Inspiring journey of Dantewada youth towards self-reliance

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai with the students who compeleted the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program -Batch-2 at IIM Raipur-Photo- Credit-CG-PR

Entrepreneurship training at IIM changed the direction of life

Raipur: A new ray of hope has now emerged in the lives of the youth of Dantewada, who once struggled with challenges. This change has come through a unique and unprecedented initiative at the center of which are Indian Institute of Management IIM Raipur, Dantewada District Administration and Chhattisgarh Government.

When the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program Batch-2 concluded at IIM Raipur on June 13, 2025, not only certificates were distributed on the stage, but wings were given to the dreams of the youth. This two-month residential program, in which 50 selected youth of Dantewada were given in-depth education on various dimensions of industry, business and innovation.

The youth of Dantewada, who once lived amidst limited opportunities and unstable circumstances, are now able to see a clear picture of their business dreams. Rakesh Yadav of Dantewada, who has received entrepreneurship training at IIM, says that this training taught him that Mahua and Tamarind of our forest can also become the basis of employment. Now I do not just dream, I have moved towards realizing them. Participants like Abhishek Gupta of Kirandul, Tejasv Kumar of Bijapur and Neelam Pandey said that IIM training is proving to be a turning point in their lives. Shilpa Kumari, who is from Bacheli, said that through the training we not only learned the techniques of starting a business but we also got the knowledge that how we can become self-reliant by using the natural wealth of our region. These youth, who once struggled with lack of resources, are now filled with confidence due to entrepreneurship training.

The Dantewada district administration played an important role in the success of this program. This dream came true with the initiative and continuous guidance of Collector Shri Kunal Dudawat. The administration not only identified the youth, but by sending them to an institute like IIM Raipur, it showed that if the thinking is changed, then the circumstances can also change.

From 23rd April to 13th June, IIM Raipur not only trained these youth, but also turned the spark of leadership and innovation within them into a flame. Every aspect like business planning, marketing, branding, value addition, use of digital tools etc. was taught in a practical manner.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met the youth during the training and encouraged them. He said that the youth of Bastar have immense energy. If they get the right direction and training, they can become an inspiration not only for themselves but for the entire state. The simple, practical and encouraging leadership of the Chief Minister filled the participants with new self-confidence.

This training program is not just a government scheme, but the foundation of Bastar’s future. The area which was once known for conflict and unrest, is now flourishing with new businesses like Mahua-based industry, tamarind processing units, and local tourism. This is the story not only of 50 youth of Dantewada, but of the entire Bastar. Of a Bastar which is now rising above negative images and becoming an example of entrepreneurship, self-reliance and inclusive development. This collective effort of the district administration and IIM Raipur has proved that if the intention is clear and the guidance is accurate, then every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity.