Empowering the Marginalized Community through EDP – A Social Entrepreneurship Initiative Implemented by CED (Tamil Nadu) at Madurai

Abstract

The first Entrepreneurship experiment in India was successfully conducted by David McClelland in Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) during mid 60s. Through the experiment, it was proved that Entrepreneurs could be created through training. However, the formal promotion of Entrepreneurship Development started in this country only during early 80s. Thus, India has more than 25 years of experience in Entrepreneurship promotion. For a number of years, Entrepreneurship Promotion in India was associated with starting of a small business or micro enterprise. Experiences demonstrated that the purpose of Entrepreneurship training was to bring the best out of the person. Initially the trainees of Entrepreneurship Development Programme were equipped with knowledge and skill to succeed in commercial enterprises. However, we should appreciate the fact that entrepreneurial capabilities need not be confined to business situations alone. They can be exhibited in the job situations and also in the service organizations striving for social objectives. Thus, Entrepreneurship is increasingly applied in variety of situations. Therefore, Entrepreneurship needs to be promoted as a culture rather than as a specific activity or a discipline.