularly in pharmaceuticals, jewelry, electronics, and food processing. 

He cautioned against unhealthy social and economic comparisons, advising young entrepreneurs to measure success based on achievements and contributions rather than material wealth. He stressed that having multiple ideas is not enough—execution is key, and even a single well-implemented idea can lead to immense success. He emphasized that degrees alone do not guarantee success in today’s competitive world. Instead, skills, creativity, communication, and adaptability are essential for sustained growth. He applauded women entrepreneurs, stating that skills often outweigh formal education, and encouraged young people to focus on skill development alongside academic qualifications. 

He concluded with a powerful message: “If you salute your work, you never have to salute anyone. But if you pollute your work, you will have to salute many.” He urged participants to embrace hard work, optimism, and perseverance, reinforcing that entrepreneurship is the key to India’s economic and social transformation. The YESummit 2025 served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and inspiration, shaping the future of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Dr. Shantaram Badgujar, Secretary of CYDA, emphasized the importance of nurturing the rural economy. He highlighted that students have immense potential but need proper direction from educators. He stressed the need for internships, research initiatives, and field-based training, advocating for a deeper connection between academic institutions and communities for mutual growth. 

The summit also celebrated the achievements of participants, with the announcement of competition winners and prize distribution conducted by esteemed guests. The YESummit 2025 successfully brought together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, fostering innovation, collaboration, and business growth. The three-day event left participants motivated, equipped with new knowledge, and ready to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.