Guru Ram Das Centre for Economic Growth, Ludhiana Organises Seminar on Punjab's Development

Ludhiana, July 22, 2026: Guru Ram Das Centre for Economic Growth, an initiative of the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, Ludhiana organised a special seminar on the theme "Emerging Technologies and Entrepreneurship for Punjab's Economic Development." The seminar was attended by economists, bankers, entrepreneurs, academicians and students to deliberate on innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth as the foundational need of Punjab's future prosperity. Engineer Ramandeep Singh from California, an eminent development consultant was keynote speaker.
Er. Ramandeep Singh who is also a motivational speaker urged the youth to adopt an optimistic outlook and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. He encouraged youth to begin with even the smallest business ventures and gradually scale them into successful enterprises through determination, innovation and perseverance. Sharing his global experience, he discussed opportunities in real estate, industry, trade, investment, agriculture and local businesses. Stressing that entrepreneurship is the key to sustainable economic growth, he appealed to investors to support promising start-ups on the lines of the popular "Shark Tank" model. While admitting that cities like Mohali have potential to become a modern growth hub, greater investment, innovation and participation in emerging sectors such as AI are essential for achieving long-term economic success.
Dr. Balwinder Pal Singh, an economics professor (Retd.) emphasised that the real engine of economic progress lied in research, technological innovation and continuous product development. He observed that nations who led in innovation created successive generations of technology, while others largely remained users of older versions while the pioneer moved on. Jaspal Singh Pinky,  General Secretary of the Centre and a former AGM, Punjab & Sind Bank, highlighted the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on economies across the United States, Europe and the rest of the world. He underlined the need for Punjab to prepare itself for this rapidly evolving technological landscape. Sardar K.B. Singh, Director of the Centre and former Deputy General Manager, Punjab National Bank, explained the importance of seed capital, skill development and institutional support for small businesses. Drawing upon economist Joseph Schumpeter's theory of entrepreneurship, he outlined the five categories of entrepreneurs and appreciated the practical insights shared by the keynote speaker.
Dr. Apwinder Kaur who also came from California advised students to complete their professional degrees before considering overseas opportunities. She particularly encouraged nursing students to pursue postgraduate studies abroad, explaining that highly qualified nurses in many countries are now gradually being authorised to prescribe medicines for common ailments in collaboration with physicians, subject to clearing the prescribed licensing examinations in ffederal states. Senior banker Ms. Jasmeet Kaur responded to questions from students of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and highlighted the immense potential of agricultural value addition and food processing as viable entrepreneurial opportunities for farmers. Another Banker Mr. Jaskeerat Singh also shared his practical experiences of entrepreneurship and self-employment.
PAU student Anuragdeep Singh, of M.Sc. Agronomy, spoke about his diversified farming enterprise and candidly acknowledged the importance of balancing innovation with calculated risk-taking. Perry Garg, a student of Horticulture Science, presented his work on a garlic processing machine. Er. Ramandeep Singh observed that while the technology may presently be suitable for local-scale operations, it has significant potential for small and medium enterprises also.
[22-07-2026 03:42 PM] Brij Bhushsn Goyal: Retired banker and noted socio-economic writer Brij Bhushan Goyal shared his experiences from international visits and advocated strengthening cooperative institutions to enable agriculture to be undertaken on a larger and more competitive scale by rewarding all stakeholder justifiably. Industrialist Harjit Singh Khalsa observed that honesty, transparency and sound public policy are indispensable for sustained development, adding that developed nations have advanced largely because of stronger institutional integrity and ethical business practices. Founder Member and Overseas Director of the circle ,Sardar Gurmeet Singh appreciated the keynote address and suggested that India should introduce support mechanisms similar to those available in developed countries, where genuine entrepreneurs receive institutional assistance even if their ventures fail. He also recommended creating stronger linkages between medium and large investors and emerging entrepreneurs and urged the Centre to continue organising such meaningful seminars.
Also present on the occasion were Sardar Hardeep Singh (Chief Administrator), Surjit Singh Lohian (President, Ludhiana Zone), Harpreet Singh, Gurjinder Singh, social activist and real estate entrepreneur Harvinder Singh Kathuria, retired AGM S. Varinder Pal Singh, and Master Bhupinder Singh, besides a large number of entrepreneurs, professionals and students.
Er. Ramandeep Singh and Dr. Apwinder Kaur were honoured by the Centre with mementoes of precious books in recognition of their valuable contributions in the society.