The Honorable Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat delivered the 2^nd Dr. VG Patel Memorial Lecture that was virtually organized by EDII on September 6^th2020. Hon’ble Governorshri addressed the audience on ‘Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Natural Farming.’ Also present on the occasion were Guest of Honour  Prof. Anil Gupta, Founder of Honey Bee Network, SRISTI, GIAN & National Innovation Foundation; and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.

EDII lost its founder Padma Shri Dr. V. G. Patel on April 4^th 2019. In order to commemorate Dr. Patel’s great work in the field of entrepreneurship development, the Institute has started an annual lecture series. Recognized by the entrepreneurship fraternity as the ‘Father of Entrepreneurship Movement,’ Dr. V. G. Patel committed himself to propagating entrepreneurship. Not only did he succeed in establishing the credibility of his belief across India, but also went on to establish the National Resource Institute, EDII, in 1983.

Addressing the virtual audience on the unexplored entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture and natural farming, Shri Acharya Devvrat ji Hon’ble Governorshri of Gujarat said that close to 70 % of our population resides in villages and is dependent on agriculture and therefore, it becomes important that we take this field with the seriousness it deserves and institute measures to escalate natural farming in every way, so that the farmers move up from the level of subsistence to commercial farming. He added, “Amidst all the talks about healthy living and environment protection, a branch of farming gaining prominence is Natural Farming. The primary reason it is gaining grounds across the world is that it causes minimal damage to the environment,  promises healthy produce and good health. I believe it is important to educate our farmers on Natural Farming as a strategy that could help them ensure sustainable capitalization of agriculture. Gujarat has made commendable progress in farming and agriculture, with focus on natural farming.”

Governorshri elaborated, “Today people are well aware about the implications of chemical based farming, on soil, water, environment and health, and are looking for options that do not threaten any of these aspects.” Giving example of his 200 acre farm in kurukshetra, the distinguished speaker highlighted how he has been generating results, using natural farming, that are way better in every way in comparison to farmers using chemical laden inputs. Governorshri recalled how he had sought help from Shri Subhash Kelkar on natural farming methods and had organised a 5-day training workshop for 500 farmers. He went on to talk about innovations in the domain and how indigenous inputs and cow dung and urine could be used to generate enviable results. Shri Acharya Devvrat ji concluded by saying how in the 60s during food shortage the agri scientists were right in evolving ways to enhance field produce but overuse of these chemical intensive ways had proven harmful for soil, environment and health. Thus, he added, the need was to adopt Natural Farming, which scores above organic farming and is innovative, generates better produce in terms of quality and quantity with no damage to environment, soil, water and health.  

Guest of Honour, Prof. Anil Gupta enumerated how natural farming is an old age tradition but needs to be backed by extensive research for wider promotion and acceptance. Prof. Gupta suggested that there should be an all-India coordinated research project on participatory natural farming research. He stated that it is important to empower organic certification by network of organic farmers , jointly with official agencies, and all certifications can be uploaded on national website for peer scrutiny. Prof. Gupta also advocated setting up of separate agro service Centres for herbal inputs. Emphasizing on orienting children and youths towards this, he elaborated on the need to train children in both rural and urban areas, alongside natural farming fellowships for two-three years for youths willing to learn from organic farmers. Prof. Gupta highlighted the need to escalate support to organic farmers and towards innovations in the area.  
 
Dr. Sunil Shukla’s paid tribute to Late Dr. V.G. Patel recalling Dr. Patel’s exceptional contribution to economic development of the nation through the concept of entrepreneurship. He then talked about the potential of entrepreneurship in all domains. Dr. Shukla highlighted how Governorshri is  inclined towards promoting natural farming. He stressed on the importance of bringing in entrepreneurship as a catalyst to spurring agriculture in the country. He said, “Policy measures in a bid to spur innovations in agriculture are noteworthy as  it is one of the prominent employment generating sectors and urgently needs an overhaul to maximize its potential. Natural farming has these benefits and several more, which necessitate relevant interventions.”

