SIOM Nashik introduces 'entrepreneurship cell'

Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management (SIOM) has started its 'entrepreneurship cell (E-Cell)' at its Nashik campus in association with YourStory (www.yourstory.in) to enable students imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship and foster innovative ideas for setting up new ventures.

The E-Cell will aim at helping fresh entrepreneurs by providing regular guidance and problem solving. To enable communications with the E-cell SIOM has also launched an informative website.

Dr. Vandana Sonwaney, SIOM Director, inaugurating the e-cell launch by lighting the lamp in presence of eminent entrepreneurs

To mark the opening of the E-Cell, the institute hosted an entrepreneurship summit, where entrepreneurs like Shradha Sharma, founder, YourStory.in, Sujoy Gupta, chairman, Samraat Group, Kartik Raichura, founder and CEO, Management Paradise and Sreelaj John, founder, iDuple were invited to share their experiences.

While Gupta enthralled the gathering with his energy and passion,  Raichura lightened the atmosphere with his own humorous account of how Management Paradise came about. John shared with the students the importance he saw in the power of internet as a means to foster one's ideas and Sharma with all her charisma shared her own story of her journey through being employed at big brands and finally creating a brand of her own.

SIOM's first success story, six students of the 2008-10 batch who strted Zuna Consultancy Services, shared their experience with the audience. The venture aims to bridge the gap between academic and industrial requirements and is currently oriented towards helping SMEs in Nashik. It has so far executed its first project in Nashik and is working on its second.

An open forum during the event enabled students to interact with the guest speakers and seek clarifications on their doubts about entrepreneurship. At the end of the day, the message was clear; passion, determination and perseverance; ''never say die'' attitude is what it takes. One doesn't require a strong financial backing or a great technical know how on what you venture into. It's the attitude that counts to be an entrepreneur.

The event also featured a presentation by students on the E-Cell's vision and mission and its planned activities for the year.