In view of the current pandemic, IIMCIP decided to take the series of Think Social Seminars digital. These Thinking Social Webinars are being organised every month in association with the Tata Group, leading to the grand finale of Tata Social Enterprise Challenge early next year. Last month, we organised. “Leadership in Social Entrepreneurship”, in association with Wadhwani Foundation, which saw the renowned startup mentor and business advisor, Sucharita Eashwar, Founder & CEO of Catalyst for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE). She was accompanied by IIMCIP incubatees Prarthana Kaul, Co-Founder – Giftabled, and Manisha Saraf, Co-Founder & CEO – SuperProcure.

The next webinar, ‘Weaving Memories – Knitting Lives’ saw the globally acclaimed social entrepreneur and founder of Jaipur Rugs, Nand Kishore Chaudhary, along with IIMCIP incubatees Abhishek Pathak, Co-Founder – Greenwear and Dhruba Jyoti Deka, Founder – Brahmaputra Fables. The engrossing conversation showed some amazing storytelling of experiences of these entrepreneurs and also revealed how the textile industry is effectively generating employment while placing India on the global map. The conversation was moderated by Prof. Chandradeep Mitra, Mentor IIMCIP. The entrepreneurs spoke about the daunting contribution of women in their business, how they have supported their participation and how the work of the women has not only added to their family incomes but also earned them respect and confidence in their families and in their respective communities.

The overwhelming response of both the Thinking Social Webinars has motivated us to explore more relevant topics for the coming months. We are now looking at broadening our horizons and inviting more inspiring personalities with phenomenal stories to talk to the startup ecosystem.