Current generation focused on academic achievements, neglects other essential skills: VRL CMD

Vijay Sankeshwar, chairman and managing director of the VRL Group and former MP, emphasised the need for self-confidence to tackle any adverse situation, coupled with honesty and loyalty to the profession, to become a successful entrepreneur.

Vijay Sankeshwar, chairman and managing director of the VRL Group and former MP, emphasised the need for self-confidence to tackle any adverse situation, coupled with honesty and loyalty to the profession, to become a successful entrepreneur.

Speaking at the ‘Entrepreneur Development Awareness Programme’ organised by the Entrepreneurship Development Cell of Sharnbasva University on its main campus in Kalaburagi city on Monday, Mr. Sankeshwar stated that parents should nurture entrepreneurial qualities in their children from a young age to prepare them to face challenges with confidence.

Sharing his own experiences, Mr. Sankeshwar said that he began his entrepreneurial career at the age of 15 when his father handed over a printing press to him. “Initially, I faced many challenges and suffered losses in all the projects I ventured into. However, these initial setbacks did not deter me from taking on challenges to achieve success and build the logistic company into one of the largest fleet owners in the country.”

Mr. Sankeshwar pointed out that the current generation is more focused on the academic achievements of their children, often neglecting other essential skills. “Until they complete their academic careers, today’s students learn little beyond what is taught in classrooms. This is a direct result of the influence of western culture, which has overshadowed the Indian system since Independence. In contrast, countries like Japan and China have retained their traditional eastern cultures, which contain the original wisdom and values of their societies, enabling them to progress in various fields while fostering a culture of service and loyalty among their people.”

Mr. Sankeshwar asserted that there is no age limit or gender restriction for becoming an entrepreneur. He cited numerous examples of individuals over the age of 60 who have found success in entrepreneurship. “Heavy investment is not a prerequisite for entrepreneurship; even with ₹5,000, one can become an entrepreneur, or even without any capital, by taking loans. When my ventures had an annual turnover of ₹1 crore, I carried a loan burden of ₹6 crore, yet I maintained my confidence and remained loyal and honest to my profession to achieve success.” he said.

He also stated that there is no retirement age and disagreed with the notion that a person should retire at 60. “In my company, there is no retirement age; everyone is allowed to work as long as they are productive,” he added.