As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, we honor the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. This year marks his 155th birth
As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, we honor the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. This year marks his 155th birth anniversary, a moment to reflect not just on his commitment to truth and non-violence but also on how his timeless principles are shaping the entrepreneurial landscape in India today.
In a world where rapid technological advancement often overlooks social responsibility, a new generation of entrepreneurs is turning to Gandhian ideals to prioritize purpose over profit. By embracing simplicity, sustainability, and ethical leadership, these innovators are weaving Gandhi’s vision into the fabric of modern business.
With over 117,000 recognized startups in India, standing out requires more than just a great idea—it demands sincerity and authenticity. Vineet Agrawal, co-founder of Jiraaf, believes that transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of a successful business model. Drawing from Gandhi’s principles, Jiraaf emphasizes honesty and integrity in every interaction.
“Transparency and authenticity are crucial in the finance industry,” Agrawal states. His commitment to truth fosters long-lasting relationships with customers and stakeholders alike, reinforcing the idea that ethical business practices pave the way for success.
In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, the responsibility of innovation cannot be ignored. Apurv Agrawal, CEO and co-founder of Squadstack, sees Gandhi’s teachings as a guiding light for using technology to uplift society.
“Our mission is to tackle inefficiency and inequality, proving that technology and humanity can coexist and drive positive change,” he asserts. Inspired by Gandhi’s ideals of Sarvodaya (upliftment of all) and Antyodaya (prioritizing the last person), Squadstack focuses on leveraging technology to benefit the most marginalized in society.
Gandhi’s Swadeshi Movement called for economic independence by promoting local goods. This spirit of local innovation drives Edul Patel, co-founder of Mudrex, to create solutions that are not just globally competitive but also rooted in Indian ethos.
“To make India economically independent, we’re building solutions from India for the world,” Patel explains. His commitment to integrity and sustainability reflects Gandhi’s vision of a self-reliant nation, aligning perfectly with the goals of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
According to the Confederation of Indian Industry, Indian startups have the potential to contribute a staggering USD 1 trillion to the nation’s GDP by 2030. By drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s principles of self-reliance, economic empowerment, and local innovation, today’s entrepreneurs are crafting a modern interpretation of Swadeshi. This approach emphasizes technology and sustainability, supporting India’s ambition to become a USD 30-trillion economy by 2047.
As we celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, let’s recognize how his enduring legacy inspires today’s leaders to not just dream but to enact change that uplifts all of society.
