Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani on Saturday said the first edition of Vande Bharatam highlighted India’s vast entrepreneurial potential, particularly the talent emerging from smaller cities, towns and grassroots communities across the country.
In a post on X, Adani said the inaugural edition of Vande Bharatam concluded with more than 26,000 applications from across India.
“The first edition of Vande Bharatam is over. For me, on this Independence Day there is no better reminder of what India is capable of. 26,000+ applications. Every state represented. Young founders, women entrepreneurs, rural innovators and remarkable problem-solvers from Tier 2 and 3 Bharat,” Adani said.
“All of them are winners and their journey has just begun. What stays with me is the extraordinary depth of talent across this country. India’s next generation of builders is already here. We just need to find them, back them and give them a platform. Happy Independence Day. Jai Hind,” he added.
The first edition of Vande Bharatam is over. For me, on this Independence Day there is no better reminder of what India is capable of.
26,000+ applications. Every state represented. Young founders, women entrepreneurs, rural innovators and remarkable problem-solvers from Tier 2… pic.twitter.com/jkESO20sO7
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) August 15, 2026 The initiative, launched by Adani to identify and support innovators and entrepreneurs from smaller cities, towns and grassroots India, received applications from more than 800 districts across all 36 States and Union Territories.
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The selected innovators were provided mentorship, industry access, networking opportunities and platforms to showcase their ventures.
Earlier, Kedia Advisory Founder and Director Vijay Kedia said the initiative could help unlock India’s entrepreneurial potential by giving innovators the opportunity and guidance required to scale their ventures.Ashutosh Valani, Co-founder of RENEE Cosmetics, said Vande Bharatam provides startup founders with the capabilities, resources, funding, knowledge and guidance needed to build successful ventures.
Aarti Gill, Co-Founder of Oziva, described the initiative as an excellent platform for promoting entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. Electica Energy CEO and Co-Founder Avinash Yadav said its focus on innovation and startups from smaller towns could have a significant impact.
The Grand Finale was held in Ahmedabad on August 14, bringing selected innovators onto a national platform and offering opportunities for continued engagement with mentors, investors, industry leaders and fellow entrepreneurs.
(With inputs from ANI)