A Circle of Life Moment at Nirma

A Circle of Life Moment at Nirma
This Monday felt like a circle of life moment. I had the opportunity to moderate a panel with fellow Nirma alumni founders at the NIM Auditorium.

We spoke to the undergrad batch about how our journeys have evolved, the things we did as students, what led us to become founders/operators, and what we might do differently if we were to begin our student life in 2025.

Tejal Upadhyay ma’am has been doing an incredible job of keeping the entrepreneurial buzz on campus alive. If you’re a Nirma alum, do reach out to her, or let me know and I’ll make the intro. We need more alumni to come back, share their journeys, and engage with students.

Coincidentally, four of us, Bhakti Dudhara (Aubergine), Hemal Patel (Ray), Pratik Vohera (Petpooja), and myself, were from the same class: 01 IT ; I was very infamous as 01IT010. That made it even more special. Abhishek Desai (Cricheroes) and Samir Motwani (Salesmate) were the other speakers. 

Back then, I probably visited the NIM library more often than my classes. This time, I was leading the discussions in the NIM Auditorium. A surreal feeling.

We used to read about “super successful” people coming back to campus during annual functions. Today, thanks to the wave of startups and entrepreneurship, many of us get that chance earlier, even if we are not yet that successful, one of the small but meaningful benefits of being founders.

Startup Stream

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

“When we launched LegalWiz.in back in 2016, concept of procuring legal and compliance services through a digital commerce platform wasn't as prominent in India. eChai played a significant role in providing the early adopters, and building significant positioning in the startup fraternity. Overtime, eChai grew to be a massive network of like-minded entrepreneurs and extended that benefit to all the members in a true "co-rise" spirit. I personally love to attend eChai events, learn from subject matter experts who share relatable and actionable insights and experiences. For startup journeys, it is so important to be surrounded by people who can add relevance, perspective, and push you to do better. Most importantly a group of people where you aren't being judged about things going right or wrong, but be a motivational force that keeps you going, yet keeping you in check. eChai is that place for me!”
Shrijay Sheth - Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
Shrijay Sheth
Founder at LegalWiz.in and Hire4Higher Consulting
"eChai has been a game-changer for Hungrito, providing us with invaluable connections, insights, and opportunities that have significantly fueled our growth. eChai has introduced us to a global network of entrepreneurs and experts, fueling our growth and opening doors to new opportunities from Ahmedabad to Dubai. The community has become like a second family to us, providing support, guidance, and valuable insights as startup entrepreneurs."
Sahil Shah - Founder- Hungrito & Netsavvies. Digital Marketing Evangelist
Sahil Shah
Founder- Hungrito & Netsavvies. Digital Marketing Evangelist
"I attended my first eChai event 3 yrs back, and no one knew me in the market. Over the next three years, eChai didn’t only help me with knowledge or networking, but it gave me an identity from being unknown to now being recognized by a group of inspirational entrepreneurs connected with eChai, who have been gracious enough to acknowledge me and Digipple."
Viraj Rajani - Co-Founder, Digipple
Viraj Rajani
Co-Founder, Digipple

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