Puducherry: Pondicherry University(PU)on Saturday hosted a one-day symposium titled “Igniting Startup Intuition Among Young Minds” to inspire and guide students towards entrepreneurial ventures.

The event was held in collaboration with the First World Community (FWC) and the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).

The inaugural session was attended by university leaders, academicians, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. Prof. Y. Venkata Rao, Dean of Students' Welfare, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the rising significance of startups in strengthening the economy. Prof. P. Natarajan, Dean of the School of Management, urged students to actively engage with the Pondicherry University Startup Hub (PUSH), emphasizing perseverance and dedication as key to entrepreneurial success.

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu encouraged students to become “employment providers rather than job seekers,” stressing determination as a crucial driver of success. Industry leaders including Mr. C.K. Ashok Kumar, Founder of FWC, and Mr. Mananathan, Chairman of Manatech Group, highlighted India's entrepreneurial potential, challenges faced by startups, and the importance of mentorship.

Mr. Gunasekaran, Chairman of GOPIO, spoke on embracing risks and resilience in entrepreneurship. The Chief Guest, Mr. Alexander Dodonov, Director of the Russian Centre of Science & Culture, urged students to innovate for the Russian market, strengthening Indo-Russian trade relations.

The symposium featured an interactive panel moderated by Prof. B. Charumathi, Director of ACIC PUSH, with speakers including Dr. Kavitha Sairam, Dr. Hudson Hyde, Dr. Shivakiran, Mr. Jay Amaran, and Mr. Karunanidhi, who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and insights.

The event provided students with a platform to engage directly with successful entrepreneurs, reflecting Pondicherry University's commitment to nurturing innovation and enterprise through initiatives like PUSH and the Start-up Club.