Dr. Shukla also announced the winners of Dr. V. G. Patel Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship Trainer/ Educator/Mentor  2020

Dr. V. G. Patel Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship Trainer/ Educator/Mentor  2020

Dr. Patel also envisioned creating a cadre of entrepreneur trainer-motivators which he believed would impart sustainability to the entrepreneurship development movement. He was right in thinking so as today Entrepreneur Trainer-Motivators have come to play a major role in propagating entrepreneurship and sustaining its results. To pay our tribute to the late legendry, EDII has, from this year,  instituted ‘Dr. V. G. Patel Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship Trainer/ Educator/Mentor’. The Award consists of a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 100,000/-  to a professional for his/her outstanding performance/contribution in Entrepreneurship Training/Education/Mentoring/Knowledge Creation, leading to setting up of enterprises. For ‘Dr. V. G. Patel Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship Trainer/ Educator/Mentor’ 2020. EDII received 87 entries from 84 institutions and 15 states across India. The Institute followed a three tier procedure of evaluation and selection. The winners are:
 

-    Dr. Pradeep Kumar Mishra,  Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, IIT (BHU) and Secretary & Coordinator, Malviya Centre of Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship, IIT(BHU) Varanasi Dr. Mishra started his career as an entrepreneur trainer motivator in 1997. His career spanning 23 years, is replete with noteworthy interventions in the areas of innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Mishra is credited with establishing the first incubator in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states. This was established at Benaras Hindu University. Out of the individuals he has trained and mentored, nearly 50 % of them have set up their enterprises.

-    Dr. Farahanaz Rasool, Deputy Director Extension Trainings, Directorate of Extension,  Sher-e –Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir , Srinagar. Dr. Rasool, passionate about entrepreneurship and innovations, commenced her career as an entrepreneur trainer-motivator in 2003. Despite political turmoil and grave limitations in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Rasool put up a brave front and continued imparting training and orientation to people to ensure setting up of more and more enterprises. In addition to training and mentoring potential entrepreneurs and unemployed youths, Dr. Rasool’s contribution towards imparting entrepreneurial exposure to farmers is creditworthy. Dr. Rasool’s contribution is laudable for, she has ensured training and new enterprise creation amidst adversities and constraints.  Many Congratulations Dr. Rasool. Keep achieving landmarks.
 

EDII and Savitribai Phule Pune University’s – Centre for Innovation, Incubation & Enterprise (SPPU’s-CIIE),  have joined hands to orient youths towards entrepreneurial career. To ensure this, the Institutes will jointly design courses and programs in entrepreneurship development and execute them through joint certification. Under this collaboration, Faculty Development Programmes will also be conducted to deeproot entrepreneurship and to ensure that there is a trained cadre of mentors and resource persons who can design and implement entrepreneurship related interventions.
 
Present on the occasion of MoU signing were Shri Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman –Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) and esteemed Board Member of EDII; Dr. Nitin R. Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor, SPPU and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.
 
Shri Milind Kamble, said,  " Two known institutions have joined hands to work on an agenda which is of prime importance today. I am sure the results will be equally heartening. Our mandate should be to orient  more and more students towards entrepreneurship and ensure that India is hailed as a start up nation. EDII, with its domain expertise, network and expanse, will be able to ensure an appreciable spur in the process of New Enterprise Creation. My compliments to the two institutions.”  

In addition to offering courses on entrepreneurship, the joint initiative will support access of students from the University to EDII for hands-on training and industry experience.
 
According to Dr. Nitin R. Karmalkar, “Given the ensuing pandemic situation, it is necessary to facilitate entrepreneurship thought process among students’ community. They need to be mentored and nurtured to convert their aspirations into an entrepreneurial career. In this regard, we are happy to come together with EDII to offer courses in entrepreneurship. Through this collaboration, our students will not only gain from the expertise of EDII but will also get the opportunity to be mentored by some of the best Faculty in entrepreneurship education.”
 
