On November 12, 2024, ASMI– The Business School part of Techno India University hosted an inspiring event, ‘Banijye Bosote Lokkhi: Challenges & Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in Bengal. The program began with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing the light of knowledge and prosperity. Prominent business leaders gathered to share their experiences, achievements, and challenges, highlighting how women overcome unique obstacles and transform them into opportunities in entrepreneurship.
The event was graced by the presence of Prof. Manoshi RoyChowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, and Mr. Kaustav Majumdar, Chief Mentor at ASMI Business School. The distinguished panel of guest speakers included Dr. Rupali Basu, President of Group Brand Research & Management at RPSG Group; Mr. Sandeep Sengupta, Director of the Indian School of Anti Hacking; Mr. Indrajit Kundu, Editor and Kolkata Bureau Chief at Aaj Tak & India Today TV; Shirinia Mukherjee, owner of Vanilla Bean Bakery; Joita Sen, Director of Senco Gold & Diamonds; and Mr. Shubhadip Ray, Director of Bengal Jewellery.
Manoshi RoyChowdhury, Co-chairperson of Techno India Group said “We as entrepreneurs….I should mention, We as entrepreneurs, we really do face challenges. To establish in the mind of the public that we can also do… equally, if not better. Later she added “If you are not doing something, you’ll not get anything.”
Dr. Rupali Basu, discussed the role of brand management and how women’s unique leadership qualities can create a positive impact in competitive fields. She said “I was born into a family of engineers… One doctor is coming out of the family. I have different genes from the beginning. I come from Durgapur, which is a small city. To me, Kolkata was a big place, and I wanted to study only in Kolkata that I knew, and I wanted to become a doctor that I knew.“
Shirinia Mukherjee, shared her journey of overcoming societal and business challenges to build a successful brand says “Actually, it’s better in Bengal. Bengal actually respects the women way more than Bombay because I have stayed there. I’m learning every day. With every insight that you get, with every positive, negative, balanced comment, you get balance. You just take something away from that and change it in your line of thought, understanding, or way of acting upon it. That’s what I do every day.”
Joita stated, “If you go to Puranas, Brahmins, or Kshatriyas, businessmen have always been the stomach. Stomach is not full; you cannot do anything. event your brain will not work…generating business without money there is no growth…so the question is, What are you going to do with that money? Not the relationship with money.”
Mr. Indrajit Kundu, highlighted “Bengal needs to change je bangla te business hobe na..bangalira business korte parbe na. Bengal has a massive MSME sector. Women are playing fantastic key roles.”
Mr. Ray shared, “Can you abandon your mother? Can you be a mother? …No, then the whole matter is close. I think the biggest thing that women have is to give birth to a child; at that point, we (men) are just partners.”
‘Banijye Bosote Lokkhi’ was not just a conversation; it was a celebration of the strength and potential of women in business, led by ASMI, the Business School of Techno India University. This event reinforced the idea that with the right guidance and opportunities, women entrepreneurs can transform obstacles into chances for success if they are given the proper direction and support.