Cohort One: Empowering Coastal Communities Through Innovation and Collaboration

Bhoomiputra Foundation’s Cohort One stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and dedication. This groundbreaking initiative, held in partnership with ICAR-CIFE (Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai), brought together coastal communities, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to drive sustainable development and innovation.

Inauguration of Cohort One

From Vision to Action

The journey began with a bold idea: to bridge the gap between technology, academia, and grassroots communities. Bhoomiputra Foundation approached ICAR-CIFE’s Agri-Business Incubation program with a proposal to create a unique cohort aimed at empowering fishers, farmers, and budding entrepreneurs. This marked a significant milestone as the Foundation secured its first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the central government institution, setting the stage for a collaborative effort.

An Inspiring Two-Day Event

Held over two days at ICAR-CIFE, the cohort featured a dynamic lineup of activities and discussions. It brought together:

• Over 100 fishers and farmers, eager to learn and adapt to sustainable practices.

• 25 agri-business startups, showcasing innovative solutions and ideas.

• 25 students, reflecting the government’s focus on promoting youth entrepreneurship.

The sessions were designed to foster knowledge exchange, introduce new opportunities, and encourage collaboration among all participants.

Leadership and Support

The event was graced by the presence of Shri Ram Naik, Former Governor of Uttar Pradesh, who provided his blessings and inspired the participants. Joining him were ICAR-CIFE’s Vice Chancellor and Director, Dr. C.N. Ravishankar, and Jt. Director, Dr. N.P. Sahu, whose expertise and support were instrumental in the program’s success. Shri Shantanu Bhadkamkar, Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s Committee, also shared valuable insights on entrepreneurship and growth.

Impact and Recognition

The success of Cohort One was amplified by the involvement of media partners, including Maharashtra Times and Fishery News, ensuring the initiative reached a wider audience. This event laid a strong foundation for future cohorts, highlighting the importance of collaboration in empowering the “sons of the soil” to embrace sustainable growth and innovation.

Cohort One was not just an event—it was a movement that showcased how vision, planning, and execution can bring transformative change to coastal communities. This success story marks the beginning of many such impactful initiatives by Bhoomiputra Foundation.