Explaining the partnership, Dr. Sunil Shukla,  said, “In the present scenario, there has been a renewed focus on entrepreneurship globally as a solution provider. More than ever, entrepreneurship is seen to be taking a leading role in fighting COVID-19. It is imperative to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is resilient and resourceful owing to external changes. Also, it is important to understand the dynamics of economy and financial markets. This partnership will help in nurturing young entrepreneurial minds and will give them knowledge based understanding of business creation, management, and coping with disruptions. We are looking forward to working with SPPU-CIIE to create more awareness about entrepreneurship among students.”
 
In the last five months, EDII has struck partnerships with several reputable academic organisations in the country to further the development of entrepreneurship education.

EDII and IIM-Ranchi signed an MoU on May 22^nd, 2020 over Cisco Webex collaborate in order to orient more youths towards an entrepreneurial career.
 
The objective of this collaboration is to promote entrepreneurial thinking among students and thus innovative start-ups.  Under a partnership agreement, EDII will provide technical support in setting up IIM-Ranchi incubation centre at its Ranchi, Jharkhand campus so that innovative start up become the order of the day. Both the institutes will also jointly develop certificate courses on entrepreneurship development and skill enhancement. In addition, under student exchange and faculty development programmes, efforts will be made to build and strengthen an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jharkhand and other neighbouring states. The collaboration will foster knowledge sharing, teaching, research and institutional support for both the Institutes.

According to Prof. Shailendra Singh, Director, IIM Ranchi, “At IIM Ranchi, we are committed to grooming leaders with value-based education. This partnership will help us get necessary technical support to create world class infrastructure and a stimulating environment for innovation and entrepreneurship not only for the students, but also for the community at large. The incubation centre will aim to create a pipeline and stage varying idea baskets by collaborating with key stakeholders. The centre will provide necessary impetus and intellectual basis for the initiative through its experience and expertise in the areas of management, innovation, strategy and entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Milin Kamble, Governing Body Member, EDII and Founder Chairman, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DICCI) said, "I am happy that the two known institutions have come together to propagate entrepreneurship among students, who are the torch bearers of a happy tomorrow. EDII, with its domain expertise, network and expanse, will be able to ensure an appreciable spur in the process of New Enterprise Creation. Even DICCI is very active in Jharkhand with regard to offering a helping hand towards sustainable livelihood options for the tribal community. I am sure, while this will get a further boost, our youths will particularly get oriented towards higher-order achievements."

Considering the contribution of entrepreneurship in the growth of the economy, it is important to institutionalise efforts towards broadcasting this discipline. I am glad that the two institutions have joined hands to take up this cause. I look forward to seeing tangible outcomes. Also, a lot can be envisioned for tribal youths who have the potential but need a direction. So all in all, entrepreneurship needs to be encouraged across sections and sectors, which I guess will ensue from here with coordinated efforts by both the institutions. I look forward to policy advocacy in this direction too," said Praveen Shankar Pandya, Chairman, IIM-Ranchi.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu, and EDII,  Ahmedabad, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the IIM, Jammu campus, in presence of Dr Sunil Shukla, Director, EDII, Dr. B S Sahay, Director, IIM, Jammu, and Dr GM Dar, Director, J&K EDII. The objective of this MoU is to provide knowledge and support to the students and develop an  ecosystem to support budding start-ups. EDII will impart entrepreneurial orientation, training and motivation to the students so that an amalgamation of   entrepreneurial skills and their innovation bolsters the process of New Enterprise Creation.

The first day of July, 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the 21^st batch of the students of EDII’s Academic Programmes 2019-2021. The EDII campus was overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of students, parents, faculty, staff and management. With a welcome address of the Acting Chairperson, PGP, Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, the students were inducted into the new batch of Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Management - Business Entrepreneurship. The programme witnessed participants from across India and even Nepal. 

The orientation commenced with Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya introducing students to the curriculum and pedagogy adopted as a part of teaching. He congratulated the students on joining the batch and encouraged them to be open to the possibilities and take up every challenge that comes their way. He said, “This place will challenge you to and achieve your potential and create opportunities for your success with the support of committed faculty and mentors.” Post his speech, an ice breaking session was held where the students introduced themselves and shared their interests.
 

