Odisha Gov Hails Entrepreneurial Growth at INWEC Women's Business Mela 2025

By: WE Staff | Monday, 5 May 2025

• Governor of Odisha promotes Women's Ambitions & Dreams
• INWEC organizes Women’s Business Mela 2025, supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Governor of Odisha, has urged the building of an environment that promotes ambition in women and empowers them to work towards achieving lofty dreams. The Governor was giving an address at the Valedictory Ceremony of the Women’s Business Mela 2025. Held in Bhubaneswar, the event was organised by the INWEC – ICC National Women Entrepreneurship Council, which is the women’s wing of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

The Governor said, “When a woman succeeds, a family progresses, and when thousands of women rise together, the nation transforms.” He also acknowledged the commendable work done by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and its women’s wing, INWEC, for giving women a supportive environment that supports women entrepreneurs.

Speaking about the event, the Governor highlighted that the event housed more than 240 stalls and gave women entrepreneurs a great platform to showcase their work. Women founders can also discuss ideas and network with other women-led businesses.

“Women have always been creators, caregivers, and community builders. Today, they are also leaders in business, technology, sustainable development, and social innovation,” he remarked.

Highlighting the roadblocks faced by women entrepreneurs, including access to finance, skills, and markets, Dr. Kambhampati spoke about the various government schemes that solve these challenges. Government schemes highlighted Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, the Dena Shakti Scheme, Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) established by NITI Aayog.

Dr. Kambhampati commended initiatives implemented by Odisha under Mission Shakti, Startup Odisha, and various skill development programs. He highlighted how these initiatives have provided opportunities to women in rural and tribal areas.

The Governor also congratulated the winners and participants. He said, “You are scripting a new chapter in India’s growth story—with dignity, creativity, and courage. Dream fearlessly, build boldly, and lead with pride.”

The attendees were also addressed by Rajib Sahoo, Chairperson of ICC Odisha Chapter, Preeti Pallavi Pattnaik, event convener of INWEC, and Swati Kejriwal, co-convener of INWEC. Suma Devi Das, co-convener of INWEC, gave the vote of thanks.