Rama Krishna Sangem
Aruna Dasari, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) Telangana president, has been appointed as its National Women’s president. Her appointment has been announced by DICCI National Chairman Milind Kamble and DICCI National President Ravi Kumar Narra, in Pune, on March 8, Saturday.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of DICCI celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. DICCI a pioneering initiative to promote and develop entrepreneurs among the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) in tune with the ideals of Dr BR Ambedkar, has nation-wide presence.
The selection of Aruna Dasari as National Women’s President aligns with the Government of India’s ambitious goal to empower and develop 500,000 women entrepreneurs across the country. This initiative reflects the recognition of women’s potential to contribute significantly to economic growth and employment generation. Aruna’s impressive background and unwavering commitment make her an ideal figure to lead this transformative journey.
Aruna’s inspiring journey
Aruna Dasari was born and raised in the slum area of Kakaguda, in Hyderabad where she faced numerous challenges from an early age. The daughter of an Air India employee and a homemaker, she grew up in a household that emphasized the importance of education and hard work.
Her father was her role model, instilling confidence in her from childhood, while both her mother and father taught her strong values that shaped her character. With two younger siblings to care for, Aruna nurtured dreams of financial independence and aspired to be a role model for her children.
Determined to improve her circumstances, Aruna pursued higher education and completed her Post-Graduate degree in MBA with a specialization in Human Resource Management. Her academic achievements not only equipped her with valuable knowledge but also fueled her ambition to start her own business.
Despite her qualifications, Aruna faced a harsh reality when she sought funding to launch her entrepreneurial dreams. Many banks rejected her applications for loans, primarily due to her gender. This experience highlighted the systemic challenges that women entrepreneurs often face in securing financial support.
During this challenging phase, Ravi Kumar Narra provided invaluable mentorship, encouraging her to participate in the 21 days residential Entrepreneur Development Program (EDP) called IGNITE, which she fully embraced in 2013.
The IGNITE training was a transformative experience for Aruna. It equipped her with essential knowledge and confidence, enabling her to navigate the complexities of business management and financial acquisition. Armed with the skills acquired during the program, she returned to the banks, ultimately securing the loan she needed.
With her newfound confidence, Aruna became actively involved in the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI). Her dedication and leadership qualities helped her rise through the ranks—from serving as a women coordinator to becoming a National Council member. She eventually took on the roles of Vice President and then State President for Telangana over the past four years.
Throughout her journey in DICCI, she found immense support from everyone, including National President Ravi Kumar Narra, South India Women’s Mentor Vanajakshi Narra, and all her DICCI colleagues, who stood by her and encouraged her at every step. Ravi Kumar Narra has always been a great guide and mentor, providing unwavering support and inspiration throughout her journey.
Milind Kamble, the Founder Chairman of DICCI, and Seema Kamble, the National Women Mentor of DICCI, have always been an inspiration, guiding and motivating Aruna in her path to success.
Aruna married her friend from a different community, and her husband, Venu Madhav, was extremely supportive of her ambitions. He encouraged her to follow her passion and carve out a niche for herself. Her in-laws were also very supportive, especially her father-in-law, who took care of her children in her absence, allowing her to focus on building her business and fulfilling her aspirations.
Aruna’s entrepreneurial journey began earnestly with the founding of Ananya Greentech in 2014, a company focused on solid waste management. Recognizing the environmental challenges posed by waste, Aruna was motivated to find solutions to the growing problem. Within three years of launching Ananya Greentech, she expanded her ventures to include Ananya Polymers and Poly Greentech, both companies focused on manufacturing plastic components.
Started her own venture
Aruna’s choice to enter the plastic industry stemmed from her concern about the hazardous waste generated in the country. In 2014, she established her recycling company, which was instrumental in addressing waste issues. By 2017, she had ventured into injection molding, catering to the dairy industry, and expanded further in 2019 to produce a variety of domestic items and engineering components.
While managing her growing responsibilities in DICCI, Aruna continued to take care of her industry with the help of her husband, Venu Madhav. His unwavering support allowed her to balance both her entrepreneurial journey and leadership roles within DICCI, ensuring that she could contribute effectively to both endeavors.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Aruna has emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities for others. She states, “Being a woman entrepreneur gives me immense satisfaction because I can generate employment and support families that depend on me.” Her contributions not only uplift her own family but also foster community growth and contribute to the economic development of the country.
In a groundbreaking announcement that resonates profoundly within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the National Committee has elevated Aruna Dasari to the prestigious position of National Women’s President. This honor was bestowed upon her during the celebrations of International Women’s Day held at the Lemon Tree Hotel in Pune. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Sheetal Pawar and Guests of Honour Padma Shree Milind Kamble and Padma Shree Ravi Kumar Narra.
New Role as DICCI National Women’s president
As National Women’s President, Aruna has set forth an impactful agenda with a focus on creating more women entrepreneurs. Her vision is clear: to foster an environment where aspiring female entrepreneurs can thrive, gain access to resources, and acquire the knowledge necessary for success. Her experience with organizations like DICCI showcases her dedication to uplifting women in business, enabling them to navigate the challenges they encounter.
DICCI is planning to conduct a Women Conclave in Hyderabad this April. This event will serve as a platform for women entrepreneurs from across India to engage, network, and share experiences. The conclave aims to empower attendees with essential skills and connect them with mentors who can guide them on their entrepreneurial journeys.
“When women come together to share ideas, dreams, and aspirations, we create an unstoppable force for change,” says Aruna. The Women Conclave promises to be an inspiring gathering for women ready to take bold steps towards fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams.
A Legacy of Leadership With her elevation to National Women’s President, Aruna Dasari exemplifies the spirit of resilience and determination that defines successful women entrepreneurs.
