Organizations such as Young Kerala, are a blessing to young entrepreneurs. But there are many challenges that need to be addressed. There has been a lot of talk about how “anti-entrepreneur” Kerala is, but nothing much has been done to address the real issue. There has been a lot of cribbing about how the educational system sucks. But people often tend to forget the part that they are also a part of the very system that they criticize.
One thing, that any young entrepreneur would require in the initial stages is definitely an improvement in the eco-system. It makes no sense to provide tools and resources to the budding entrepreneurs. We need to ensure that the eco-system they live in helps them blossom. We need to address the basic problems and find out solutions.
For a youngster, what he needs most is the support of his parents, teachers and peer group. Any Tom, Dick and Harry can find resources, tools and tips online. When there are globally renown people like Guy Kawasaki who blog and tweet about entrepreneurship, it doesn’t make any sense giving youngsters more resources and training. Instead, the need of the hour is to help them dream and think. “Dream, dream, dream, for dreams turn into thoughts and thoughts turn into actions” – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Unfortunately, we do not have any proper entrepreneur development cell in most of the colleges and the few that have them, exist for namesake. Being students, who have grown up in a highly conservative community it does require lot of motivation to break the walls and think outside the box. Let us take the example of a student who is still pursuing his education. The first and only thing that he would require help is with his academics and attendance. Once that is settled, he can use the internet to find resources, tools and lessons that help him progress. When colleges and schools give ‘duty-leave’ for artists, sportsmen and industrial visits (a.k.a booze parties) there is nothing that they provide for young entrepreneurs (http://www.youngkerala.org/a-student-entrepreneur’s-notes/)
What we need to develop, is indeed, a culture of benevolence towards Kerala’s young people. Entrepreneurship development campaigns, magazines and classes are secondary. Let us hope that Young Kerala will address the real issues. However, a sea change is inevitable.
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Why isn’t there an initiative to engage the young in various extracurricular activities in Kerala?
There could be so many such activities inculcated if people living here could come forth and accept change as it is meant.
What happened to youngkerala.org? I don’t see much happening on this website itself after October 2009.