My Tryst with Entrepreneurship at Ashoka: The Path to Greater Self‑Confidence Through Greater Responsibility

Looking back on my time at Ashoka University, I can say with certainty that the most defining part of my journey has been my engagement with the Entrepreneurship Department and the vibrant community that surrounds it. From being a curious student sitting at the back of the class in my first entrepreneurship course, to eventually leading the Entrepreneurship Club as its President under the InfoEdge Centre for Entrepreneurship (CFE), the growth I’ve experienced—personally and professionally—has been nothing short of transformational.

What sets the Entrepreneurship Department apart is not just its academic structure but the culture it cultivates. The professors are not only accomplished industry professionals but also mentors who go above and beyond to support students. The learning isn’t confined to classrooms—we were taken on field visits to factories, encouraged to build real ventures, and constantly challenged to think creatively and critically. One of my earliest courses on brand development introduced me to the world of consumer perception and storytelling—lessons I later applied during my internship in strategic consulting.

Throughout my coursework, I explored a diverse array of topics ranging from real estate and finance to social impact and business evaluation. Each course was a unique blend of theory and action—guest lectures, hands-on group projects, field research, and networking events. What truly made a difference, however, was the mentorship. There were countless instances when a professor stayed back after class to discuss our startup ideas or introduce us to someone from their network. The support was genuine. I still remember grabbing a casual dinner with one of my professors at the dhaba on campus, where what began as a conversation on course content turned into an inspiring discussion on entrepreneurial failure and resilience.

Serving as a Teaching Assistant for multiple courses deepened my learning even further. I had the opportunity to help design content, interact with guest speakers, and guide my peers through their project presentations. It was my first real experience leading a team, resolving challenges on the go, and thinking on my feet. Being trusted with responsibility—whether it was managing a group of students or co-creating assignments—prepared me for both corporate and entrepreneurial roles outside the university walls.

But if there’s one experience that truly stands out, it’s my term as President of the Entrepreneurship Club. The CFE not only supported my ideas but also empowered me to execute them end-to-end. I had a vision of creating Ashoka’s first Entrepreneurship Summit and National-Level Competition—and that’s how Shatranj 2024 was born. With the Centre’s mentorship and backing, we brought in industry leaders, VCs, and young entrepreneurs to our campus, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that stretched far beyond our student base. The feeling of watching something we had only dreamt of unfold in front of us—with packed halls, buzzing sessions, and enthusiastic participation—was one of my proudest moments at Ashoka.

Driven by my own growing interest in the venture capital space, I also started a Venture Capital vertical within the Club. We built a small but strong community of like-minded students who were curious about the financial side of startups. We held simulations, invited investors to campus, and connected students with internship opportunities at VC firms. Some of my closest friends discovered their professional passions through these interactions—and so did I.

My entrepreneurial journey also took a more personal turn when a friend and I co-founded Karigari, a venture that upcycles waste chips packets into sustainable lifestyle products—tote bags, laptop sleeves, and more—by collaborating with traditional handloom workers in Old Delhi and local women artisans. We wanted to build something that was environmentally conscious and socially empowering. The Centre helped us connect with faculty mentors who provided feedback on pricing, distribution, and scalability. Their belief in us—even when we were just beginning—gave us the confidence to keep going.

What makes CFE truly special is that it believes in starting with you, not just your idea. Their Pre-Incubator Program offers access to mentorship, funding, and industry connections for anyone with a dream and a willingness to build. In fact, the Centre itself often becomes the first customer of campus startups—a small gesture with a big impact. That first sale means everything.

I am immensely thankful for the opportunities, relationships, and growth that the Entrepreneurship ecosystem at Ashoka has given me- It has actually given me best friends for life . It has shaped how I think, who I collaborate with, and the kind of leader I aspire to be. Above all, it has given me a space to experiment, fail, learn, and thrive.

To any student curious about this world, I can only say: take that first step. The department, the people, and the community will meet you halfway—and then some.