Smriti Irani Vouch for Women Entrepreneurs calls them more creditworthy

IIM Lucknow's Annual Business, Cultural and Sports fest, Manfest-Varchasva 2018 started today on Friday, the 16thNovember 2018 with the inauguration ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of Mrs. Smriti Irani, Hon'ble Union Cabinet Minister, Government of India – wherein she interacted with the students and also launched a book titled "Duryodhanisation" authored by Prof. Nishant Uppal, Student Affairs Chairman of IIM Lucknow. Her interaction was anchored by a student from the second year at the institute, Mr. Harsha Rayavarapu.

Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani said Friday that not understanding English was becoming a hurdle in the growth of rural entrepreneurs. Irani stressed on the need to remove the language barrier faced by rural women entrepreneurs. "As they do not speak and understand English, it becomes a hurdle in their growth," the minister said, while addressing a programme by the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO). Smriti Irani talked about women empowerment and the growing opportunities in textile sector. Her words - "Women tend to over compensate, they shouldn't .They should not over apologize" sent across a strong message. In her opinion, effective communication is the key to be a crackerjack in your field. She called upon more women to don the entrepreneurial mantle as she called women entrepreneurs more creditworthy.

The fest commenced with the energetic street plays under the canopy ofHalla Bol. Other cultural Events included The Joust- a parliamentary debate competition that talked about various social issues that included tax exemption, voting rights of prisoners, etc., SUR – a solo singing competition , Imperio free style group dance competition. In addition to which a jazz dance workshop wasorganized which was mentored by ShiamakDavar's student.

Management events that took place today wereUPSRTC Pitstop, MondelezMarkmania, Airtel Stratatel, Nashify and IT&EL by Optimus.

UPSRTC Pitstop Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is an opportunity to provide road safety incorporating strategic decisions and marketing marvels. MondelezMarkmania in association with Mondelez brought a market research competition that aimed at understanding customers buying behaviour. Nashify played with the transforming game theory. A case solving workshop in association with Airtel Stratatel was organized for the students which focused on solving real-life hurdles faced by businesses and gave the students a comprehensive and holistic understanding of case solving methodology.

Leader's express, a workshop that incorporated talk show events by Mrs. Smriti Irani,the Hon'ble Textile Minister of India,AnkurWarikoo, CEO of Nearbuy,Richa Singh, CEO of Niine and Ashwin Sanghi, one of the best Indian authors provided students across Indiaa unique opportunity to hone their leadership skills, gain a fresh perspective through interaction with leaders and learn from IIM Lucknow Professors. Ashwin Sanghi,a renowned Indian author whohas authored books like The Rozabel Line, Chanakya's Chants shared with students his life story and motivated the audience to be brave enough to take risks, learn from failures and reach out to new heights.

The cultural events of the day included Hallabol, a stage play competition, Imperio- a group dance competition and Sur, a solo singing competition which saw talent from various colleges across India competing for glory and prizes galore.

Considered to be one of the largest inter-B- school sporting fest, the events are scheduled to run in parallel to the business and cultural events of throughout 16th to 18th November 2018. The arena is set, presenting you with the finest opportunity to compete with the best sportsmen from top B-schools of the country across 15 different sports. Sports include a wide range of indoor and outdoor events.

Following the tradition of 30 years, this edition of IIM Lucknow's Manfest-Varchasva will continue to urge the students through its numerous competitions, interactions, workshops to move forward in the quest for inordinately great opportunities.