EDII successfully conducted its 20^th Annual Convocation of Academic Programmes on June 02, 2019. A total of 92 students were awarded diplomas. In Post Graduate Diploma Programme - Business Entrepreneurship (PGDM-BE),  79 students received diploma; in Post Graduate Diploma Programme - Development Studies (PGDM-DS), 13 students were conferred diplomas and in Fellow Programme in Management, 2 students weres awarded diploma.
 
The Chief Guest for the event, Padma Bhushan Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-founder Infosys and Chairman of Axilor Venture,s graced the occasion and shared his insights on the science and art of entrepreneurship. Crediting Entrepreneurship as the engine of global economic activity, Shri Gopalakrishnan spoke about its three important benefits:  increases productivity, spurs innovations and creates jobs.
 
"Entrepreneurship gives rise to startups that typically leverage on new technologies and have higher productivity than incumbents. Startups are disproportionately responsible for commercializing new innovations, particularly radical innovations that spawn entirely new markets or substantially disrupt existing markets. Startups scaling up are usually the leading net job creators. All of these are relevant for us in India currently. We need to improve productivity and create new jobs," said Shri Gopalakrishnan.


Giving the example of the software services industry, the Chief Guest highlighted India's ability to nurture world class industry transforming startups. In his message to the graduating students, he stressed catering to small and rural businesses in India. He said, " I hope some of you will start ventures that are relevant to small and rural businesses in India, something that EDII has been promoting for several decades now. Remember, there are plenty of opportunities to serve the needs of the under-served in India, what some call the “next billion users” in India."
 
 
Shri Rakesh Sharma, Founder Chairman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer- IDBI Bank Ltd & President of EDII, officiated the 20^th Convocation. Shri Sharma advised the graduating students to keep working hard and inculcate an innovative approach in handling their respective enterprises. He inspired them to adopt sustainability early on to work towards the development of the country.
 
"Entrepreneurship awareness must permeate into folds of every section of society; and one way of achieving this is by disseminating its advantages through the medium of formal education. EDII understands this well and these graduating students are the testimonies of this phenomenon," said Shri Sharma.
 
On the occasion, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director, EDII explained how EDII had adopted the new business strategy in keeping with the changing requirements. Placing emphasis on entrepreneurship and its trajectory, Dr. Shukla said that it has a sharp inclination towards innovation and knowledge based enterprises.  Women are increasingly stepping forth with unique business ideas in today’s world and EDII has been taking initiatives to especially contribute towards their self-reliance through its various skill development programmes. Speaking about the Institute’s role in promoting new age start-ups and enterprises, Dr. Shukla said, “EDII is striding rapidly and steadily on the path of startups, incubation and innovations. The presence of start ups in such huge numbers on the Indian industrial landscape is a heartening indication of the rising awareness and supporting ecosystem in the domain. EDII is doing its bit in making India a front runner in this area by extending all necessary help to startups in its role of a nodal agency for start ups, as appointed by the Govt. of Gujarat.”
 
The event registered a huge footfall comprising students, parents, professionals, academicians, officials, entrepreneurs and EDII staff and faculty members.

The serene event was attended by many other notable dignitaries such as, Shri Milind Kamble, Chairman, DICCI and member of EDII Governing Board; Shri Manoj Kumar Das, Principal Secretary, Industries and Mines Department, Government of Gujarat; and so on. The function concluded with Vote of Thanks by Dr. Sunil Shukla.

EDII signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 20, 2019 with Karafarini Omid Fund (KOF), Iran for setting up Iran-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IIEDC) on February 20, 2019.

