Celebrating Gujarat’s Business Educators on Teacher’s Day
There is no successful entrepreneur without a story and once you start to strip the layers off those startup stories, in many cases you will find a teacher or a mentor to be at the core of the story. Teachers Day is not only about celebrating the person who is at the head of a classroom. It is also about celebrating the mentors in our lives who have seen us through our darkest times, who have shown the light to us when we have no idea of what lies ahead. With the state of Gujarat being the birthplace of trade, innovation and enterprise, teachers and mentors are moulding the next generation of entrepreneurs by transforming ambition to action, ideas into enterprises.
Being an entrepreneur is usually a romanticized process. However, the truth is it is full of restless nights, unresolved issues, and times of self-doubt. That’s where mentors come in. And they do not merely dispense solutions. They cultivate clarity, character, and courage. On this Teacher’s Day, Gujpreneur takes a moment to recognise outstanding teachers and mentors of Gujarat who have influenced the lives of so many people and remain instrumental in the growth of entrepreneurship in India.
1. Dr. Bimal Solanki – SMPIC
“Mentorship or Teaching is important from my perspective because it helps the student learn from experienced people, gain new insights, and grow both personally and professionally. A good mentor will guide, support, and help them achieve their goals.”
For Bimal sir, teaching is not just about delivering knowledge; it’s about walking alongside students as they transform their business ideas into reality. Through SMPIC, he has nurtured minds that are not just academically strong but also ready to embrace the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Gujarat. His belief in experiential growth has made him a sought-after mentor for students looking to learn how to start a business with confidence.
2. Dr. Rashi Goplani – Director, LJ University Events Department
“A startup journey is often a whirlwind of ideas, risks, and ambition; so overwhelming that it generally blurs the very basics of business. So as to build big or quick, the entrepreneur tries to gain everything from all experiences around him. And that may dilute his vision. This is where a mentor steps in, not just as a guide but as a beacon, helping entrepreneurs anchor themselves in strong fundamentals and timeless values. True mentors don’t just teach skills; they nurture vision, character, and courage, ensuring growth is both ethical and impactful. On Teacher’s Day, we celebrate these guiding lights, whose passion , wisdom and courage turns entrepreneurial dreams into legacies.”
Her words perfectly capture the chaos and charm of being an entrepreneur. Dr. Rashi Goplani reminds us that while startups thrive on hustle, true mentorship ensures this hustle does not blur the fundamentals. She represents a voice of calm and clarity in a noisy world, ensuring that entrepreneurs carry forward legacies, not just businesses.
3. Saloni Parikh – Educator & Mentor
“A mentor- teacher – guru is the one who brings light and removes darkness from life and our goals. Times come when we utilise our full potential however things seems half there comes a role of the mentor who fills the cup with what they have and helps us become better. In our Indian tradition guru shishya parampara has been rooted with an intent that when we cannot see the path ahead or it is a blur the guru points light to the next step and instills confidence in shishya to lead life with courage and integrity.”
Saloni’s philosophy blends deep-rooted Indian tradition with modern entrepreneurial struggles. For young founders in Gujarat, her vision means that a mentor is not just a professional advisor, but a guiding light who brings courage during uncertainty. Her mentorship emphasizes not only setting up your business but sustaining it with integrity and resilience.
4. Vaibhav Kadia – Assistant Professor & Academic Registrar, Ahmedabad University
“In a world driven by Google and AI, the role and contribution of teachers as mentors in one’s life have actually increased significantly. Anyone can suggest what to do in life, but only a mentor can guide us on what’s the right thing to do at the right time and in the right way. In the age of social media, everyone will praise us, but only a mentor can point out where we’re lacking and where we need to improve.”
Vaibhav Kadia’s words are a sharp reminder of why mentorship is timeless. Amid a flood of advice, likes, and algorithm-driven affirmations, his take grounds us in the truth that a mentor is often the only one who dares to show us our blind spots. For startups, this honesty is a gift that ensures long-term success.
5. Dr. Jasmin Padiya – Associate Professor, GLS University
“The knowledge of a mentor and the courage of entrepreneurship make a winning combination.”
Short, powerful, and true! Jasmin sir captures in one line what many business stories demonstrate. Courage without knowledge can fail, and knowledge without courage can remain dormant. His mentorship is about striking that perfect balance, making him an anchor for students who aspire to step into the world of entrepreneurship in Gujarat.
6. Dr. Falguni Vasavda – Professor of Strategic Marketing, MICA
A professor, a social media influencer, and a TEDx speaker, Dr. Vasavda is a powerhouse of inspiration. Known for her vibrant Instagram presence, she teaches not just strategic marketing but also self-expression, confidence, and the art of storytelling. She has redefined what it means to be a mentor in modern times, making business lessons accessible and engaging for young businesses eager to create impact beyond profit.
7. Dr. Bijal Zaveri – Dean, Faculty of Management Studies, Parul University
From Vadodara, Dr. Zaveri has built a reputation as an approachable leader who believes in practical business learning. Her focus is on creating managers who understand not only corporate structures but also the entrepreneurial heartbeat of Gujarat. Her presence bridges academics with industry, inspiring countless students to turn their startup stories into successful ventures.
8. Dr. Varsha Jain – Professor of Marketing, MICA
As an expert in luxury, digital, and Gen Z marketing, Dr. Jain is shaping the next wave of entrepreneurs who must think digitally first. Her work connects the dots between evolving consumer behavior and innovative business models, making her mentorship invaluable for trending entrepreneurs aiming for scale in competitive industries.
9. Professor Jeemol Unni – Professor of Economics, Ahmedabad University
Professor Unni is an economist with a vision. She encourages entrepreneurs to look at the larger picture of how markets, labour, and society intertwine with startups. For her, mentorship is not limited to profits; it’s about creating businesses that are socially conscious and responsible. Her voice gives Gujarat’s entrepreneurship stories in India a foundation of ethics and inclusivity.
Conclusion
On Teacher’s Day we do not simply applaud those who gave us formulas, strategies, or theories, we applaud those who were with us when the formula failed, when the strategy failed and when the theory fell face to face with reality, which is so erratic. These ten teachers of Gujarat are living evidence that mentorship is not the by-product in the entrepreneurial context, but the core.
They serve as a reminder that running a business is not only a matter of buying and selling, but it is a matter of changing. It is the construction of legacies based on vision, principles and boldness. With Gujarat still shining as the land of entrepreneurs, we must bear in mind: in the DNA of any successful startup there must be the wisdom of a teacher.
On this Teachers Day, Gujpreneur honours the professors, mentors, and guides of Gujarat who are still shaping the future generation of business people because behind every successful business in Gujarat, there will always be that light of guidance called a teacher.
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