SAS NAGAR (MOHALI)-Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his government is giving wings to the dreams of the state’s youth by creating a robust ecosystem of opportunities, financial support and institutional backing to turn their ideas into reality. During the ISB Leadership Summit-2026 at the Mohali campus of the Indian School of Business (ISB), being held on the theme “India Unbound: Defining Tomorrow’s Leadership, ” as Chief Guest, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab’s youth have no dearth of talent or energy, and the government is focused on providing them the right platform to showcase their abilities, build enterprises and create employment.
Expressing gratitude to Chairman, ISB Harish Manwani, Dean ISB Professor Madan, distinguished personalities from the academic and business world and students, he congratulated ISB on completing 25 years and said institutions like ISB are playing a major role in giving the right direction to the immense energy of the youth. He said the government has established a Startup Centre to turn innovative ideas into reality, while the ‘Business Blasters’ programme provides seed money to students and promising ideas from Schools of Eminence are being taken forward for patents. Calling upon industrialists and investors to invest in Punjab, he said the state is being developed as a hub of industry, investment and innovation.
Sharing a few snippets from this occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Attended the ISB Leadership Summit in Mohali and congratulated the institution on completing 25 years. Esteemed institutions like ISB are playing a major role in giving the right direction to the immense energy of our youth. There is no dearth of talent among our youth; what is needed is to give them the right wings to fly. With this vision, we have established Schools of Eminence in Punjab, where students are being provided seed money to develop new business ideas. Punjabis have achieved success across the world through their hard work. I invite all industrialists to invest to the maximum in this blessed land of Gurus and saints. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Addressing the ISB Leadership Summit-2026, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the future belongs to societies willing to innovate, take calculated risks and convert emerging opportunities into sustainable growth. “The ISB Leadership Summit is the institution’s flagship annual leadership conclave, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators and students to deliberate on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunities shaping India’s future, ” he added.
The Chief Minister Chief Minister stated, “It is a matter of immense honour, pleasure and pride for me to participate in the summit. I extend a warm welcome to all of you from the state government.” Congratulating the students and the entire ISB team for organising the summit, he said that bringing together leading minds from academia, business, entrepreneurship and public policy provides a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and shaping the leadership of tomorrow.
Referring to the theme “India Unbound: Defining Tomorrow’s Leadership”, he said it was highly relevant in the present era of rapid transformation. “India today has immense potential because of its young population, technological capabilities and growing economic aspirations, but opportunities do not automatically translate into outcomes. True leadership is about identifying opportunities amid challenges. Opportunities have to be converted into results through a visionary approach, investment and the courage to take risks.”
He said India is steadily emerging as a global engine of growth and institutions like ISB have an important role in preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders who can lead this transformation.
Lauding the Indian School of Business, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “ISB has established itself as a globally recognised institution in management education in a relatively short span of time. The success of ISB mirrors the aspirations of a young India that is increasingly confident, ambitious and willing to compete at the global level.” He added, “ISB is not merely producing degree holders but is helping create leaders who can build businesses, institutions and solutions for the future.”
The Chief Minister said the presence of ISB in Mohali is a matter of great pride for Punjab and that the institution is contributing to the creation of an ecosystem of knowledge, research, talent, entrepreneurship and investment in the state. “Mohali is rapidly transforming into an important centre for technology, entrepreneurship and innovation, ” he said, while highlighting the Startup Incubator at Kalkat Bhawan and adding that the state government is ready to extend institutional support to emerging entrepreneurs and innovative ventures.
He said, “Punjab has immense potential to become a destination for startups, technology-driven enterprises and new-age industries. The objective of the state government is clear that the youth of Punjab should not have to leave the state in search of opportunities.” He added, “We want to create an ecosystem where young people can dream, innovate, start businesses and create jobs right here in Punjab.”
Highlighting the state government’s efforts to inculcate an entrepreneurial mindset among students from an early age, the Chief Minister said that the government has launched the ‘Business Blasters’ programme across Schools of Eminence. “Under this ambitious programme to produce Captains of Industry and Entrepreneurs, students are provided seed money to develop and pursue their business ideas. Entrepreneurship should not be viewed merely as a career option but as a means of creating employment and solving real-life problems, ” he added.
Urging the students to think beyond conventional career paths, the Chief Minister said, “Focus on building solutions that can create value for society. Since inception, Punjab is a land of enterprise, hard work and courage.” He said courage, hard work, perseverance and an entrepreneurial spirit are deeply embedded in the character of Punjab.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab has a rich and glorious heritage associated with the great Gurus, saints, spiritual leaders and martyrs. Courage, hard work, perseverance and an entrepreneurial spirit are deeply embedded in the character of Punjab, which makes us a world leader.”
The Chief Minister said Punjab has contributed immensely to the nation, from safeguarding the country’s borders to ensuring its food security. “Punjab takes pride in being known as the ‘Food Bowl and Sword Arm of India’. The state has produced generations of farmers, entrepreneurs, industrialists, professionals and business leaders who have made their mark not only in India but across the world, ” he said.
He added, “The hardworking nature of Punjabis has created a strong bond between entrepreneurs, industry and the working class, providing a solid foundation for economic growth.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab will always remain proud of its agrarian identity, but industrialisation is equally essential for generating employment, boosting investment and ensuring sustainable economic growth. “The government is working to create a business environment where entrepreneurs can invest with confidence and where innovation can flourish, ” he said.
The Chief Minister said, “Punjab may be an agrarian state, but for the next phase of growth, industries must also come to Punjab. Agriculture and industry have to move forward together.”
Referring to the state’s Industrial Policy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The government has focused on creating a transparent and investor-friendly framework. When government policy, private investment, entrepreneurial energy and the knowledge ecosystem of institutions such as ISB come together, Punjab can unlock enormous possibilities.”
Telling the students that leadership is not merely about occupying positions of authority, the Chief Minister said, “Leadership is about taking initiative, bringing people together, solving problems and creating opportunities for others.” He urged the ISB students to remain curious, ask difficult questions and learn from challenges rather than avoiding them.
“Think about the problems you can solve, the institutions you can build and the opportunities you can create for others, ” he said, adding, “The real measure of leadership is not how many people follow you, but how many opportunities you are able to create for others.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that ISB’s alumni will continue to contribute to Punjab’s economic development by investing in the state, mentoring young entrepreneurs, supporting innovation and creating employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister said, “Punjab is ready to partner with industry, academia, entrepreneurs and investors to build a stronger and more prosperous future.” Giving a call to the youth to become partners in Punjab’s transformation, he urged them to join hands to build an India and a Punjab for the next 25 years that are driven by new ideas, bold initiatives, ambitious goals and determined action.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann extended his best wishes for the success of the ISB Leadership Summit-2026 and said, “Platforms such as these will help shape the ideas, leadership and institutions that will define India’s next chapter of growth.”