On this 19th of November, 2024, as we celebrate National Entrepreneurs’ Day, we take a moment to recognize the trailblazing leaders who have turned their innovative ideas into transformative realities. These entrepreneurs embody the essence of creativity, resilience, and leadership, paving the way for a future shaped by bold vision and meaningful impact.
In a world of rapid change, these individuals are not just solving problems—they are redefining industries and empowering communities. From groundbreaking technologies to sustainable solutions, their work exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship to create lasting, positive change.
Their journeys are a testament to the values that lie at the heart of entrepreneurship: dreaming big, embracing challenges, and driving impact. As we honor these changemakers today, we also celebrate the inspiration they offer to others, igniting a spirit of innovation and determination that resonates far beyond their fields.
Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the transformative role entrepreneurs play in society and look ahead to the exciting possibilities they will continue to bring to life.
Yousuf Rangoonwala, Founder of Kakkoii Entertainment: “You know, a big lesson that entrepreneurship teaches you is to accept, have fun with, and learn that you have no clue whether what you’re trying to do is going to work out, how it’s going to happen, or where it will lead to. You don’t know what new things you’ll start, what you’ll shut down, what you’ll change, or what you’ll succeed with, and basically, you stop planning for things. You no longer ask yourself, ‘Did you only want to do this? Do you only want to do that?’ Focus on the effort and the journey, not the goal. You have to become like a fish and learn to flow.
As an entrepreneur, you have to learn to let things go. You can’t be rigid or a perfectionist—and you shouldn’t be in any case. You learn to embrace imperfection, excellence, and the beauty of life. You pursue potential instead of crying over flaws and mistakes. Eventually, you end up doing very different things than what you thought you set out to do, and you enjoy the ride. Of course, it’s stressful. There are many days filled with tension and nights where you can’t sleep. You wish the anxiety were less and the problems fewer. But then, on the days when things are great, it all somehow comes together—and that’s what you live for. That’s what you do it for.
So, this whole idea of ‘in five years, we’ll be here’ or ‘I know exactly what we’ll do next year’—it’s not as realistic as it seems. It’s about being adaptable and embracing the unknown. This is the truth of life. I’ve experienced this for the past four years, and I’ve spoken to many entrepreneurs, from ages 24 to 66, in industries ranging from architecture to DTC food, fashion, beverages, and traditional businesses. And they all say the same thing. Just let it flow. You become very Sufi-like as an entrepreneur.”
Yashraj Bhardwaj, co-founder of Petonic Infotech and Plannex Recycle: On this National Entrepreneurs Day, I am reminded of how far a shared curiosity and commitment to meaningful change can take us. My brother Yuvraj and I started this journey young, driven by a desire to address real-world challenges through research and innovation. By founding Petonic Infotech, we were able to assist and work in different verticals, including technology, finance, skill development, brand creation, and healthcare, providing clients with creative and flexible solutions to meet today’s difficulties.
Our efforts at Plannex demonstrate our dedication to sustainability by turning all kinds of waste into useful resources and working toward an inclusive and responsible future. Our experience growing our businesses internationally has taught us that being an entrepreneur is about more than just getting noticed; it’s also about making a difference and encouraging ideas that inspire others.
As we reflect on this journey today, we want to encourage prospective business owners to have great dreams, remain dedicated, and strive for sustainability and positive impact. The journey is incredibly fulfilling when motivated by passion and purpose, even though it is not always simple.
Oendrilla Vadithela, co-founder of Vai Ra: “Entrepreneurship is more than just building businesses—it’s about solving problems, creating value, and making a difference. Every great idea starts with a risk, every setback is a lesson, and every success is a milestone on a journey that’s never truly finished. On this National Entrepreneurs’ Day, I salute those who dare to dream, hustle through the hard times, and stay relentless in their pursuit of innovation. Remember, the world moves forward because someone like you decided not to settle for ‘good enough.’ So, keep pushing boundaries, embrace the challenges, and know that every step you take is a step toward shaping the future.”