Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) marked its 43rd Foundation Day with a vibrant celebration held on April 20, 2025. The event brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to celebrate EDII’s contributions to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across the nation.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, virtually addressed the gathering as the Guest of Honour. He lauded Gujarat’s unique development model and praised EDII for championing the cause of entrepreneurship both within India and internationally.
“India is rapidly advancing towards becoming a global startup powerhouse under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji,” Dr. Sawant stated. “Institutions like EDII are playing a crucial role in this journey. Goa is committed to building a robust startup ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Gujarat, working towards the goal of Viksit Goa.”
Dr. Sawant also highlighted the pivotal role played by the EDII–Goa Centre, inaugurated on March 12, 2024, noting that the idea had taken root after he initiated the proposal through a formal letter to Gujarat CM Shri Bhupendra Patel.
The Foundation Day celebrations saw several prominent dignitaries in attendance, including:
Chief Guest: Dr. Piruz Khambatta, Chairman – Rasna Group & Honorary Consul General of South Korea (Gujarat)
Guest of Honour: Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Secretary (Industries), Government of Goa
Special Guests: Shri B. S. Pai Angle, Managing Director, EDC Ltd., Goa; Shri Dinesh Singh Rawat, Chief General Manager & Zonal Head, IDBI Bank Ltd. (Ahmedabad Zone) and EDII Governing Board Member
Host: Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII
Dr. Piruz Khambatta commended EDII for being ahead of its time. “The vision of Viksit Bharat rests on entrepreneurship, skill development, technology, innovation, and market expansion. EDII foresaw this decades ago and continues to empower people through these pillars,” he said. “Entrepreneurship remains a key driver of socio-economic transformation.”
Shri Dinesh Singh Rawat echoed this sentiment, stating, “EDII’s work has been instrumental in uplifting diverse communities through entrepreneurship.”
Addressing the impact of EDII in Goa, Shri Suneel Anchipaka emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity and commerce in the state. “Goa is becoming a hub for progressive entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like the EDII–Goa Centre and partnerships with EDC Ltd., we are witnessing a cultural shift where youth are actively choosing entrepreneurship as a career,” he remarked.
Dr. Sunil Shukla, in his address, reflected on EDII’s journey over the past four decades. “As we celebrate 43 years, we take pride in having shifted mindsets—proving that entrepreneurs can be developed through structured training and support. EDII remains committed to inclusive, entrepreneurship-led growth, and we are grateful for the support from government and industry,” he said.
The event concluded with a shared vision to continue shaping India’s entrepreneurial landscape and driving inclusive economic development through innovation and enterprise.
