‘Mera Sapna, Meri Shakti’ initiative encourages young people and girls to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams
Lucknow, October 2026 : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, efforts to connect young people in Uttar Pradesh with employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities are being expanded. As part of this initiative, Uttar Pradesh Industrial Consultants Limited (UPICON) launched its mascot, ‘Udyami Buddy’, at Youth Adda centres across the state during Navratri to encourage young people and women entrepreneurs.
The initiative aims to motivate young people, particularly girls, to identify their aspirations, develop their skills and transform their ideas into viable businesses.
Hundreds of young people enthusiastically participated in programmes organised at Youth Adda centres in several districts, including Lucknow, Moradabad, Azamgarh, Mirzapur, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Gonda and Varanasi. Participants included young women interested in starting their own businesses as well as women who are already engaged in entrepreneurial activities.
‘Mera Sapna, Meri Shakti’ Promotes Self-Reliance
As part of the programme, an activity titled ‘Mera Sapna, Meri Shakti’ (My Dream, My Strength) was organised. Participants were asked to write down their dreams and identify the skills they wished to acquire in the future.
The activity was designed to help young women and men recognise their interests and capabilities and explore ways to develop their ideas into business ventures. Outstanding participants were also rewarded.
‘Udyami Buddy’ Symbolises the Aspirations of Young India
Designed as a young girl, the ‘Udyami Buddy’ mascot represents a new generation that seeks opportunities through talent and skills while aspiring to establish its own identity.
By linking the initiative with Navratri’s message of women’s empowerment and self-reliance, UPICON aims to encourage young women to become financially independent and pursue entrepreneurship with confidence.
Youth Connected with Government Schemes
During the programmes, participants were informed about the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (CM YUVA), the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana and other loan and assistance schemes offered by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department.
Young participants were informed that financial assistance and guidance available through government schemes could help them turn their business ideas into reality.
Through its Youth Adda centres, UPICON is working to provide entrepreneurship-related information, guidance and access to government support programmes. The initiative also reinforces the Yogi government's vision of transforming young people from job seekers into job creators.
Encouraging Youth to Create Jobs
UPICON Managing Director Praveen Singh said the initiative was aimed at connecting young people, particularly women, with entrepreneurial opportunities and encouraging them not only to seek employment but also to generate jobs themselves.
He said Youth Adda centres provide young people with opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship, receive guidance and access relevant government schemes.
“Udyami Buddy” is more than just a mascot; it conveys a message encouraging young people to dream big, acquire new skills and become self-reliant, Singh said.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh by raising awareness about business opportunities, promoting women's economic empowerment and helping young people access the resources needed to establish their own ventures.
