HPU plans to promote products of small entrepreneurs, says VC

Prof Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), attended a two-day “Fostering Tomorrow’s Commerce: Catch and Cover Trade Fair” organised by the university’s Department of Commerce here today. He said that the university would consider engaging small entrepreneurs in its future programmes to promote products prepared by them and traditional food items associated with the culture of Himachal Pradesh.

The Vice-Chancellor said that small entrepreneurs should be honoured and their participation should be ensured in international-level university conferences. Bigger events of this kind be organised in the university in the near future, he added.

Prof Mahavir said, “This event is not merely an exhibition but a living example of our students’ creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Business is not only a medium of profit but also a symbol of social service and self-reliance. Such programmes not only provide students with practical knowledge but also connect them to the spirit of leadership and creativity in real life. I am proud that our students are setting new benchmarks in the field of innovation and entrepreneurship.”

He congratulated the Department of Commerce and said that this fair would encourage students to move forward in the world of innovation-based trade and industry.

Earlier, Devender Sharma, Chairman of the Department of Commerce, welcomed the Vice-Chancellor as well as other distinguished guests. Prof Mahavir and other dignitaries visited various stalls set up at the fair and encouraged the participating students.

The objective of the fair is to provide an active platform to students and local entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative business ideas, creative product concepts and entrepreneurial skills. The fair features stalls managed by students and entrepreneurs, interactive activities and business demonstrations, offering the participants practical exposure to modern commerce and entrepreneurship. Besides the departments of MCA, Law, Economics and Journalism, women entrepreneurs also took part in the fair. Items such as pickles, jute bags, handcrafted products, pastries, cakes, “Siddu”, tea, carrot halwa, mehndi, printed garments, juices, jackets (Sadri), “Malpuda” and traditional “Rejta” from upper Shimla were showcased and made available to visitors.

Later, the Vice-Chancellor released a book titled “Corporate Governance an Business Ethics”, authoured by Prof Raj Kumar of the Department of Commerce, and appreciated his academic contribution.