India’s startup ecosystem has become a driving force of economic growth, job creation, and innovation, shaping the country’s path toward becoming a global hub for entrepreneurship. While funding rounds, valuations, and unicorn status often dominate headlines, industry leaders believe the true measure of success lies in accountability, innovation, and the ability to solve real problems that impact people’s lives.
Former Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism and author of ‘The Winning Formula: 52 Ways To Change Your Life’, K J Alphons, stressed that young entrepreneurs must move beyond comfort zones, dream big, and build institutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Alphons applauded the achievements of young entrepreneurs and noted that even small contributions to society deserve recognition. “Our young people who do good work need to be appreciated. Even the little things which they do need to be appreciated,” he said, adding that India has much to be proud of, from sending a mission to the moon at a fraction of global costs to building millions of toilets, houses, and bank accounts for the poor.
A Personal Journey Of Perseverance
Drawing on his own life, he spoke candidly about his humble beginnings in a village, his struggles in education, and how sheer determination helped him top the civil services examination despite scoring only 42 per cent in his school board exams. “There is nothing called trying. You got to be sure what you want, and if you’re sure, you will get what you want,” he said.
As District Collector of Kottayam, Kerala, he led initiatives that made the district India’s first with zero poverty and 100 per cent literacy. “Government doesn’t have to tell you. People don’t have to tell you. You don’t need anybody’s permission to do things. You can do it,” he said.
Lessons In Leadership and Courage
He shared stories from his tenure as Commissioner of the Delhi Development Authority, where he earned the moniker “Demolition Man” for taking on powerful encroachers, including senior politicians. “When you catch thieves, don’t catch a pickpocket. Catch the biggest criminal first,” he said and urged that leaders must have the courage to take tough, even dangerous, decisions.
He urged young founders to trust people, lead from the front, and never compromise on quality or integrity. Recalling his decision as MD of Kerala Milk Federation to replace spoiled milk without verification, he said, “When you trust citizens, they respond to you. They can do great things.”
Innovation, Education, and Nation-Building
He also criticised rote learning and the lack of innovation and said that despite decades of IITs, the commercial value of their inventions stood at only Rs 525 crore.
In contrast, he said, Stanford University alone gave birth to Silicon Valley. “We Indians are happy far too easily. Don’t be content with small achievements. Dream big, innovate, and produce global products,” he challenged the audience.
He also said that startups must move beyond comfort zones, avoid being “photocopies,” and work relentlessly with intellectual honesty. “Never ever do anything which your company has been doing. You are hired to be an innovator,” he asserted.
He also did not shy away from criticising corporate malpractice, sharing his personal grievance against an automobile giant for misleading fuel efficiency claims. “Please do not make false promises. Do not provide substandard goods. Perfection has to be in your mind,” he said, adding that Indian companies must uphold the highest standards if they wish to compete globally.
A Call to Action for Startups
Alphons reminded young entrepreneurs of their responsibility in nation-building. “You are here to make a difference, not the prime minister, not the MP, not the chief minister. Unless every citizen dreams and says, ‘I want to make a difference,’ India will not achieve its full potential,” he said.
He urged startups to embrace disruption, pursue excellence with passion, and above all, retain the courage to act with integrity. As he put it, “Anywhere in the world, if you have a dream, you can succeed. You can do anything.” |
