Taking inspiration from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar who freed women from the age old shackles of inhuman treatment, DICCI was trying to sow seeds of entrepreneurship among them, said Padmashree Milind Kamble, Chairman of Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) on Sunday.

Kamble was speaking at the celebrations of International Women’s Day organised by DICCI Women’s Wing. “In every nook and corner of our country where our chapters are working, this day is being celebrated with great gusto,” he said. He continued that DICCI was spreading the network of women entrepreneurs by providing them all sorts of help.

DICCI was born with out of box thinking. As per the 2014-15 Census, there were 5.27 crore MSMEs in India. Of them, 1.20 crore were run by Dalit entrepreneurs. When the 12th Five Year Plan was prepared under Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, a delegation of 35 Dalit entrepreneurs were invited.

“I was asked, how many Dalit women entrepreneurs are there in the 35 entrepreneurs, we were having only two. There was no reply left with me. From that day, we imbibed in our mind that we should inculcate entrepreneurship among Dalit women and bring them to mainstream. We are trying to open Women’s Wing of every Chapter and fostering skills in them,” Kamble said.

“When I went to the Netherlands in 2002, there was international conference. I told the delegates that Dr Ambedkar had given freedom to women in India and made education compulsory to them in the Constitution which was prohibited in our traditions. This is the biggest achievement of India. Today, the entire picture has altered. Women are working in every sector science, technology, space, industries etc,” he added.

Sunil Zode, National Head DSR-DICCI said, woman has multifaceted personality. “She plays various roles like manager, psychologist, etc. She can do anything, the only thing required is, she has to determine,” he said.

Arunkumar Khobragade, Mentor-DICCI, Nagpur Chapter said, “Whenever any woman becomes entrepreneur, the income of her family swells and winds of progress start blowing swiftly. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar who is the beacon of Dalit society had given stressed on education and therefore people from Dalit community are seen taking education in every field. After formation of DICCI, they are trying to become self sufficient. We at DICCI teach–entrepreneurship is the only tool to achieve succes in life,” he added.

Hishchay Shelke, President of DICCI, Nagpur Chapter said, “Woman is an excellent administrator. She can manage the budget of home and also takes care of her children’s education. Poverty is the biggest enemy of anyone in the world as all the doors are open with the keys of money.” He said, women should come forward and become entrepreneurs. “We have fully dedicated office and our team is ready to help them,” he said.

Winnie Meshram, Chairperson of DICCI’s Women’s Wing said, the primary objective of the Wing was to make self-reliant.

Manjiri Arde, Chairperson of Manjiri Textiles narrating her life story said, it was not a bed of roses for her when she jumped into business in the year 1983. However, with the support of her husband, son, daughter-in-law, her business has grown manifold and has 30 women employees.

Dr Mangala Ghodeshwar said, in the present age, women should lay more emphasis on health.

Nidhi Kale, owner of Crossword said, DICCI has provided big platform for women to give exposure to their hidden skills. “Business is the only thing which can be passed on from one generation to the next.” Women entrepreneurs from Dalit community were feted. They include Satyabhama Bhagat, Manisha Chapse and Yeshodhara Jivane. The programme was conducted by Kranti Gedam. Abhitabh Meshram posed vote of thanks. Present were Sudhir Bagde, Gopal Wasnik, Hemant Ganvir and Kiran Meshram.