Ahmedabad, 18 May 2026: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, a ‘Centre of Excellence’ recognised by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, hosted its 25th convocation of academic programmes on May 18, 2026, at its Ahmedabad campus. The event was graced by chief guest Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of Ladakh. Also present on the occasion were Shri Rakesh Sharma, President – EDII and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IDBI Bank Limited; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; and esteemed members of the EDII Governing Board including Shri Gopal Jha, Chief General Manager (SME & Supply Change Finance), State Bank of India, Mumbai; Dr. Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), Pune; Shri Rajesh Gandhi, Managing Director, Vadilal Industries Ltd., Ahmedabad and Dr. O. P. Goel, Advisor to CEO, National Skill Development Corporation, New Delhi.
98 students and scholars were conferred with diplomas and graduating certificates, at the 25th convocation, across academic programmes. This year’s graduating batch represents 76 Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Entrepreneurship (PGDM – E) students, 8 Post Graduate Diploma in Management-Innovation Entrepreneurship & Venture Development (PGDM-IEV) students, 11 Post Graduate Diploma in Management – Online (PGDM-Online) students and 3 Fellow Programme in Management (FPM) students.
While 38 students of PGDM-E have finalised their 5 year Perspective Growth Plan, 46 students of PGDM-E and PGDM-IEV programme have prepared Detailed Project Report (DPR). Students have also secured grant sanctions from the student start-up innovation policy. Some of the business identified domains include: Plastic Waste Recycling Plant, AI Platforms, Child Mental Health, Landscaping & Horticulture Solutions, Pet Health Tech Ecosystem and Manufacturing of Biodegradable Paper Bottles.
Encouraging the students, Chief Guest Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory of Ladakh, said, “Reaching significant milestones often creates the illusion that our education is complete. But this is not true. Learning is a lifelong, perpetual journey. To thrive in an ever-evolving world, one must maintain the curiosity, the eagerness to learn something new, and evolve as a better professional. The world around you, would always demand you to remain a student, and a scholar in pursuit of knowledge. This thirst of knowledge, will help you strengthen your abilities, and make you ready, for facing the ever-changing world of today. So, to the graduates, I would say, become great entrepreneurs, play ethically, as that is the greatest service, you can do to yourself, and the country. Set your goals, work tirelessly to achieve them, and dedicate yourself to the service of the nation and the mankind.”
Addressing the students, Shri Rakesh Sharma, President – EDII and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IDBI Bank Limited, said, “Innovation remains the cornerstone of entrepreneurship. While EDII alumni have exemplified this spirit, I urge, the graduating students, to remain lifelong learners- to question assumptions, explore alternatives and approach challenges with creativity and purpose. In a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, adaptability is no longer optional – it is essential. However, let me reiterate a true entrepreneur is never discouraged by roadblocks. On the contrary, challenges must strengthen your resolve and sharpen your focus. With resilience, determination and courage, you must confront obstacles and move forward.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, shared, “Over the past more than four decades, we have witnessed a palpable upsurge in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Today, amidst all the policies and development models, entrepreneurship has a crucial role to play. The start-up wave is impressing upon our youth to adopt entrepreneurship as a career. I am also happy to state that the significance of training and mentorship to create entrepreneurs has got established like never before. The society today acknowledges the power of knowledge, skills and determination in the growth of an enterprise and an entrepreneur.”
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.
