The Young And The Restless

If you don’t build your dream, someone else will hire you to help build theirs. — Tony Gaskins
 
Guess what has been the most hotly contested debate of our times? It’s about creation of job opportunities — or lack thereof — in the last few years in India. Critics of the government say that despite the economic growth, there’s been no commensurate growth in job opportunities. The ruling dispensation trashes the thesis and, instead, argues that the thrust has been on creating entrepreneurs through various government interventions.

Indeed, whether it’s Startup India, Standup India, or the Mudra loans, the thrust has been on creating self-sustaining entrepreneurs.

We at BW Businessworld salute India’s entrepreneurial spirit, and believe that in future job creation would be despite the government, and not necessarily due to it. The government of the day, at best, would be an enabler.

Keeping this in mind, BW Businessworld launched its BW 40 under 40 last year to showcase the best and the brightest entrepreneurial minds. We feted them and today many of them are roaring successes. Many of them will grow into unicorns in the days to come. Indeed, the focus is on creating our own Alibabas.

The cover story in this issue celebrates BW 40 under 40 winners of the second edition, who were honoured at a gala function recently in the national capital.

This year’s BW 40 under 40 has added a new dimension — it recognises intrapreneurs along with entrepreneurs.

After applications were received from startups and grown-up companies, they were reviewed by BW Businessworld editors as the first step of filtering. Subsequently, each application was reviewed and evaluated by a panel of experts to arrive at a shortlist for jury review. The shortlisted applications were discussed and reviewed by a panel of jury members on the basis of pre-defined parameters covering objective as well as subjective aspects.

The jury as also the BW editors were impressed with the quality of nominations, and the innovations taking place in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Indeed, if there’s been one common refrain among all the respondents, it’s this — why not make it “BW 400 under 40” from next year? Such is the strength of the movement.

In our first cover story, then, we showcase why these winners stand out — and that may not necessarily be due to numbers alone.

Watch out for these winners in the days and weeks to come — they will be India’s pride.

We also have a second cover story where we focus on India’s multiplex leader PVR. Led by promoter brothers Ajay and Sanjeev Bijli, the chain recently became the seventh largest multiplex operator in the world by admissions following the acquisition of the Chennai-based SPI Cinemas.

The Indian economy has been passing through some anxious moments, what with the skyrocketing crude prices and a depreciating rupee. We ask Principal Economic Advisor Sanjeev Sanyal some basic questions, and it’s there for you as our Last Word.

It’s an extremely readable issue, and as always, we look forward to your feedback.

Happy reading!