The FKCCI 17th Edition of MANTHAN: Business Plan Presentation Competition and the 20th Edition of the Export Excellence Awards 2025 curtain raiser program was inaugurated and released the events brochure by Dr. C. N. Manjunath, Honorable Member of Parliament, at the Sir M. V. Auditorium of FKCCI on 8th January 2025.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Shri M. G. Balakrishna, President, Smt. Uma Reddy, Sr. Vice President, Shri T. Sairam Prasad, Vice President, Shri Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, Immediate Past President, FKCCI, Ms. Tejashree B. A., Chairperson MANTHAN, Dr. C. A. I. S. Prasad, Advisor, MANTHAN & Past President, FKCCI, Shri Thippeshappa B. C., Chairman, Export Excellence Awards and Dr. J. R. Bangera, Advisor, Export Excellence Awards.
FKCCI is rendering yeoman service by empowering youth to become self-employed through its initiatives like MANTHAN, a business plan competition specifically for college students, said Dr C.N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament at the Curtain-Raiser event for MANTHAN and FKCCI Exports Excellence Awards 2025 held today at Sir MV Auditorium.
The prospective and existing Exporters in Karnataka will also give a boost from the FKCCI’s upcoming Export Excellence Awards 2025, he said.
Dr. C N Manjunath acknowledged that through initiatives like MANTHAN, FKCCI has been creating a transformative impact on the next generation of entrepreneurs and industry leaders. “The spirit of entrepreneurship is essential to the growth of any economy, and programs like MANTHAN are crucial in cultivating that spirit from a young age. This competition is not just about drafting business plans; it’s about nurturing a mindset that embraces creativity, challenges, and innovation. It encourages students to think beyond traditional education, equipping them with the real-world skills they need to thrive in the fast-evolving business landscape” he observed.
Welcoming the dignitaries, M.G. Balakrishna, President, FKCCI described Manthan as a remarkable platform that brings together some of the brightest minds and budding entrepreneurs among the students fraternity, showcasing their creativity, innovation, and business acumen, and as a unique bridge between industry leaders, academicians, and aspiring entrepreneurs. “The 17th Edition of MANTHAN promises to be another exciting chapter in this journey, one that will challenge, inspire, and offer valuable opportunities for both participants and mentors,” he said.
On the upcoming FKCCI Export Excellence Awards 2025, he said it was a celebration of the exceptional achievements by Karnataka’s exporters, recognizing their contribution to the state and national economy. “These awards acknowledge the dedication, innovation, and resilience of businesses in various sectors, from IT and pharmaceuticals to agriculture and manufacturing,” he informed. Both MANTHAN and the Export Excellence Awards 2025 will be held in June.
The participants included a cross-section of Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Principals, Directors of Educational Institutions, Heads of Incubation Centres, Venture Capitalists, Angel Investors, Mentors, Jury Members, as well as our dedicated Directors, MC Members, and all members of FKCCI present.