Entrepreneurship Development Cell of Poornaprajna Institute of Management, Poornaprajna Centre for Research and Development, and Karnataka Bank jointly organised a workshop titled” Unleashing Potential- Sharing Entrepreneurship Journey” with Mrs. Vimala Chandrashekar, the CEO of Adarsha Hospital Udupi on 10th July 2023.
The Entrepreneurship Development Cell of PIM, in collaboration with Karnataka Bank and Poornaprajna Rotary Manipal Centre for Social Empowerment, organized an enlightening program featuring Mrs. Vimala Chandrashekar, CEO of Adarsha Hospital. The event aimed to provide valuable insights into her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting her challenges and triumphs.
Mrs. Vimala Chandrashekar, a distinguished entrepreneur, shared her journey step by step. Despite marrying early and becoming a mother, she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree at PPC College. She actively assisted her husband, Dr. G.S. Chandrashekar, in managing Adarsha Hospital, eventually becoming an expert in operations management.
Mrs. Chandrashekar addressed various challenges, emphasizing her expertise in managing people. She discussed her approach to handling interpersonal conflicts among staff and the importance of maintaining professionalism. She shared instances of gender disparities and how she overcame stereotypes related to her educational background.
The CEO stressed the significance of going to the depth of any problem, consulting experts, and understanding industry practices. She narrated instances where suppliers doubted her understanding of medical instruments, highlighting her commitment to thorough knowledge and continuous learning. Mrs. Chandrashekar obtained an MBA in Hospital Administration from IGNOU while managing the hospital.
Mrs. Chandrashekar emphasized the importance of hard work and preparation. Despite her role as the CEO, she dedicated time to her children, both of whom are qualified doctors, proving that success is achievable with commitment and proper time management.
During her address, Mrs. Vimala Chandrashekar shared a compelling incident that underscored her determination to break gender stereotypes. She recounted an experience when she sought a test drive from a Mercedes-Benz seller. Initially met with reluctance and hesitation, the executive finally agreed but with evident skepticism.
Undeterred, Mrs. Chandrashekar took the wheel and showcased her driving expertise. The executive, realizing his misjudgment, apologized for his initial reluctance. This incident served as a powerful illustration to the students that gender should never be a hindrance in pursuing any profession. Mrs. Chandrashekar emphasized the importance of acquiring diverse skills, noting that she even knew how to change a tire if needed.
She conveyed a resounding message that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated roles by showcasing competence and perseverance. Mrs. Chandrashekar firmly believes in shattering preconceived notions and encourages women to equip themselves with the necessary skills to navigate any professional terrain.
However, despite her achievements, Mrs. Chandrashekar humbly attributed her success to the unwavering support of her husband, Dr. Chandrashekar. She acknowledged his pivotal role in her journey, from supporting her education to encouraging her to pursue a master’s degree and gain expertise in hospital management. Dr. Chandrashekar’s respect, trust, and empowerment, including appointing her as the Chief Executive Officer of their organization, played a crucial role in Mrs. Chandrashekar’s remarkable accomplishments.
In essence, this anecdote served as a testament to the collaborative and supportive partnership between Mrs. Vimala Chandrashekar and her husband, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where individuals can thrive and break societal norms.
 The program featured Dr. Krishna Kothaya and Dr. AP Bhat, who spoke about the significance of the event. Dr. Bharathi Karanth welcomed the chief guest and attendees, while Dr. Bharath presided over the program.   Dr. Sukanya Mary, the principal of SPEC, and the manager of Karnataka Bank, Udupi, were present. The Master of Ceremony, Mrs. Shruthi Raj, and Mr. Sumanth, who reported on the Prajna Craft Mela, added to the event’s vibrancy.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes for competitions held during the Prajna Craft Mela. Mr.Sameer Hegde read out the list of prize winners. Ms. Akshatha Shetty extended a formal vote of thanks to all participants and sponsors. A handcrafted memento by Ms. Vaishnavi Hebbar was presented to the chief guest as a token of appreciation.
The program provided students with valuable lessons from Mrs. Vimala Chandrashekar’s entrepreneurial journey. The collaboration between the Entrepreneurship Development Cell, Karnataka Bank, and Poornaprajna Rotary Manipal Centre for Social Empowerment ensured the success of this insightful event.
Refreshments, generously sponsored by PRMCSE, were served to all participants, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
    
