Speaking at the “Desi Cravings-Haryana Women Food Entrepreneurs Special” in Chandigarh, Governor Kavinder Gupta, alongside Lady Governor Bindu Gupta, delivered a strong call to action for building an inclusive economic ecosystem. Organised by COWE Haryana President Ruchita Bansal in association with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), the event showcased 50 selected women food entrepreneurs, connecting them directly with industry mentors, buyers, and market leaders.
Interacting with the participants, the Governor praised their creativity and determination, emphasizing that women are vital drivers of economic growth rather than mere beneficiaries of development. He urged institutions to help transition women from self-employment to sustainable, job-creating enterprises. Highlighting central government initiatives like PM MUDRA, Stand-Up India, DAY-NRLM, and PM SVANidhi, he noted that over 3.46 crore SHG members have become Lakhpati Didis as of March 31, 2026, with nearly two-thirds of MUDRA loans going to female founders.
Governor Gupta also stressed the need for a mindset shift among the youth, urging them to aspire to be job creators and innovators rather than job seekers. He called for seamless collaboration across government bodies, financial institutions, and mentorship platforms to provide women entrepreneurs with end-to-end support in funding, branding, and market access. Events like “Desi Cravings,” he noted, demonstrate how traditional skills and local culinary heritage can be transformed into thriving commercial ventures.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
