The Mysore Entrepreneurship Forum (MEF), a groundbreaking initiative by the Bherunda Foundation led by MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, has officially been launched in the city.
Mysuru: In a compelling address,Infosys founder and Padma Vibhushan recipient N.R. Narayana Murthy urged entrepreneurs to adopt a global mindset, moving beyond the confines of national boundaries. “Think global,” he emphasized, inspiring the audience with a vision of limitless possibilities.
The event, held at the prestigious Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza, marked the debut of the Mysore Entrepreneurship Forum (MEF). This new platform, spearheaded by Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar—a member of the Mysore Royal Family and an entrepreneur himself—aims to foster innovation and collaboration among business leaders. The Bherunda Foundation, under his leadership, has taken a bold step to empower the entrepreneurial community.
Murthy’s speech resonated deeply with the attendees,who were encouraged to embrace challenges and seize opportunities on a global scale. The MEF promises to be a catalyst for change, offering resources, mentorship, and a network for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.
As the forum takes its first steps, the focus remains on creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures creativity and ambition. With visionaries like Murthy and Wadiyar at the helm, the MEF is poised to become a beacon of innovation in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Narayana Murthy, the iconic entrepreneur and co-founder of Infosys, emphasized the importance of global ambition for Indian entrepreneurs. He urged them to look beyond domestic markets and establish a presence on the international stage to achieve lasting success.
“Just because we are based out of Mysuru, our market should not be limited. Across the globe, we should provide quality service at affordable rates.It is only then that we can achieve greater heights and become triumphant entrepreneurs,” he advised.
Murthy highlighted the examples of countries like China,Japan,the United States,and Germany,which dominate global markets due to their focus on quality and competitive pricing. He contrasted this with India’s agricultural economy, where production frequently enough falls short of potential. “In developed nations, technology has revolutionized farming, ensuring both quality and quantity. Take Israel, as an example—it thrives in agriculture despite scanty rainfall, thanks to innovation,” he explained.
he also stressed the need for humility and simplicity in approach. “We should shed ego and embrace simplicity. Young minds should innovate, while elders should offer unwavering support,” he said.
Murthy didn’t shy away from critiquing India’s education system, stating that it frequently enough prioritizes rote learning over critical thinking. “Our education system is designed to move students from one class to another without fostering problem-solving skills or creativity. Policymakers must devise a system that sharpens students’ abilities,” he remarked.
Echoing his sentiments, dr. Sudha Murty, former Chairperson of Infosys Foundation and Padma Shri awardee, emphasized the role of family support in entrepreneurial success. “Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges, but a strong family foundation is crucial. In the U.S., studies show that family support is a key factor behind successful ventures.While entrepreneurs may have little time for family or society, women frequently enough play a pivotal role in maintaining these relationships,” she noted.
Yaduveer Wadiyar, speaking at the event, highlighted Mysuru’s unique growth trajectory. “Unlike other cities, Mysuru has seen remarkable development. Our focus should be on addressing socially relevant issues while fostering business opportunities, all while respecting our political ethos,” he said.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Trishikha kumari Wadiyar, D. Sudhanva of Excelsoft Technologies, entrepreneurs Sam Cherian Kumbukattu and Bhaskar kalale, and Pavan Ranga of N. Ranga Rao & Sons.
This post was published on January 17, 2025, 6:43 pm
How will the MEF’s mentorship programs, featuring leaders like N.R. Narayana Murthy, benefit entrepreneurs, especially those in their early stages?
Archyde Interview: empowering Entrepreneurs with a Global Vision – A Conversation with Dr. Kavita Sharma, Entrepreneurial Strategist
Date: January 19, 2025
Archyde Reporter: Welcome, Dr. Sharma, and thank you for joining us today. As a renowned entrepreneurial strategist and advisor to the Mysore Entrepreneurship forum (MEF),you’ve been instrumental in shaping its vision. Can you share your thoughts on the significance of this new initiative?
Dr.Kavita Sharma: Thank you for having me. The launch of the Mysore Entrepreneurship Forum is a watershed moment for the entrepreneurial ecosystem,not just in Mysuru but across India. Spearheaded by Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, this initiative under the Bherunda Foundation reflects a deep commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and enduring growth. It’s not just a platform; it’s a movement to empower entrepreneurs to think beyond local markets and embrace a global mindset.
Archyde Reporter: At the launch event, Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy emphasized the importance of a global outlook. What does “thinking global” mean in today’s entrepreneurial landscape?
Dr. kavita Sharma: Mr. Murthy’s wisdom is timeless. “Thinking global” is about recognizing that opportunities and challenges are no longer confined by geography. It’s about building businesses that can compete on the world stage,leveraging technology,and understanding diverse markets. As a notable exmaple, a startup in Mysuru can now access customers in Silicon Valley or Berlin with the right strategy.The MEF aims to equip entrepreneurs with the tools—mentorship, resources, and networks—to make this leap.
Archyde Reporter: The MEF is backed by the Bherunda Foundation, led by Yaduveer Wadiyar, who is himself an entrepreneur. How does his leadership influence the forum’s approach?
Dr. Kavita Sharma: Yaduveer Wadiyar brings a unique perspective—one that blends tradition with modernity. As a member of the Mysore Royal Family and a prosperous entrepreneur, he understands the importance of preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation. His vision for the MEF is to create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures creativity and ambition. Under his leadership, the foundation is taking bold steps to empower entrepreneurs, especially in tier-2 cities like Mysuru, which are often overlooked.
Archyde Reporter: What specific initiatives does the MEF plan to roll out to support entrepreneurs?
Dr. Kavita Sharma: The MEF is designed to be a one-stop destination for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. We’re launching mentorship programs with industry leaders like N.R.Narayana Murthy, who shared invaluable insights at the launch. Additionally, we’re setting up incubators to support early-stage startups, organizing global networking events, and providing access to funding opportunities. Our goal is to create a collaborative environment where ideas can flourish and transform into impactful businesses.
Archyde Reporter: What challenges do you foresee for entrepreneurs, and how can the MEF help address them?
Dr. Kavita Sharma: One of the biggest challenges is the lack of access to resources and guidance, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. Many struggle with scaling their businesses or navigating international markets. The MEF aims to bridge these gaps by offering tailored support—be it through workshops, mentorship, or partnerships with global organizations. We’re also focusing on fostering a culture of resilience,encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Archyde Reporter: what’s your message to aspiring entrepreneurs who are just starting their journey?
Dr. Kavita Sharma: My message is simple: Dream big, but start small. The world is full of possibilities, and with platforms like the MEF, you’re not alone in this journey. Surround yourself with mentors who can guide you, learn from failures, and always stay curious. Remember, every successful entrepreneur started with an idea and the courage to pursue it. The MEF is hear to support you every step of the way.
Archyde Reporter: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your inspiring insights. We wish the Mysore Entrepreneurship Forum great success in its mission to empower entrepreneurs and drive global innovation.
Dr. Kavita Sharma: Thank you. I’m excited to see the impact the MEF will have on the entrepreneurial landscape, and I look forward to collaborating with Archyde to share more stories of innovation and success.
End of Interview
This interview highlights the transformative vision of the Mysore Entrepreneurship Forum (MEF) and its commitment to fostering a global mindset among entrepreneurs. with leaders like N.R. Narayana Murthy and Yaduveer Wadiyar guiding the initiative, the MEF is poised to become a beacon of innovation and collaboration in the entrepreneurial world.
