The Vidarbha Industries Association Lady Entrepreneurs’ Wing (VIA LEW), in collaboration with the Barrister Sheshrao Wankhede Trust [In memory of Late Smt. Kusumtai Wankhede], successfully inaugurated the much-anticipated “Udyojika – An All Eves’ Exhibition” at the Kusumtai Wankhede Hall, Nagpur.
The event was graced by Chief Guest, Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal, Commissioner of Police, Nagpur City, who underscored the critical role women play in promoting entrepreneurial initiatives. In his speech, Dr Singal emphasized the need for women to actively participate in business and acknowledged that with determination, anyone can start and grow a business. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through various schemes and lauded the efforts of VIA LEW in organizing Udyojika for 27 consecutive years, calling it a commendable initiative that has empowered countless women in Vidarbha.
Guest of Honour, Sunanda Bajaj, Assistant Commissioner of District Skill Development, Employment & Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre, highlighted the various government schemes available for women, students, and entrepreneurs to enhance their skills. She encouraged women to take full advantage of these programs, which offer stipends and support for skill development. Mrs. Bajaj applauded VIA LEW for creating success stories in Vidarbha, inspiring others to follow suit, and emphasized the importance of more women coming forward to leverage these opportunities.
In her address, Rashmi Kulkarni, Chairperson of VIA LEW, emphasized Udyojika’s role in empowering women entrepreneurs. She said, “VIA LEW aims to not only help women start their businesses but also support them as they grow. Through various initiatives like workshops, industrial visits, and events like Udyojika, we are committed to creating opportunities for women to thrive.” Mrs. Kulkarni expressed her gratitude to Kundatai Vijaykar for her unwavering support and acknowledged the backing of VIA’s main wing, under the leadership of Vishal Agrawal.
Kundatai Vijaykar, President of the Barrister Sheshrao Wankhede Trust, joined the function and expressed her appreciation for LEW’s tireless efforts in making Udyojika a grand success.
In addition to the distinguished guests, Lakshmi Murugesan, AGM of SIDBI, and Vishal Agrawal, President of VIA, were present to support the event.
The event was elegantly hosted by Past Chairpersons Poonam Lala and Manisha Bawankar, while Yogita Deshmukh, Secretary of VIA LEW, extended a formal vote of thanks.
Also in attendance were prominent figures such as CA Girish Deodhar, Chairman of VIA MSME Forum, Sarla Kamdar from the Advisory Committee, and Sarla Pawar, along with past chairpersons Madhubala Singh, Shachi Mallick, Y Ramani, Reeta Lanjewar, Chitra Parate, Neelam Bowade, Anjali Gupta, Dr. Anita Rao, and Vandana Sharma. The leadership team of VIA LEW, including Vice Chairpersons Indu Kshirsagar and Shikha Khare, Treasurer Poonam Gupta, and EC Members Sania Ramchandani, Amandeep Kaur Sehemi, and Tejal Rakshamwar, were also prominently present.
Udyojika 2024 runs from 4th to 7th October at Kusumtai Wankhede Hall, showcasing a variety of products and services by women entrepreneurs from across the region.