‘Entrepreneurs should sponsor start-ups, universities instead of buying luxury cars’

Times News Network
Chandigarh: Entrepreneur, motivational speaker and philanthropist Satjiv Singh Chahil urged entrepreneurs to rethink their investments and priorities, advising them to sponsor start-ups or university labs instead of purchasing luxury cars. Delivering the Panjab University Colloquium Lecture on "Silicon Valley – Driving Global Innovation and Change" at the PU Law Auditorium, he said that such initiatives could bring about a meaningful change for the country and its citizens. The session was presided over by PU vice-chancellor Renu Vig.
Welcoming Chahil to the university, Vig highlighted his contributions, including his pioneering work on the first webcast at the Grammy Awards, his career at IBM, and his efforts to deploy technologies for innovation. PU registrar Y P Verma, director, research and development cell Yojna Rawat, and colloquium coordinator Desh Deepak Singh were also present.
In his lecture, Chahil said India should focus on inventing and creating for the global market rather than limiting itself to domestic innovations. He said that this approach could help India emerge as a technological leader, similar to China. "As technology professionals, we are currently doing support functions for other regions but we have the potential to lead innovation worldwide. The skills and capabilities to do so already exist here," he said.
Chahil credited Panjab University with laying the foundation for his graduate studies in international business. "At that time, commerce was a relatively new field in India, and many did not consider it relevant as we were still in a socialist frame of mind. However, my time at PU prepared me for opportunities that lay ahead, including my proficiency in German, which was instrumental in my career," he said. His language skills helped him gain admission to the Thunderbird School of Global Management in the US and secure a role at IBM.
Chahil spoke about the evolution of Silicon Valley, describing it as a mindset rather than just a geographical location. "There are no boundaries or fears. People in Silicon Valley work with an open mind, learn from failures, and share their successes," he said.
Praising Vig's leadership at PU, Chahil noted that she is possibly the only vice-chancellor in India with an AI background and suggested that she address Silicon Valley professionals in the United States.
Responding to a media query on the advantage of the English language for Indians abroad, Chahil said, "While we can blame the British for many things, English has been a strategic advantage for India. It allowed us to excel in global environments. We were fluent in English, which gave us an edge over classmates from countries like France and Germany who struggled with the language. This fluency allowed us to learn faster and communicate more effectively in multi-cultural environments."
The Panjab University Colloquium Series brings eminent scholars, industry leaders, and global experts to engage with students, faculty, and the broader community. It fosters intellectual exchange and provides insights on contemporary issues in science, technology, business, culture, and policy.
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