Bengaluru, Feb 16: The vibrancy of India’s rural enterprise ecosystem was on full display at WEutsav 2026, a one-day exhibition celebrating rural women entrepreneurship, held at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium. Supported by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, and organized by WeAct, the event showcased the innovation, resilience, and enterprise of women entrepreneurs from across 15 states.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, alongside distinguished guests including Mr. Daniel Thomas (Vice President, CSR), Prof. Dr. Yathindra L (Director – NIFT), Mr. Pinaki Srimany (Associate VP, CSR), Mr. Suneel Kumar (Joint Director, DIC Bengaluru), Ms. Kirthika Tharan (Founder, Hepta Senz), and Dr. Raman Gujral (Director, Dept. of CSR Partnerships, EDII).
WEutsav attracted over 2,000 visitors and generated sales worth approximately ₹10 lakh, featuring a wide array of handmade, craft-based, and sustainable products rooted in India’s rich cultural heritage. The event offered immersive experiences through state-wise zones, live craft demonstrations, cultural performances, and curated sales stalls, allowing visitors to engage directly with entrepreneurs and learn the stories behind each creation.
“WEutsav reflects the strength of women entrepreneurs from across India, bringing their enterprise, culture, and innovation to a national platform. At EDII, we are committed to enabling market access, strengthening value chains, and providing support systems so that rural women-led businesses become sustainable and scalable,” said Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.
The event also recognized outstanding achievements:
- Ms. Noorjahan received the University of Notre Dame Award for Business Building, for creating sustainable economic impact through enterprise.
- Ms. Sajini and Ms. Renuka were awarded ₹1.7 lakh each under the Coca-Cola Microgrant, for their efforts in driving economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
Youth engagement was a key focus, with participation from 25+ top colleges and 50+ students, fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking. Student teams with outstanding business ideas were recognized, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Through WEutsav 2026, WeAct, with institutional support from EDII, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening rural entrepreneurship ecosystems by providing visibility, market linkages, and recognition to women entrepreneurs, empowering them to scale their businesses sustainably.