A groundbreaking initiative named the Viksit Amritsar Initiative has been unveiled by a group of influential Indian-Americans, aimed at fostering the social and economic growth of Amritsar, a city in Punjab renowned for housing the revered Golden Temple of Sikhism. The group has pledged a substantial sum of $100 million to fuel the development of startups within the city.
Initiated by former Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who is currently a candidate from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Amritsar, the Viksit Amritsar Initiative marks a historic milestone, being the first such endeavor for any Indian city by the diaspora.
Collaborating with esteemed organizations such as the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) and the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), the initiative is spearheaded by Sanjiv Lakhanpal. It aims to offer mentorship and financial support to entrepreneurs, prioritizing ventures that demonstrate social and environmental responsibility.
With a focus on sectors including agriculture, healthcare, skill development, information technology, and tourism, the initiative seeks to catalyze innovation and job creation in Amritsar. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who has returned to his hometown after a distinguished diplomatic career, is deeply committed to revitalizing Amritsar into a thriving economic and tourist destination.
The president of USISPF, Mukesh Aghi, emphasized the significance of this initiative, highlighting the infusion of a substantial investment of a hundred million dollars into Amritsar's startup ecosystem. The initiative has already garnered significant interest, with over 250 applications received from entrepreneurs across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on empowering women and youth-led ventures.
This endeavor represents a meaningful collaboration between the Indian-American community and local stakeholders, embodying a spirit of giving back and collective commitment to the growth and prosperity of Amritsar. With continued support and participation, the Viksit Amritsar Initiative holds the potential to catalyze transformative change and unlock new opportunities for the city's residents and entrepreneurs alike.
