World Entrepreneurs’ Day
Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA, Aug 21: Student entrepreneurs’ stalls became the highlight among a series of activities held during the celebration of World Entrepreneurship Day on St. Anthony’s College premises in Shillong on Thursday, to inspire and nurture entrepreneurial spirit among students.
The celebration was organised by the St. Anthony’s College Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Incubation (SACCEII).
Young innovators showcased and sold a variety of food items, jewellery, bags, and crochet designs at the stalls having been offered market access within the college campus.
The stalls acted as a platform for students to pilot-test their ideas, transform them into marketable products, and gain real-world exposure. With the help of social media, many of these student entrepreneurs are also expanding their customer base and generating additional income.
Addressing the gathering, Coordinator of SACCEII, Dr Rajani Chhetri, underscored the importance of fostering innovation and a problem-solving mindset within the college curriculum. She emphasised that entrepreneurship should be seamlessly integrated with academics to better prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
The programme also featured a Founder Talk by Khrawborbha Kharpuri, founder of Chicken Wagon, who shared his journey of building a successful enterprise from a modest starting capital of Rs 25,000 to a venture worth over Rs 1 crore. Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, his business has remained rooted in local produce and farmer-driven supply chains while maintaining an eco-conscious approach. He stressed the need to balance academics with entrepreneurial ambitions and highlighted team spirit as the unique strength that sets Chicken Wagon apart in a competitive market.
Debate competition
Adding intellectual energy to the event, a lively inter-college debate was held on the motion “Is Meghalaya Ready to Nurture Tech Entrepreneurship?”
Fourteen teams from various institutions in Shillong engaged in spirited discussions on the state’s preparedness for technology-driven ventures. Participants highlighted the need for stronger internet connectivity, robust curricula in AI, robotics, and technology at the school level, as well as supportive policies to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
At the end of the debate, Aryan Chetia and Astha Pradhan of St. Anthony’s College were declared winners, while Addiel J Surong and Sneha Das of St. Edmund’s College were named runners-up. Aryan Chetia was also adjudged Best Speaker of the competition.
SACCEII, a flagship initiative under PRIME launched in 2022, has been consistently working to expand the entrepreneurial landscape in higher education. Through mentorship, funding opportunities, and incubation support, the Centre empowers students to pursue their entrepreneurial visions while balancing academic commitments.
Exchange of ideas
At All Saints’ Hall, World Entrepreneurs’ Day was celebrated with entrepreneurs from across Meghalaya to share their journeys, exchange ideas, and showcase the fruits of their hard work. These entrepreneurs are part of a larger movement led by PRIME Meghalaya, which empowers ambitious individuals, transforms innovative ideas into reality, and helps them achieve their dreams.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, Rosetta Mary Kurbah expressed her gratitude to the PRIME Meghalaya team for mentoring and guiding entrepreneurs towards their goals, while urging entrepreneurs to collaborate, exchange ideas, and support one another.
Further encouragement came from Managing Director, Centre Point Group of Enterprises, Larsing Ming Sawian, who remarked, “This current generation is lucky to be in an ecosystem where the government has valued the importance of entrepreneurship. Being a lucky person, you have a huge responsibility …please take this as a huge opportunity to try and make it happen.”
The event featured inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, including that of 19-year-old Reuel Kharbudnah, a science student from Shillong College and founder of Innovative Research and Mobilization, and Dr Lahunlang Sohliya, founder of PMR Center.
Kharbudnah was inspired by a childhood experiment with his father to explore sustainable ways to manage plastic waste. Today, he is turning that vision into reality by developing eco-friendly building materials. With support from PRIME Meghalaya, Reuel is combining innovation with impact, promoting a cleaner environment while creating livelihood opportunities in his community.
Dr Lahunlang Sohliya, a medical entrepreneur, is dedicated to serving people and supporting their recovery journey. Following a kick-start grant from PRIME, she launched Northeast India’s first wheelchair-accessible vehicle. She pioneered alternative physical rehabilitation methods, and her centre now offers specialised care, including the state’s first HydroTherapy services.
Launch of PRIME Film
The celebration also marked the launch of the PRIME Film, capturing the journeys of entrepreneurs whose lives have been transformed through PRIME. Additionally, the PRIME Photography Competition 2025 showcased 12 winning photographs depicting entrepreneurial journeys, selected from 70 entries.
A panel discussion on growing opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures, with Nathaniel Kharkongor, Senior Manager PRIME MBMA as moderator, and the panelists were Liza Kharpomthiah, Senior Manager MBMA, Rajeev Chakravarty, Assistant Professor Department of Commerce, St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, and Dr Elvee Marbaniang, entrepreneur and co-founder of Runo Health Pvt Ltd.
Tura joins celebration
In Tura, the spirit of innovation and enterprise engulfed the celebration of World Entrepreneurs’ Day at the PA Sangma Stadium on Thursday.
Organised under the PRIME initiative, the event featured 14 pop-up stalls showcasing unique products, services, and innovations under the theme “Flavors, Ideas, and Innovation”.
The celebration was also marked by screening of the PRIME Film 2025 and the launch of CMECC 6.0, introduced by Hilbirth A Sangma, Senior Associate, PRIME.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tura, Florina Boro, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, commended the efforts of the entrepreneurs and encouraged the youth to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-reliance and economic growth.
The celebration highlighted the journeys and achievements of Meghalaya’s entrepreneurs while reaffirming the state’s commitment to nurturing innovation and empowering its youth for a brighter future.