“Life isn’t without risk. ~ Ardhi Krishna Rao, former army havaldar turned entrepreneur
After decades of disciplined service to the nation, many Indian Army veterans find themselves at a crossroads upon retirement; young, capable, but unsure of what lies ahead. Enter I Create India, a grassroots initiative empowering these ex-servicemen to become entrepreneurs. With training, mentorship, and post-programme support, the organisation is helping them launch ventures that blend local wisdom with business acumen.
Consider Ardhi Krishna Rao (47), an ex-havaldar from Odisha. His knowledge of the local kewda flower helped him start a valuable kewda oil distillation company. This fragrant oil used in food production, can sell for up to ₹5 lakh per litre. Ardhi buys thousands of flowers from nearby farmers supporting local farming while running a profitable business. Though his peers doubted him at first, his determination succeeded, thanks to I Create India’s guidance and support.
In Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, C. Kanniappan (52) opened a successful local supermarket. The organization trained him at the Madras Engineering Group centre. He began with rice trading then expanded to sell everyday items like milk, sugar, and tea. He applied his training in pricing sourcing, and attracting customers to build a well-managed local store that earns money and respect.
For Khush Naseeb Ahmed (44) from Tanda, Uttar Pradesh, retirement became an opportunity to revive his family’s handloom legacy dating back to 1947. With guidance from I Create India, he now manages a mill producing traditional fabrics while earning ₹15,000 monthly. His work sustains heritage crafts and provides stable income.
Davinder Singh (38) in Punjab used his farming roots to launch a farm equipment rental service. With harvesters, seeders, and trolleys, he helps small farmers access expensive machinery affordably. His annual income stands at ₹14 lakh and his next project aims to replace coal with stubble in brick kilns, reducing pollution and agricultural waste.
The impact is real across 17 centres, over 1,950 veterans have become entrepreneurs. Their ventures solve community problems, sustain livelihoods, and offer personal fulfilment. As I Create India’s chief mentor Ulhas Kamat notes, “We don’t give ideas, we teach how to find them.” These faujis are proving that with courage, purpose, and mentorship, the battlefield of business is theirs to win.
Their stories deserve not only applause but emulation. Their success is a reminder that the spirit of service doesn’t end at the border, it simply finds a new mission. In rebuilding their own futures, they are also uplifting communities and redefining what life after uniform can look like.
