“Be not job seekers, become job creators’’ said Rajakumari Jeevagan, Founder and Managing Partner, Wings and Waalai Group of Hotels and Chairperson of “WE (Women Entrepreneurs)’’ forum of Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Madurai.

She was delivering a lecture on ‘Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship’ under the Business Line Club of the Department of Commerce, St. Mary’s College, Tuticorin, recently.

The event was sponsored by Tamilnad Mercantile Bank, Tuticorin.

She said India is changing from a traditional society where the duties of women, especially at home as dependents, were stressed more. Today, women are equal partners in the process of growth and development and a significant productive force in the economy. A good number of them have risen to occupy high and commanding posts in public life. But this is not enough. The contribution will become more fulfilling only when they emerge as job creators, and not remain mere job seekers.

Opportunities abound around in their immediate environment. Only they need to be identified and grabbed. The Government aims to empower women and help develop their skill-levels. There are various programmes under implementation and institutions support such programmes, she said.

Citing her own experience, she spoke of the transformation from a humble housewife to an entrepreneur. She observed that one can become an entrepreneur either independently or as a team. Hard work and self-belief, coupled with uninterrupted focus are vital. A larger perspective and a sense of business climate are also necessary. Constant up-gradation of knowledge and a flair for technology adoption will also help women entrepreneurs. Under Indian conditions, circumstances such as family support and background do matter, but not for those who are determined, she said.

The capability for multi-tasking and a search for new things and value addition should be a constant endeavour. She urged the students to penetrate themarket, discover something new and start a business, a product through brand-building.

Earlier, R.Thangapandian, Regional Manager, TMB, explained the schemes of the bank, especially for promotion of education and entrepreneurship. Dr J. Ellora, Head of the Department, was present.

(With inputs from Paul Joseph)

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