By A Correspondent
The grand ballroom of Hotel Ritz Carlton in Pune buzzed with entrepreneurial energy as Navabharat, one of India’s leading Hindi-language dailies, unveiled the first edition of the Navabharat Startup Ki Udan Conclave and Awards 2025.
The star-studded event was graced by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, who attended as the Chief Guest. This high-powered summit brought together India’s brightest entrepreneurial minds, policymakers, venture capitalists, and innovators to discuss, share, and celebrate the spirit of Indian startups.
Joining him as Guests of Honour were Mr. Chandrakant Patil, Maharashtra’s Cabinet Minister for Higher & Technical Education; Mr. Lalit Gandhi, President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Arshi Ayub, Senior Advisor to the Royal Office of HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the UAE.
Adding further stature to the evening were special guests from the business world: Mr. Sanjay Ghodawat, CMD of Sanjay Ghodawat Group; Mr. Vishal Chordia, Director of Suhana Masale; Mr. Jhumarmal Tunwal, CMD of Tunwal E-Motors; and Mrs. Seema Singh, Founder of Meghashrey.
India’s Growth Depends on Innovation: Nitin Gadkari
In his keynote address, Mr. Nitin Gadkari emphasized the crucial role of innovation in India’s growth story. “India is the fastest-growing economy in the world,” he stated, “but to sustain this growth, we must focus on innovation, research, and new technology—especially in key sectors like agriculture, transport, infrastructure, and industry.”
He underscored the need for futuristic thinking and appropriate technology that suits India’s specific needs. “Innovation,” he added, “is the future—in entrepreneurship, science, technology, and research. And the conversion of knowledge into wealth is the key to building tomorrow’s India.”
A Platform That Ignites Ideas and Investments
One of the highlights of the conclave was the Investors’ Meet, where early-stage startups had the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas to a panel of venture capitalists and angel investors. The excitement was palpable as young founders presented groundbreaking concepts in sectors ranging from clean tech to AI and agritech.
The forum was designed not just as an awards platform, but as a launchpad for India’s future unicorns. Investors were particularly impressed by the depth of ideas and the maturity with which young founders articulated their missions.
Sanjay Ghodawat: “Progress Is Never Accidental”
Addressing the audience with a mix of humility and inspiration, Mr. Sanjay Ghodawat, CMD of Sanjay Ghodawat Group (SGG), shared his own entrepreneurial journey. “I started my business in 1992 with just ₹2 lakhs and two employees. Today, we are a conglomerate employing over 12,000 people.”
His powerful message to budding entrepreneurs was clear: “The path is tough. But real progress is never accidental—it is powered by consistent effort, strategic thinking, focus, and determination.”
Mr. Ghodawat’s words served as a wake-up call and a roadmap for aspiring founders who often look for shortcuts in the journey to success.
UAE-India Ties Strengthen Through Innovation
Dr. Arshi Ayub, a global influencer and Senior Advisor to the Royal Office of HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (UAE), praised the initiative taken by Navabharat. She noted that events like these are not only important for India’s startup ecosystem but are also crucial for fostering cross-border collaboration.
“In terms of ideas and growth, we need more dialogue and endorsements,” she said. “The UAE and India share a strong, historical relationship. Thanks to the leadership on both sides, this bond is now driving shared innovation and economic growth.”
Dr. Ayub lauded the platform for creating opportunities for global collaboration, encouraging Indian entrepreneurs to think beyond national borders.
Vishal Chordia: “Failure is Not the End”
As a special guest and successful entrepreneur, Vishal Chordia, Director of Suhana Masale, delivered a powerful message that deeply resonated with the audience. “Failure is not the end,” he said. “It’s often the very beginning of a great entrepreneurial journey.”
He reminded the room full of startup founders that setbacks are not signs of defeat but lessons in disguise. “Every failure teaches resilience, sharpens perspective, and builds the mindset needed for long-term success.”
His speech, filled with sincerity and realism, touched the hearts of many aspiring entrepreneurs who may have experienced roadblocks or moments of self-doubt.
Honoring a Legacy of Innovation and Self-Reliance
Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher & Technical Education, Maharashtra, reflected on India’s long-standing tradition of entrepreneurship. “Innovation, resilience, and self-reliance have always been part of India’s DNA,” he noted.
He also highlighted the emergence of women entrepreneurs, remarking how India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become a fertile ground for women-led startups. “The startup revolution in India is inclusive—and that is its real strength,” he said.
Managing Editor’s Vision for Navabharat
The event was conceived and executed under the leadership of Nimesh Maheshwari, Managing Editor of the Navabharat Group, who described the summit as more than just a conclave. “This is a celebration of innovation,” he said. “At Navabharat, we carry a proud legacy since our founding in 1934 by Shri Ramgopal Maheshwari—a freedom fighter and passionate journalist.”
Maheshwari reiterated the media group’s commitment to supporting India’s entrepreneurial dreams. “The future is not something we step into—it’s something we create. Through this platform, we aim to empower that creation.”
Sanjay Tiwari, Executive Editor of the Navabharat Group, offered an insightful overview of the rich legacy of the newspaper, tracing its roots back to the pre-Independence era. He highlighted how Navabharat was not just a publication but a voice of the people during India’s freedom struggle, playing a vital role in shaping public opinion and promoting nationalist ideals.
Over the decades, the newspaper has remained steadfast in its commitment to responsible journalism, consistently serving as a trusted source of news, information, and social awareness for its readers. Tiwari emphasized that Navabharat has evolved with the times—embracing digital transformation—yet continues to uphold the same core values of integrity, truth, and public service that defined its inception.
The Navabharat Startup Ki Udan 2025 Conclave wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. A movement celebrating the new India that believes in dreaming big, failing fast, learning faster, and building for the future. From the speeches of dignitaries to the energy of young entrepreneurs, the conclave radiated one message loud and clear:
“Startups run on fuel, but they fly with foresight.”
As the evening drew to a close with awards, networking sessions, and fresh partnerships forming in the corridors, one thing became evident—India’s startup ecosystem is no longer a fledgling sector. It is the heartbeat of New India
