Report on the Workshop: ‘Transformative Journey from Academics to Entrepreneurship’

The Entrepreneurship Cell in association with the Training, Internship & Placement Cell of VVM’s Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law successfully organized a workshop on ‘Transformative Journey from Academics to Entrepreneurship’ on 25th February 2025 at the G.D. Auditorium. The event aimed to bridge the gap between academics and entrepreneurship by providing students with insights into the entrepreneurial journey.

The workshop commenced at 12:45 PM with an engaging welcome by the event comperers, Mast. Ethan Louie Lopes and Ms. Rukhsar Khan. Following the introduction, Assistant Professor Ms. Rozena Correia, In-charge of the Entrepreneurship Cell, formally introduced the Chief Guest and Resource Person, Mr. Sairaj Gaurish Dhond. Mr. Dhond is the Founder and CEO of Wakao Foods, a pioneering brand dedicated to sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Initially a criminal lawyer, he transitioned into sustainable entrepreneurship, driven by his passion for creating eco-friendly brands with a global impact. Recognizing the growing need for vegan and sustainable food options, he embarked on a journey to develop plant-based meat alternatives. After rigorous trials and collaborations with renowned chefs, he successfully launched Wakao Foods, which has gained prominence for its innovative jackfruit-based products. In addition to Wakao, he is also involved in businesses related to branded lighting, solar solutions, and property restoration, showcasing his diverse entrepreneurial spirit.

During his address, Mr. Dhond shared invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial world, emphasizing the importance of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. He spoke about the challenges he faced while transitioning from law to business, highlighting the significance of pursuing one’s passion with dedication. His engaging session provided students with a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship beyond conventional academic paths.

As a token of appreciation, a memento was presented to Mr. Dhond by Assistant Professor Sapresh Devidas, a member of the Entrepreneurship Cell and also the Training, Internship, and Placement Cell. The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Assistant Professor Ms. Sonali Naik, In-charge of Training and Internship Cell, who expressed gratitude to the resource person, faculty members, and participants for making the event a success.

The workshop received an overwhelming response from students, who actively participated and gained valuable knowledge about entrepreneurship. The event not only inspired aspiring entrepreneurs but also provided a platform for meaningful discussions on innovation and sustainability in the business world. It was a remarkable session that left students motivated to explore unconventional career paths and entrepreneurial ventures.