BB Desk
Vande Bharatam, the nationwide initiative launched by Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, to identify and nurture grassroots innovators and entrepreneurs, has announced acclaimed actor, television host and entrepreneur Rajeev Khandelwal as its Ambassador and Host.
In his dual role, Khandelwal will lead key moments of the Vande Bharatam journey, engaging with finalists, mentors and industry experts before hosting the Grand Finale in Ahmedabad around Independence Day. As the face of the initiative, he will also help amplify its mission of bringing entrepreneurial talent from small towns, villages and underserved regions into the national spotlight.
Known for his work across television, films and digital entertainment, Khandelwal has built a strong connection with audiences across India. His experience as a host and storyteller makes him a natural fit for an initiative focused on uncovering inspiring entrepreneurial journeys from beyond the country’s established start-up ecosystems.
Speaking about the launch, Gautam Adani said, “When I began my journey, I had nothing. Everything I am and everything I have achieved was given to me by the soil of Bharat. There is no shortage of talent in our nation, but opportunity has not always reached every corner of the country.
“India has built one of the world’s largest start-up ecosystems, yet most founders still emerge from a handful of cities. Vande Bharatam is our effort to discover the innovators, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs whose ideas deserve recognition, support and a larger platform. We invite every Indian with the courage to build and the determination to create to come forward and participate,” added Adani.
Sharing his thoughts on the association, Rajeev Khandelwal shared, “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people with remarkable stories, but Vande Bharatam is unique because it seeks those stories before they become widely known. Being able to help innovators from small towns and villages gain the recognition they deserve is both an honour and a responsibility. I’m excited to meet these changemakers and introduce their journeys to the nation.”
Vande Bharatam is currently conducting a nationwide search for innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers across all 36 States and Union Territories, covering more than 800 districts. Following a rigorous multi-stage selection process, 75 finalists will be invited to Ahmedabad for an immersive programme featuring mentorship, networking with industry leaders and investors, and valuable business interactions before competing at the Grand Finale around Independence Day.
