Aspiring entrepreneurs need five essential soft skills in order to succeed in the competitive markets. The skills are effective communication, financial management, strategic leadership, critical problem-solving and adaptability, U.S.- based educator Ashok Naik said in Dharwad on Sunday.He was speaking at an international seminar on “Entrepreneur Skill Development for Viksit Bharat: Empowering Innovation and Growth” organised jointly by the Commerce Association and Department of Economics of KLE Society’s Shri Mrityunjaya College of Arts and Commerce.He stressed on the role of start-ups, MSMEs, social entrepreneurship and technology in creating employment opportunities for youth.Resource person Debalina Chakravarti spoke on opportunities in traditional crafts, pottery, handloom textiles, bamboo products and woodwork.Prof. Chakravarti said that rural entrepreneurship can create high-value products from local raw material and promote women’s empowerment through self-help groups and MSMEs.Global Minds director Shashank Angadi said that entrepreneurial skills help identify market opportunities, manage resources and turn ideas into sustainable ventures.Chartered Accountant N.A. Charantimath said that entrepreneurial skill development is crucial to achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by transforming youth from job seekers into job creators.Gavin Diaper from the U.K. spoke.KLE Society director V.I. Patil urged people to join hands with the State government to achieve Viksit Bharat.College principal Neelakka Patil spoke.As many as 102 delegates participated and 92 papers were presented. The papers were published in an ISSN journal that was released during the seminar. The best paper presentation awards were given away. Published - August 24, 2026 06:43 pm IST