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Iaishah Rymbai, Dinesh Goel, Sathish Kumar CAV, Catherine Lalmuanpuii, Sanjay Guha, Kuldeep Dantewadia, Svati Bhogle

Rural entrepreneurship is often hailed as a solution to many of India’s pressing challenges – from poverty and youth migration to food security and climate resilience. Yet, despite this promise, most livelihood programs in rural areas remain fixated on skilling without truly unlocking entrepreneurial potential or building systems of long-term support. This powerful session, in partnership with Buddha Institute and moderated by Ved Arya, brings together voices from the ground who have not just started rural enterprises but survived systemic failures, market collapses, and deep personal challenges to build back better.

This session is not just about inspiration; it’s a call to action to reimagine rural entrepreneurship on its own terms, grounded in the lived realities of communities, driven by purpose, and supported by collective ecosystems that walk with entrepreneurs, not just fund them.