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India Launches Navachar Mantra to Power Grassroots Innovation

Newsmantra — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 06:26:00 +0000

NEW DELHI. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has officially launched Navachar Mantra, a landmark national initiative designed to identify, nurture, and scale grassroots innovations and early-stage entrepreneurship across India. Unveiled by Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary at IIT Delhi, the programme places a unique focus on empowering untamed talent from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, aspirational districts, and rural communities. Implemented by NIESBUD with IIT Delhi’s Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) as the technical knowledge partner, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between rural ingenuity and national scale by building deep collaborations among government bodies, academia, and industry leaders.

During the launch, which featured an insightful fireside chat with top Indian founders, Minister Chaudhary emphasized that the next global transformation should carry India’s intellectual imprint, urging the youth to look beyond manufacturing and instead pioneer technologies that shape the global future. The program targets critical priority sectors including Agritech, HealthTech, EdTech, Climate and Sustainability, and MSME Enablement, effectively connecting local problem-solvers directly with policymakers, corporate leaders, and investors. Digital applications for the initiative have officially opened and will remain active until July 5, 2026, kicking off a multi-stage expert evaluation process to select high-potential ventures.

Selected innovators will enter a comprehensive, year-long engagement programme packed with dedicated mentorship roundtables, thematic webinars, investor networking sessions, and national storytelling platforms. Beyond strategic guidance on fundraising, intellectual property management, and regulatory compliance, the initiative will facilitate physical pilot projects and market linkages to turn raw ideas into profitable enterprises. Navachar Mantra will ultimately culminate in a massive national showcase event, utilizing ministerial podcasts and digital campaigns to grant grassroots creators high-visibility recognition, thereby strengthening the talent pipeline for a self-reliant, innovation-driven Viksit Bharat.

Corporate, Cooperative Sectors Can Join Forces to Boost Social Enterprises, Says MP Sahney at CII Summit

Newsmantra — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:39:44 +0000

Image caption: Shri Suresh Prabhu, former Union Commerce Minister and India’s ex-G20 Sherpa, with Rajya Sabha MP Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney

NEW DELHI, May 12, 2026: The corporate and cooperative sectors must team up to build social enterprises and unlock demand in rural India, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney said at the CII Annual Summit.

Known for his push on grassroots development, Dr. Sahney argued that corporates and cooperatives working together could reach the last mile in villages, spurring rural economies and creating sustainable livelihoods. “If we truly want to spur rural demand and bring inclusive growth, corporates and cooperatives cannot work in silos, they must collaborate to promote social enterprises,” he said. This kind of synergy, he added, would help bridge the stubborn urban-rural divide.

Dr. Sahney put a sharp focus on women-led groups. Women-led cooperatives, self-help groups (SHGs), and women-run enterprises have huge potential but often lack the backing they need, he said. They should get greater institutional support to evolve into technology-enabled, professionally managed outfits, using digital payments, online procurement, and e-market platforms to boost their effectiveness and scale.

Cooperatives need to get more transparent with professional leadership, regular audits, autonomy, and independent boards. The newly enacted Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act gives them the legal tools to do just that, allowing real independence while keeping accountability in check.

The session, chaired by Sh. Suresh Prabhu, former Union Commerce Minister and India’s ex-G20 Sherpa, drew nods from industry leaders and policy makers.

They agreed cooperatives are an underused lever for inclusive growth. Dr. Sahney’s ideas line up with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘sahakar se samriddhi’ (prosperity through cooperation) push, which fits with the bigger discussions happening about improving rural areas and starting social projects, especially as more money is now being spent in the countryside.”

Empowering Rural India: Dr. Lata Suresh Addresses READ India Conclave

Newsmantra — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:33:50 +0000

NEW DELHI. Dr. Lata Suresh, Head of the Knowledge Resource Centre at IICA and Advisory Board Member, recently chaired a key session at the READ India Conclave. The event centered on the theme “Human Sustainability – Emerging Leadership with Perspective into Practice,”highlighting the organization’s commitment to community-driven development. With a presence in 16 states, READ India operates 65 Community Resource Centres that serve as hubs for education and enterprise. Dr. Suresh emphasized how these centers have already impacted over half a million lives, fostering a culture of reading and sustainable growth across 400 villages.

The conclave specifically celebrated the rise of grassroots leadership among rural women, aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Participants shared insights on how localized leadership is driving micro-enterprise and employability. A standout moment of the evening was a community ramp walk, where women showcased products made through READ India’s skilling programs. This display served as a powerful testament to the organization’s “Community First” approach, proving that vocational training and local empowerment are creating tangible pathways to economic independence.

NTPC-Jhabua Empowers Local Farmers by Promoting Authentic Spices and Agricultural Products

Newsmantra — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:55:28 +0000

JHABUA ( MP) : In a significant stride toward community empowerment and sustainable development, NTPC-Jhabua Power Ltd. has successfully established 65 Self Help Groups (SHGs) under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The program, aligned with the Community First – Mission Always motto, aims to foster local entrepreneurship and upliftment.

A grand inauguration of a new spices production unit took place in the village of Bineki, operated by the Durgawati SHG. The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Chandrashish Ghoshdastidar, CEO of NTPC-Jhabua Power Ltd., and Mrs. Kakoli Ghoshdastidar, President of NTPC-Jhabua Power Rainbow Ladies Club. The ceremony marked the formal handover of the spice unit to the SHG for commercial production and operations.

Emphasizing the importance of purity and quality, the new spice unit aims to produce authentic, aromatic spices that embody trust and natural goodness. The initiative is expected to open new avenues for local women, providing opportunities for economic growth and community development.

Addressing the gathering, the officials highlighted that this project signifies a major step toward transforming local traditional products into large-scale commercial offerings. The SHG aspires to elevate their products from local pure spices to a recognized brand, emphasizing the aroma, purity, and trust that their products embody.

This initiative exemplifies NTPC-Jhabua Power’s commitment to community-centric development and sustainable livelihood enhancement, fostering a self-reliant and prosperous local economy. The community looks forward to the spices unit becoming a model of purity, quality, and community empowerment.