IIC celebrates 'Women's Entrepreneurship Day' at Brainware University with women with many parts

'Women's Entrepreneurship Day' is celebrated on 19th November to honour and commemorate those ladies who are determined to break the stereotypes. The Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) in collaboration with the Department of Law and School of Management and Commerce organised a special session to celebrate 'Women Entrepreneurship Day'.

At the beginning of the program, Mahua Pal, Registrar, Brainware University, a woman with many parts extended a warm welcome to the guests. Former Calcutta High Court Judge Justice Samapti Chatterjee was present as the Chief Guest at the event. With her lively and jolly personality, Justice Chatterjee shared some valuable advice with the students. "To be a good entrepreneur, one needs to be a good person and human being," she said. "Everyday students are trying to achieve success. So, one needs to accept the challenge and go ahead," she added.

Special Guest Indrani Sengupta, Deputy Director of Employment (WBCS) started her session in a very interesting way. She dropped in names of popular brands - from Nykaa to Mobikwik- and asked about the relation between all these brands. The answer was quite obvious! "All have either a woman MD or CEO," the audience responded.

Sengupta also pointed out challenges that the women entrepreneurs face - initial finance, market penetration and regulations from the government. She also emphasised on an important factor for which the women entrepreneurs need encouragement. "Small scale women entrepreneurs are often not supported by their own families. One of the major setbacks for them is that they are unable to market their products due to this," she said.

The guests were of the opinion that women have to manage the households. This develops a sense of practical knowledge among them to develop products or ways to make daily lives easier and more useful.

Young entrepreneur Kamalini Paul, MD, De Sovrani, Poz Hotels Food Aaj Kal and DC Paul Group Construction, shared her story from the naughtiest girl in school to a successful young entrepreneur. She took over the business reins after the sudden demise of her father. She shared her experience when her back was stuck against the wall during the COVID-19 pandemic when the hospitality sector struck a dead-end. However, she focused on how this opportunity pushed her to come up with more innovations.

Her word of advice for the young budding entrepreneurs was that - "Every adversity has a hidden opportunity!"

In the end, a book titled ‘Juvenile Justice’ written by Dr. Kabita Chakraborty, Associate Professor, Department of Law, Brainware University was launched by the guests.