Ahmedabad, August 15: Actor Rajeev Khandelwal has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the Adani Group’s ‘Vande Bharatam’ initiative. He will host this program aimed at identifying and supporting innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers from across India.
Speaking to reporters in Ahmedabad, Khandelwal expressed that ‘Make in India’ was merely a campaign for him until he became involved with this platform. He stated, “Today, it has transformed into a reality that we can achieve. It’s not just about declaring that we will create an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India); that vision is genuinely coming to life.”
Designed as a unique platform, ‘Vande Bharatam’ seeks to discover promising entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers from every corner of the country, from major cities to remote villages. The program aims to recognize grassroots talent, provide mentorship, and facilitate access to funding, enabling viable ideas to flourish and contribute to India’s growth story.
This marks a significant milestone in Khandelwal’s career as he ventures into a goal-oriented field focused on entrepreneurship and nation-building. Unlike traditional entertainment formats, ‘Vande Bharatam’ has a broader vision.
Khandelwal noted that Gautam Adani often emphasizes that India possesses enough potential for every city to have its own Gautam Adani, and he is committed to helping people realize that potential. This philosophy inspired the launch of the ‘Vande Bharatam’ program.
Regarding the format, Khandelwal explained that it was open to the entire nation. Participants were required to apply and submit their ideas through a dedicated website. Initially, they anticipated around 15,000 registrations, but over 26,000 applications were received, with shortlisted candidates invited to Ahmedabad.
He mentioned that participants underwent training in a boot camp where they presented their ideas. This process helped identify which ideas had the potential to progress, as not everyone could be selected. However, those who were not chosen also became part of ‘Vande Bharatam’ as their names were added to the database.
Khandelwal shared that a scoring system was in place, with all judges participating, whom he referred to as ‘mentors.’ He clarified that they were neither judges nor investors, as they were not there solely with an investment mindset. The Adani Group’s approach was clear; they did not intend to partner with anyone or take a stake in anyone’s life or business. Their goal was to encourage participants without discussing business matters, offering as much support as possible.
Additionally, Khandelwal highlighted that the ‘Vande Bharatam’ platform provides individuals the opportunity to present their ideas to successful figures who can help them advance. He noted that it opens doors that they often thought would never be available to them.
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