“How I Create India” is Turning Army Veterans into Entrepreneurs
👋Hello Readers,
Today’s edition combines warm tales, creative ideas and the rich culture of our people. There is a lot of goodness to focus on and happy endings in these great stories! 😊✨
Wherein, uplifting stories of people helping one another in crisis and cutting-edge breakthroughs that aid in improving living conditions in the society today, we seek out the optimism around us. Wondering where all the good news is about some persons doing great things or perhaps local legends and the works they are doing in the society? We have those and more! 🎉🙌
So, buckle up and start this.
💬 Navigating Perspectives
After decades of service, Indian Army veterans often face an uncertain future upon retirement, with many retiring as early as 35. While their discipline, resilience, and leadership are unquestionable, transitioning to civilian life can be daunting, especially when it comes to building a new livelihood. Enter I Create India, a pioneering mentorship programme that is transforming retired soldiers into successful entrepreneurs, helping them reclaim agency and purpose beyond the barracks.
Entrepreneurship After Service
Take Ardhi Krishna Rao, a former havaldar from Odisha, who found his calling in the aromatic world of kewda oil processing. With guidance from I Create India, Ardhi learned to navigate the complexities of business—sourcing flowers, managing investments, and marketing his product. Despite skepticism from others about a “fauji-turned-businessman,” Ardhi’s risk paid off, turning a traditional craft into a lucrative venture.
Similarly, C. Kanniappan from Tamil Nadu leveraged the mentorship to launch a thriving supermarket, while Khush Naseeb Ahmed revived his family’s hand-loom business in Uttar Pradesh. Each story is unique, but all share a common thread: the transformation of military grit into entrepreneurial success.
The I Create India Model
Founded with a vision to promote grassroots entrepreneurship, I Create India shifted its focus to army veterans in 2015, realising the immense potential of this group. The programme begins with an “Entrepreneurial Awareness Creation” session, sparking ideas and confidence. This is followed by a five-day workshop that equips veterans with practical business tools and strategies.
Mentorship that Matters
Unlike many programmes, I Create India doesn’t prescribe business ideas. Instead, it helps veterans identify their own strengths and community needs, fostering innovation and ownership. Experienced mentors guide participants through business planning, execution, and even post-launch support, helping them access loans and navigate challenges.
Impact Beyond Numbers
With over 1,950 veteran entrepreneurs and 17 centres nationwide, I Create India’s impact is profound. From farm equipment rentals in Punjab to cashew processing in Andhra Pradesh, these ventures not only provide financial stability but also empower veterans to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
🗣️ Stories that Matter
Rituricha Jain’s Surat-based startup, Paperdom, creates tree-free paper by recycling banana fibre and textile waste, saving around 140 tonnes of waste annually. Her innovative venture supports local farmers and artisans, offering eco-friendly stationery and lifestyle products that provide a sustainable, stylish alternative to traditional, tree-based paper.
Zomato’s Plastic-Free Future Programme is helping over 200 restaurant brands in 400+ Indian cities switch to eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging. Through initiatives like ‘Packathon 2025’ and collaborations with startups, Zomato encourages sustainable food delivery, empowering customers to choose plastic-free options and reduce single-use waste with every meal ordered.
Wildlife photographer Sanket Reddy reflects on 15 years in forests worldwide, learning life-changing lessons from nature and indigenous communities. He urges people to notice and respect even the smallest creatures, championing conservation through education and empathy. For Reddy, true connection with nature is about love, not likes.
Pune’s Gautam Doshi transformed his small, low-light balcony into a lush garden by choosing shade-loving plants like hibiscus, begonias, and aglaonema. He rotates pots to maximise sunlight, uses lightweight containers and cocopeat, and controls pests naturally with neem oil—proving smart, adaptive gardening thrives even in limited sunlight.
💡Do you know what day it is!
It is celebrated globally as World Bee Day, raising awareness about the vital role of bees and pollinators in food security and ecosystem health.
🔖 Quote of the day
"You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness."
In the final words of Today’s India, we trust that you have been encouraged by the beautiful stories that have lifted the country up. Be it the startups or old practices to more sociable stories making sure that no one is left behind, there is always a sense of progress and oneness.
As we take these strides, let’s make sure we promote kindness, creativity, and teamwork. And till the next time; may you take pleasure in bringing happiness and inquisitiveness in your day to day activities!
Don’t Miss Out!!! See You Tomorrow!!! ⏰
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