Raipur, June 16, 2025/ A new ray of hope has now emerged in the lives of the youth of Dantewada, who once struggled with challenges. This change has come through a unique and unprecedented initiative at the center of which are Indian Institute of Management IIM Raipur, Dantewada District Administration and Chhattisgarh Government.

When the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program Batch-2 concluded at IIM Raipur on June 13, 2025, not only certificates were distributed on the stage, but wings were given to the dreams of the youth.This two-month residential program provided in-depth education to 50 selected youth from Dantewada on various facets of industry, business and innovation. 

The youth of Dantewada, who once lived amidst limited opportunities and unstable conditions, are now able to see a clear picture of their business dreams.Rakesh Yadav of Dantewada, who has received entrepreneurship training at IIM, says that this training taught him that Mahua and Tamarind of our forests can also become the basis of employment. Now I don't just dream, I have moved towards realizing them.Participants like Abhishek Gupta from Kirandul, Tejasv Kumar and Neelam Pandey from Bijapur said that IIM training is proving to be a turning point in their lives.