Pune: “Economic growth is the foundation of national progress. However, instead of pursuing only individual wealth, we must aim for collective and inclusive prosperity. True development of India will be achieved only through shared economic growth built on ethical and transparent practices,” said Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, while inaugurating the Economy and Entrepreneurship Conference organized by the Hindu Economic Forum (HEF) on Tuesday evening.
The conference, held under the auspices of the HEF Pune District Chapter, brought together leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Swami Vigyananand, founder of the World Hindu Foundation; Justice Madan Gosavi; Girish Chitale of Chitale Group; Hanmantrao Gaikwad, founder of BVG Group; and Gaurav Tripathi, president of HEF Pune, were among the dignitaries present.
On the occasion, the Governor also released two books — The Hindu Manifesto by Swami Vigyananand and Viksit Bharat – India 2047 by Aditya Pitti.
Varma emphasized that professionals and entrepreneurs across fields — business, engineering, medicine, and others — must base their prosperity on integrity. “Hindu entrepreneurs must unite to drive economic growth. The roots of this movement should lie in our cultural soil, but its branches must spread globally. Our ancient wisdom must be connected with modern technology to create a balanced, ethical, and prosperous economy,” he said.
He further noted that economic benefits should reach all sections of society, not just a privileged few. Entrepreneurs with a sense of national duty and social responsibility are essential. Prosperity should bring with it compassion, morality, and accountability — only then can we achieve the dream of a developed India,” he added.
In his address, Swami Vigyananand said India needs to move beyond the mindset of “rituals and festivities” to focus on strengthening its financial ecosystem. “We have immense intelligence and talent, but it works in isolation. When it comes together, it will power a dynamic economy. Entrepreneurs and traders must be respected, and our youth must join this mission of economic awakening,” he said.
Hanmantrao Gaikwad shared the inspiring journey of the BVG Group, while Gaurav Tripathi highlighted HEF’s mission to connect Hindu entrepreneurs globally through networking and idea exchange. “The forum aims to facilitate collaboration, innovation, and new opportunities for value creation,” he noted.
The event began with a ceremonial shankhnaad (conch-blowing) and lamp-lighting. Asavari Kudele, Mahesh Waghmare, and Piyush Lathi were felicitated during the program. Jayesh Meena proposed the vote of thanks, while Neeraja Apte compered the event. Secretaries Shubham Katangale and Rahul Joshi coordinated the arrangements.
Two panel discussions followed the inauguration, featuring entrepreneurs Aditya Pitti, Hanmantrao Gaikwad, Bharat Agarwal, Dr. Gunjan Bhardwaj, Prashant Joglekar, Harshvardhan Gune, Lalitkumar Pahawa, and Varun Khandare, who shared their insights on collective economic growth and entrepreneurship.
