Women empowerment: IESC, FLO sign MoU under the aegis of IIM Shillong

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The Incubation and Enterprise Support Centre (IESC) under the aegis of IIM Shillong signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO).

The MoU with the underlying objectives of providing a nurturing, instructive and supportive environment for entrepreneurs during the critical stages of starting up a new business, and increasing the chance for a start-up to succeed, shorten the time and reduce the cost of establishing and growing its business was signed between Prof Sanjeeb Kakoty, Chairperson of IESC on behalf of IIM Shillong and Jahnabi Phookan, National President of FICCI FLO. The MoU was signed in the presence of Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman, Board of Governors (BoG), IIM Shillong, Atul Kulkarni, Member, BoG, IIM Shillong, Prof. D. P. Goyal, Director, IIM Shillong.

Speaking about the work of FLO and its alignment with 'Sustainable Development Goals', Phookan elaborated that FLO's vision under her presidency is to focus on ensuring sustainable practices and creating sustainable livelihoods for the economic empowerment of women towards becoming sufficient job creators than just mere job seekers.

Stressing on the importance of women, particularly those in the north-eastern part of India, in safeguarding the rich culture and traditions of the people, Prof. Sanjeeb Kakoty felt that women were also very much responsible for keeping alive the entrepreneurial nature and spirit emanating from the region.

"Therefore if transformation is to be witnessed in this part of the region it has to be women-led," he remarked while expressing hope in the impact that the MoU and the mandated work can help achieve.

Shishir Bajoria, Chairman of the BoG, IIM Shillong expressed his confidence on the signing of agreement and felt that this initiative could be a defining moment in impacting firstly the region and then beyond, in line with the responsibility bestowed on this premier institute of national importance in the region. "An Atmanirbhar Mahila can ensure an Atmanirbhar Bharat," he concluded.

IIM Shillong Director, Prof. D.P. Goyal pointed that the MoU was very much in line with the mission of the Institute to generate and disseminate knowledge in all aspects of management education for sustainable development and to develop innovative leaders with strong ethical values where one of the prime goal is to enhance skills, competencies, and decision taking abilities for practicing management professionals through continued education.

Sharing his thought on more than three decades of experience in the region, Atul Kulkarni said, "The North East REgion (NER) we have been seeing for the past very few years is its new self." He further dwelt on the recent initiatives of the Institute in some of the key sectors of the region; and expressed his happiness that the MoU would now serve as a catalyst to ascertain the quicker growth and positive results through well-planned intervention, particularly among the womenfolk of the region. This new pact will give the much-needed boost for the women entrepreneurs of the region particularly at the right time, he added.

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