Among others, former Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani is launching an e-commerce training program for women entrepreneurs in Kalaburagi on Monday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI
Former Industries Minister and BJP state vice-president Murugesh Nirani on Monday urged women in the Kalyana region of Karnataka to overcome hesitation and actively venture into entrepreneurship, stressing that digital platforms and e-commerce have become essential for business growth in the modern economy.
Inaugurated the ‘Training Program for Women Entrepreneurs in E-Commerce and Digital Transformation’ organized by the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) at its SR Raghoji Auditorium in Kalaburagi.
The program was organized in collaboration with Ubuntu Consortium, Bengaluru, K-LAMP, Aakruthi Foundation and Parineeta Ladies Association.
Addressing a gathering of aspiring women entrepreneurs as well as those who have already started their own business, Mr. Nirani said that women today are achieving self-sufficiency across sectors, from driving autorickshaws to excelling in space technology. But many in the region are just getting into big industrial business.
“Every household should have at least one woman who is an entrepreneur to ensure real social and economic empowerment,” he said, urging the participants to adopt digital tools and e-commerce platforms to expand their businesses.
Highlighting Karnataka’s industrial ecosystem, he said the state offers strong political and legal support to entrepreneurs and encouraged women to move forward with determination despite initial challenges.
Sharing his personal journey, Mr. Nirani recalled setting up a sugar factory with a crushing capacity of about 500 tonnes of sugarcane per day and facing significant financial constraints. “I had to repeatedly approach banks even for a small loan, and in the early years I lived modestly,” he said.
He noted that his group has since grown into a large industrial enterprise operating several sugar mills across the country, producing around one million tons of sugar per day, generating about 400 MW of energy from by-products and achieving one of the highest ethanol production capacities in Asia at 28 million liters per day.
He emphasized that persistence, risk-taking and integrity are the keys to success.
KKCCI President Sharanabasappa M. Pappa said that the Kalyana region of Karnataka is constantly developing industrially, but women and youth need to come forward with confidence to take advantage of the opportunities available.
He assured that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will extend full support to women entrepreneurs in the region.
Ubuntu Consortium co-founder Sarvamangala Patil said efforts are being made to connect women-led businesses to global markets through initiatives such as the ‘Techshi’ project, which aims to provide digital training, market access and exposure to international platforms.
The training program focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge of e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, branding and online business expansion to bridge the gap between traditional businesses and digital transformation.
KKCS Honorary Secretary Shivraj V. Inginshetty was present.
The program was concluded by awarding successful women from various industries.
Published – 31 March 2026 20:29 IST
