Jammu, Oct 14: Chairman, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Jammu chapter and former chairman of CII J&K and PHDCCI Jammu Rahul Sahai on Wednesday urged students to take ownership of their home region and city and explore opportunities within Jammu and Kashmir.
He was addressing the “Leadership Talk” series organised by the School of Management, Model Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET), at the H L Gupta auditorium, Kot Bhalwal campus.
“Take ownership of your city and Jammu and Kashmir. This beautiful Union Territory has immense potential. Rather than looking only at opportunities outside, explore what you can build here. Your talent, ideas and enterprise can shape its future,” Sahai said. He emphasised that retaining young talent was essential to the region’s growth and encouraged students to become entrepreneurs and job creators.
Moderated by Prof Ajay Khajuria, Professor of Practice, School of Management, the conversation explored leadership, family business succession, institutional legacy and the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reflecting on his formative years, Sahai recalled how his father, late Ram Sahai, built the Sahai Group, alongside contributing to institutions and community life. He credited his father’s emphasis on Indian values, discipline, family responsibility and service to society with shaping his own leadership journey.
Sharing his experience of succession, Sahai said he began by working like an intern in the family business, learning from the ground up before moving into manufacturing and eventually assuming full responsibility after his father’s demise. He also recalled that his first public address was a vote of thanks at a memorial lecture in his father’s memory.
The encouragement he received strengthened his confidence and determination to carry the legacy forward. “Conviction often comes before ability. When your purpose is strong, you develop the abilities needed to fulfil it,” he observed.
Distinguishing management from leadership, Sahai said a manager ensures that assigned work is completed effectively, while a leader brings fresh ideas, responds to changing situations and inspires others to take responsibility.
Drawing upon his two years as Chairman of CII, five years leading PHDCCI Jammu and the past two years heading ICC Jammu, Sahai highlighted the role of chambers in both business development and community service. He recalled an initiative during his CII tenure that supported the construction of 200 toilets to help address open defecation.
Discussing opportunities for young entrepreneurs, he highlighted IT services, Global Capability Centres, tourism and religious tourism, logistics, workforce solutions and sports ventures such as pickleball courts, indoor sports facilities and cricket academies. He also encouraged students to explore Mission YUVA and relevant government schemes, and identify practical business needs, including helping enterprises access TReDS.
Sahai stressed that family businesses must evolve to accommodate the interests and skills of the next generation. He called for collective, constructive engagement with public representatives to strengthen infrastructure and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
He reminded students that living in a smaller city does not limit ambition or achievement, citing M S Dhoni’s journey from Ranchi. He encouraged them to think beyond geographical boundaries, serve wider markets and explore ways to earn international revenue while building businesses from Jammu and Kashmir.
An engaging question-and-answer session allowed students to discuss leadership and entrepreneurship directly with him.
Prof Ankur Gupta, Director, MIET, welcomed Sahai, highlighted the importance of connecting students with industry leaders and felicitated him with a memento.
The programme was attended by Col Rajesh Sharma (retired), Registrar, MIET; Prof Yogesh Manhas, Professor of Practice, School of Journalism and Prof Ankita Nanda, Head, School of Management, along with faculty members and students.
Antra Sharma, Assistant Professor, School of Management, coordinated the proceedings.
Sahai expressed his appreciation to the MIET management and faculty for providing a platform for meaningful dialogue with students.
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