In a recent event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s speech, which highlighted his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced. Goyal shared a poignant memory from the early days of his startup, reflecting on the skepticism he encountered from his own father. This anecdote, shared at the Vishesh Sampark event, struck a chord with many, including PM Modi, who emphasized that in today’s India, what truly matters is hard work and determination, not one’s surname.
Deepinder Goyal’s Humble Beginnings
Deepinder Goyal, the founder and CEO of Zomato, spoke at Vishesh Sampark, an event hosted by Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology. During his speech, Goyal reminisced about the initial reactions from his family when he proposed the idea of starting Zomato back in 2008.
Goyal recalled, “When I started Zomato in 2008, my father used to say ‘tu janta hai tera baap kaun hai’ because he thought I could never launch a startup given our humble background.” This statement reflected the disbelief and doubt that often accompanies ambitious entrepreneurial pursuits, especially from those close to us who may not fully understand the vision.
Government’s Role in Fostering Entrepreneurship
Deepinder Goyal took the opportunity to praise the current government, led by PM Modi, for creating an environment conducive to startups. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “This government and their initiatives enabled a small-town boy like me to build something like Zomato, which employs lakhs of people today.” Goyal’s acknowledgment underscores the significant impact of government policies in supporting and nurturing the startup ecosystem in India.
PM Modi’s Response: Hard Work Over Surname
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video of Deepinder Goyal’s speech on social media, adding his own commentary. He stated, “In today’s India, one’s surname doesn’t matter. What matters is hard work. Your journey is truly inspiring, @deepigoyal! It motivates countless youngsters to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. We are committed to providing the right environment for startups to flourish.”
This message from the Prime Minister resonated deeply with the Indian public, reinforcing the idea that success is determined by one’s efforts and perseverance rather than their familial background. PM Modi’s words serve as a powerful endorsement of the entrepreneurial spirit that is thriving in India today.
The Broader Context: Social Justice and Entrepreneurship
PM Modi’s praise for Deepinder Goyal came shortly after his speech at a rally in Bihar’s Motihari, where he discussed the historical context of social justice in India. He highlighted the role of Baba Saheb Ambedkar in securing reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), despite resistance from past Congress leaders. Modi pointed out that figures like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi were historically opposed to reservations, suggesting a long-standing neglect of marginalized communities by the Congress party.
“Had it not been for Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Nehru would have never agreed to quotas for SCs, STs, and OBCs. Nehru had made his views clear on the issue in letters he wrote to the then chief ministers in the country,” PM Modi stated. He continued, “This has been the Congress’ trait under successive prime ministers. Be it, Indira Gandhi or Rajiv Gandhi, they all opposed reservations. SCs, STs, and OBCs have never got respect from the Congress.”
Impact on the Startup Ecosystem
Deepinder Goyal’s journey from a small-town boy to the CEO of a major global company like Zomato serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. His success story is a testament to the fact that with the right support and policies, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their background.
The Modi government’s initiatives, such as Startup India, have played a crucial role in fostering a vibrant startup culture in the country. These initiatives provide essential support in the form of funding, mentorship, and infrastructure, enabling entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into successful businesses.
The Future of Entrepreneurship in India
As India continues to evolve as a global hub for startups and innovation, stories like Deepinder Goyal’s highlight the transformative power of entrepreneurship. With continued support from the government and a growing ecosystem of investors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs, the future looks bright for India’s startup landscape.
The emphasis on hard work and meritocracy over familial ties is likely to encourage more young Indians to take risks and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. This shift in mindset is essential for driving innovation and economic growth in the country.
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