Mangaluru: With an aim to encourage students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities to take up entrepreneurship and become job creators, the ‘Prerana-2026’ Entrepreneurship Conference will be held on February 28, announced Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta.
Initiative to guide aspiring young entrepreneurs
Addressing the media, Capt. Chowta said the conference is being organised to provide structured guidance, motivation and practical information to SC/ST students who aspire to establish their own enterprises. The event will take place at SDM Law Degree College.
He pointed out that there are many ITI, Diploma and Engineering students within the SC/ST youth community who possess the skills, creativity and determination to start businesses. However, due to lack of awareness and access to the right support systems, many of them are unable to convert their ideas into viable ventures.
According to him, both the Central and State Governments have introduced several schemes, subsidies and financial assistance programmes specifically aimed at supporting entrepreneurship among marginalised communities. The conference will provide detailed information about these schemes and explain how students can avail themselves of loan facilities offered by banks.
“At this motivational conference, experts will guide students on preparing project reports, understanding credit-linked schemes and accessing government incentives. It is important that a large number of SC/ST students participate and make full use of this opportunity,” he said.
Inspired by the vision of self-reliant India
The conference has been inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Self-reliant India’ (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). Capt. Chowta stated that nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among youth, especially from SC/ST communities, is central to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The programme is being organised in collaboration with ‘Bolpu’, an initiative aimed at reviving the entrepreneurial spirit of the region, along with the SC/ST Studies and Development Trust. The primary objective is to transform young individuals from job seekers into job providers and empower them to contribute meaningfully to society.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship and self-employment, particularly among socially and economically disadvantaged groups. The conference, he said, aligns with this broader national vision and seeks to create awareness at the grassroots level.
Dignitaries to grace the occasion
The conference will be inaugurated by P. L. Dharma, Vice Chancellor of Mangalore University.
Other dignitaries expected to participate include Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, SDM Vidya Sanstha CEO Pooran Verma, SC/ST Study and Development Trust President Mohanangaiah Swamy, Vadiraj Samaya, and Dalit Entrepreneurs Association Executive President C. G. Srinivas, among others.
Their participation is expected to lend both institutional support and practical insight into the challenges and opportunities in entrepreneurship.
Encouraging wider participation
Capt. Chowta reiterated that the conference is not merely a motivational event but a practical platform for students to understand the steps involved in starting a business, from ideation and planning to financing and implementation. By gaining clarity on available schemes and institutional backing, students can confidently embark on entrepreneurial journeys.
He urged all eligible students to attend the conference and take advantage of the guidance being offered. With proper utilisation of government facilities and sustained determination, he said, young entrepreneurs can grow into successful business leaders and contribute to regional development.
For more information about the conference, interested participants may contact 91414 41144 or 97431 20044.
In conclusion, the organisers expressed hope that ‘Prerana-2026’ will serve as a catalyst in empowering SC/ST youth, strengthening their confidence and equipping them with the tools necessary to build sustainable enterprises in the years to come.