Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Khandelwal Says Adani Wants Business Leader In Every City
There is a big project in India called the Vande Bharatam initiative that helps ordinary people with clever ideas start their own businesses.
An actor named Rajeev Khandelwal is the host and helper for this project.
He said the project is like a revolution because it helps people make things themselves instead of depending on others.
The famous businessman Gautam Adani wants India to have a great business leader in every city, not just one.
More people joined the project than expected, with over 26,000 people sending in their ideas.
The best ideas were picked, and those people went to special camps where they learned how to make their ideas better.
Then they showed their ideas to important business leaders who encouraged them.
Many ideas were about helping farmers and people with disabilities, and lots of women joined too.
The Adani Group does not take a share of these new businesses, but some mentors gave money to help and became partners.
This way, many new businesses can grow and make India stronger.
Rajeev Khandelwal, host and brand ambassador, described the Vande Bharatam initiative as a revolution fostering self-reliance through grassroots ideas.
Gautam Adani envisions India nurturing an entrepreneurial leader in every city rather than producing just one Gautam Adani.
The initiative drew over 26,000 registrations, far exceeding the organising team's initial expectation of around 15,000.
Selected participants attended specialised bootcamps and presented refined proposals to industry leaders, including Gautam Adani.
The Adani Group takes no equity or stakes in participating ventures, while several mentors directly invested in projects and became business partners.
- Who
- Rajeev Khandelwal (host and brand ambassador), Gautam Adani, the Adani Group, and thousands of Indian innovators.
- What
- The Vande Bharatam initiative supporting grassroots entrepreneurs through bootcamps, mentorship, and presentations to industry leaders.
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- India
- Why
- To build a self-reliant nation and turn the 'Make in India' vision into reality by nurturing entrepreneurial talent across the country.
- Initiative
- Vande Bharatam
- Host and Brand Ambassador
- Rajeev Khandelwal
- Registrations Received
- Over 26,000
- Registrations Expected
- Around 15,000
- Adani Group Equity Stance
- No equity or stakes taken in participating ventures
- Focus Areas
- Real-world challenges faced by farmers and persons with disabilities
- Women Entrepreneur Participation
- Strong
- Evaluation Method
- Scoring system focused on mentorship and open support