Baroda Management Association President urges young entrepreneurs to adopt a global mindset, dream big and leverage GIFT City’s world-class financial and technological ecosystem to build globally competitive enterprises.
VADODARA: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has emerged as India’s gateway to global business and financial opportunities, offering young entrepreneurs an ideal platform to build internationally competitive enterprises, Dr. Mangla Chouhan, President of the Baroda Management Association, said while addressing a special session at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara.
Delivering the keynote address during a session on “GIFT City: India’s International Financial Gateway,” Dr. Chouhan inspired aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, exporters, industrialists, manufacturers and business leaders to embrace a global outlook, innovate fearlessly and create enterprises capable of contributing not only to corporate success but also to India’s long-term economic growth.
“No enterprise succeeds without courage,” she said. “When you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, have the confidence to think beyond boundaries. Build businesses that are not merely profit-driven but are capable of contributing to India’s GDP and creating value on the global stage.”
Emphasising the importance of visionary leadership, Dr. Chouhan encouraged young entrepreneurs to pursue ambitious goals and remain future-ready.
“Always dream big, nurture a broader vision and set higher goals. Think ahead of your time because the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. GIFT City itself is a shining example of such visionary thinking,” she remarked.
Highlighting GIFT City’s growing global significance, Dr. Chouhan said the integrated financial hub provides world-class banking, insurance, capital markets and financial services that are helping position India as an emerging international financial centre.
She described Vadodara as the heart of Gujarat and GIFT City as the country’s gateway to international financial markets, encouraging young professionals and start-up founders to visit the city and understand the immense opportunities it offers for business expansion, innovation and global market access.
“GIFT City is not merely a smart city; it represents the convergence of advanced financial services, cutting-edge technology and world-class infrastructure that is redefining India’s financial landscape,” she said.
Dr. Chouhan also acknowledged the leadership of Shri Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director of GIFT City, noting that under his guidance the financial hub continues to create significant opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, industrial leaders, manufacturers and exporters seeking global growth.
She observed that establishing a presence in GIFT City has become an aspiration for businesses with international ambitions and stressed that success can only be achieved through perseverance, continuous learning and relentless hard work.
Drawing a parallel from the Shreemad Bhagwad Gita, Dr. Chouhan referred to Arjuna’s moment of self-doubt on the battlefield despite possessing immense knowledge and strength, saying it was Lord Krishna‘s guidance that enabled him to fulfil his purpose. Likewise, she noted, the Government and GIFT City have created a roadmap that can guide emerging entrepreneurs towards global competitiveness, provided they are willing to seize the opportunity.
Describing the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference as much more than a B2B networking platform, she said it serves as a catalyst for innovation, investment and enterprise development by connecting businesses with new ideas, partnerships and international opportunities.
Speaking on the transformative role of technology, Dr. Chouhan highlighted the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern business. However, she emphasised that while AI enables instant access to information, entrepreneurs must distinguish between information and awareness.
“Information keeps you updated, but awareness keeps you ahead. True leadership comes from understanding trends, anticipating change and making informed decisions,” she said.
Concluding her address, Dr. Chouhan urged entrepreneurs to visit GIFT City with a clear vision, embrace innovation, create unique value and establish a distinct identity in the global marketplace.
Her address resonated strongly with the audience, reinforcing the message that India’s entrepreneurial future will be shaped by innovation, global competitiveness and visionary thinking, with GIFT City playing a pivotal role in that journey.
