Guest Lecture on Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation

The Department of Commerce (DOC), in collaboration with the School of Business and Management (BBA & MBA) and the Centre for Social Action (CSA), organized a distinguished guest lecture on Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, on 23rd August 2025. The event brought together students, faculty, and industry practitioners, and was enriched by the presence of Ms. Sarita Ganesh, Director and Founder of the Khula Aasman Trust. With her rich experience as a social entrepreneur, Ms. Ganesh has been instrumental in designing and implementing sustainable community projects, making her an ideal speaker to address the theme of entrepreneurship with a social lens.

The program commenced with a formal welcome address delivered by faculty representatives, which set a positive tone for the session. The introduction outlined the objectives of the lecture and emphasized the significance of engaging with leaders who are redefining business practices in the context of social responsibility. Ms. Ganesh began her talk by presenting the concept of social innovation, stressing how it bridges the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and community development. She underlined that entrepreneurship in the present era must move beyond profit maximization to embrace sustainability, inclusivity, and meaningful societal change.

Sharing her own inspiring journey of establishing the Khula Aasman Trust, Ms. Ganesh narrated impactful stories of community-driven initiatives that focused on women’s empowerment, education for underprivileged children, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Her personal anecdotes illustrated how innovative approaches, when aligned with compassion and resilience, can produce lasting change within marginalized groups. These stories resonated strongly with the audience, offering practical insights into the real-world application of entrepreneurial ideas for social good.

The lecture also provided an in-depth perspective on the evolving ecosystem of social enterprises in India, particularly against the backdrop of a thriving startup culture. Ms. Ganesh emphasized that India’s entrepreneurial landscape offers vast opportunities for integrating social concerns into business models. She encouraged students to view entrepreneurship not only as a career path but also as a platform for collective impact. In her view, collaboration among academia, industry, and civil society is essential to nurture ventures that combine innovation with inclusivity.

One of the highlights of the program was the interactive Q&A session. Students enthusiastically engaged with the speaker, raising questions about the scalability of social enterprises, strategies for mobilizing resources, and ways to strike a balance between financial sustainability and social impact. Ms. Ganesh responded by drawing upon both her personal experiences and broader policy perspectives. She elaborated on the role of government frameworks, funding mechanisms, and digital technologies in supporting social ventures. Her responses provided clarity and encouragement to students who aspire to explore entrepreneurship with a purpose.

The event reflected the ethos of CHRIST University, which places strong emphasis on holistic education that integrates intellectual growth with social consciousness. By creating platforms to interact with real-world changemakers, the university ensures that its students are exposed to transformative ideas that bridge theory with practice. The lecture reinforced the importance of cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets that are not confined to traditional business goals but oriented toward the larger good of society.

The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Ms. Ganesh for her insightful contribution and acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the Department of Commerce, the School of Business and Management, and the Centre for Social Action in organizing such a meaningful program. The event left a lasting impression on participants, equipping them with a deeper appreciation of how entrepreneurship and social innovation together can act as powerful tools for sustainable development.