Archive · 23 Jul 2026
IIT Madras Professor Jhunjhunwala Advocates for 20 Million Entrepreneurs
Ashok Jhunjhunwala, a famous professor from IIT Madras, was honored at a book launch about his life.
He is known for helping start many companies in India.
The book, 'Roots and Wings,' was written by Sonali Malhotra, who wanted to thank him before it was too late.
At the event, Jhunjhunwala talked about how India needs many more entrepreneurs, not just a few.
He also shared stories about his work and how he believes in teaching people to learn rather than just pass exams.
The event was attended by many important people, including the Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Ashok Jhunjhunwala, an IIT Madras professor, was celebrated at the launch of his biography 'Roots and Wings'.
Jhunjhunwala emphasized the need for 20 million entrepreneurs in India to drive innovation and solve problems.
The Research Park at IIT Madras, funded without government money, has produced 350 startups worth Rs 70,000 crores.
Jhunjhunwala advocated for reducing the syllabus by 50% to focus on learning rather than exam passing.
He defended the women's reservation quota in IIT undergraduate admissions, which increased female representation to nearly a quarter.
- Who
- Ashok Jhunjhunwala, IIT Madras mathematics professor and mentor to many entrepreneurs.
- What
- Launch of the biography 'Roots and Wings' by Sonali Malhotra, discussing Jhunjhunwala's contributions to India's startup ecosystem.
- When
- Tuesday evening, specific date not mentioned.
- Where
- India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
- Why
- To celebrate Jhunjhunwala's impact on India's startup ecosystem and discuss the future of entrepreneurship in India.
Government Funding for Startups
Self-Sustaining Startup Ecosystem
Role of Government Funding
Government Funding for Startups
Government funding is crucial for the initial growth of startups and innovation.
Self-Sustaining Startup Ecosystem
Easy government funding can hurt the discipline and sustainability of startups.
- Professor
- Ashok Jhunjhunwala
- Book Title
- Roots and Wings
- Author
- Sonali Malhotra
- Startup Value
- Rs 70,000 crores
- Number of Startups
- 350
- Event Location
- India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
- Chief Guest
- Piyush Goyal
- Moderator
- Shradha Sharma