COWE India Summit, Chandigarh – Sept. 26, 2026

Smt Mitra Ghosh Ji, First Lady of Haryana
Ms. Uma Ghurka, Founder Director, COWE India
Ms. Neeraja Reddy Vemula, National President, COWE India
Ms. Jyotsna Cheruvu, National Vice President, COWE India
Ms. Renu Sharma, COWE Delhi Chapter
Prof. (Dr.) Tajinder Kaur, Pro Chancellor, Desh Bhagat University

Distinguished guests, esteemed members of the COWE India, industry leaders, government representatives, bankers and most importantly, the inspiring women entrepreneurs present here today
It gives me immense pleasure to address the valedictory session of this two-day Women’s International Summit on Entrepreneurship, hosted so ably by the COWE Delhi Chapter.
Over these two days, I understand this gathering has witnessed rich discussions, meaningful recognition of achievement and the forging of new partnerships that will shape the future of women-led enterprise in our country.
I congratulate COWE on choosing a theme as meaningful as “Rooted in Rural, Powered by Technology: Building Sustainable Futures for Women-Led MSMEs.” This theme captures a truth we often overlook that India’s economic strength does not begin in boardrooms, but in our villages, our homes and our local communities, where women turn resourcefulness into enterprise, and turn necessity into innovation.
Dear Friends,
Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has consistently envisioned MSMEs as the backbone of a self-reliant India. His vision recognizes that when small enterprises thrive, especially those led by women, the entire nation prospers. Schemes such as Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India and the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme have been designed with one clear purpose: to ensure that no woman with an idea and the will to work is denied the capital or opportunity to succeed.
Our Prime Minister has often said that when women progress, the nation progresses. This summit’s theme of being rooted in rural India while being powered by technology is, in many ways, a reflection of that very vision.
I urge all financial institutions present here to strengthen their outreach to rural women entrepreneurs – simplify loan processes, reduce collateral burdens and treat every self-help group and micro-enterprise as a partner in nation-building, not merely a borrower. Banks must go to the villages and small towns; women should not have to struggle to reach the banks.
Equally important is market access. A woman who weaves, farms, or crafts with skill deserves a marketplace – digital and physical – where her product finds its true value and reaches customers far beyond her village and small town boundaries.
I call upon industry bodies and e-commerce platforms to create dedicated shelves, both online and offline, especially for rural women-led MSMEs and to invest in skilling programs that blend traditional knowledge with modern technology – from GI-tagging local crafts to training women in digital marketing, packaging and export documentation.
As I conclude, I strongly feel that every woman present in this hall should carry forward the confidence and knowledge you have gained here. Return to your communities not just as entrepreneurs, but as mentors and torchbearers for other women still hesitant to begin.
To our banks, industry partners, and government departments, I appeal to extend your hand of support generously, swiftly and without unnecessary hurdles, for every day of delay is a day of lost opportunity for a woman ready to build.
Let this summit be remembered not for its discussions alone, but for the thousand new journeys it inspires.
Thank you, Jai Hind.