Message from the Chairman, DICCI

To the Future Leaders of DICCI

DICCI was founded with a transformative idea: “Be Job Givers, Not Job Seekers.” This simple yet

powerful philosophy redefined how Scheduled Caste (SC) & Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities see themselves — not as passive recipients of aid, but as proactive entrepreneurs, creators of wealth, and drivers of change. From its very genesis, DICCI has aimed to inspire economic self-reliance through entrepreneurship, challenging centuries-old barriers and replacing them with opportunity, dignity, and leadership.

Over the past two decades, DICCI has established itself as a nationally recognized business chamber, representing a growing community of SC-ST entrepreneurs. DICCI has successfully reached and impacted over a lakh existing and aspiring SC-ST entrepreneurs. Through strategic partnerships, policy advocacy, and capacity building, we have facilitated access to finance, markets, government schemes, and mentorship. DICCI has played a pivotal role in promoting supplier diversity, influencing inclusive procurement policies, and demonstrating that with the right support, SC/ST-owned enterprises can become competitive and sustainable contributors to the national economy.

Now, we are entering an exciting and ambitious new phase: DICCI 2.0. This next step is about transforming individual success into collective progress. It is about scaling innovation, leveraging digital tools, and fostering green and high-impact entrepreneurship. We are working to build robust incubation platforms, sector-specific leadership pipelines, and stronger international linkages — all aimed at empowering our entrepreneurs to compete on national and global stages.

Our Vision 2047 is bold and forward-looking. As India approaches 100 years of independence, we envision Dalit entrepreneurs contributing at least 10% to the national GDP and creating over one crore jobs. We are committed to ensuring strong representation in every high-growth sector — from technology and infrastructure to renewable energy and manufacturing. Crucially, this vision includes DICCl’s strategic role in shaping affirmative action policies in economic spaces, both within government frameworks and in the private sector. We are actively working with industry leaders to promote inclusive procurement, encourage supplier development programs, and institutionalise affirmative action through proactive private sector participation.

This is not merely an economic vision — it is a blueprint for equity, dignity, and long-term empowerment. And you, dear leaders, are the architects of that future. Let this program be your

foundation, equipping you with the knowledge, networks, and values to lead with purpose. Build

enterprises, inspire others, and carry the DICCI legacy forward — not just as entrepreneurs, but as nation-builders.

Dr. Milind Kamble

(Padma Shri Awardee 2013)

Founder-Chairman, DICCI