EDII which has recently set up an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Uzbekistan was given the onus of establishing a centre on similar lines in Iran. The establishment of Iran would be a major step towards long term sustainable entrepreneurial intervention specifically in the MSME sector of the country. Development of MSMEs has been recognized as an effective mechanism to facilitate economic development of Iran. It is this sector which provides opportunities for the youth to exhibit their entrepreneurial potential by helping them evolve as ‘job creators’ rather than ‘job seekers’. This assumes importance in a situation when the unemployment level is rising. Looking at the importance of MSME sector in Iran, a need was felt to have a dedicated centre to develop enterprises for Islamic Republic of Iran with special focus on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

It is in this regard that KOF approached EDII which has also established Entrepreneurship Development Centres in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Uzbekistan under the project assigned by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.   
The establishment of Iran Centre would address the needs of a large portion of the population which is presently unable to pursue entrepreneurial career due to a variety of constraints such as lack of training, information gaps, knowledge gaps and the fear of failure.

The centre will also contribute to improving performance of existing enterprises through training, counselling and strategic interventions. Value chain development would also be pursued. Efforts will also be directed towards introducing Entrepreneurship in the education system so as to create awareness and inculcate the spirit of Entrepreneurship among students in Iran. Thus, IIEDC would facilitate:

Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director, EDII said, "I am delighted to sign this MoU to signal our commitment to boost entrepreneurship in Iran and work together to widespread a culture of entrepreneurship in the country. This will not only benefit the MSME sector of Iran but will also open the doors for further business opportunities and partnership between the two countries."

Karafarini Omid Fund (KOF), Iran was set up with an aim to provide microfinance to small businesses with little or no profit mainly for the purpose of establishing a revenue generating enterprise. KOF is the only full-fledged supportive financial institution in Iran that deals with micro-financing and business support to small and micro-businesses. The fund is the largest support fund of micro-economic activities in recent years and has done exceptional activities in developing the micro-credit culture in Iran. Through its continuous financial support, KOF has successfully created more than 700,000 new job opportunities and has been able to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurship at the micro level in the country. 

The first Gujarat State Institutional Ranking Framework (GSIRF) on the lines of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) has ranked EDII as the second best institute of Gujarat.
EDII was rated a 4-star institute by the executive committee of the Knowledge Consortium of Gujarat, Department of Education, Government of Gujarat on the recommendation of the appointed agency, the Indian Care for Academic Rankings and Excellence (ICARE).
A total of 20 universities and 46 non-technical institutes participated in the rating exercise. EDII was awarded a CGPA of 3.66 out of 5 on the basis of comprehensive performance matrix as set out by the GSIRF. Rating was done on the parameters of - Teaching & Learning Resources, Research & Professional Practice, Graduation Outcomes and Outreach & Inclusivity.

Chief Guest Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat State inaugurated the first Entrepreneurship Development Programme for SC Youth under the project to train 750 youths of the state in Entrepreneurship and as Small Assistant Managers. Also present on the occasion were Shri Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat, Shri D. S. Gadhvi, IAS, Managing Director, Scheduled Caste Development Corporation, Govt. of Gujarat,  Shri Prakash Solanki, IAS, Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director – EDII.
 
This project involves a series of 20 residential programmes on entrepreneurship development and 10 residential Small Industry Management Assistant Programmes (SIMAP). While the former will target training 500 youths in setting up and managing own enterprise; the latter will ensure imparting skillsets to 250 youths so that they become employable. In all 250 enterprises are expected to be established with employment generation for around 1000 people over a period of time. Investment mobilization expected by these 300 units is to the tune of Rs. 10 to 12 crore over a period of time. The duration of each programme is 4 weeks with participants from across districts of Gujarat. The programmes are sponsored by Scheduled Caste Welfare, Social Justice and Empowerment Department.
 
EDII has been roped in as the implementing agency.   
 
The Chief Guest Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat State, Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar beckoned all to take advantage of learning and setting up own enterprises. The Chief Guest congratulated the participants for having chosen to get trained. He said, “Skills are the biggest assets one can possess and it is heartening to note that we are now giving it the importance that it deserves. Your skills will make you indispensable and you will be one of the important individuals to steer growth in this industrialized state of Gujarat. While the policies and strategies of the Government are well in pace with the changing trends; your knowledge, skills and attitude will further help you make the maximum of opportunities. This is the first attempt at entrepreneurship by my department and I am sure it will be successful. ”
 
Shri Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat, in his address said,“ It is a historical day as we have taken a major step to promote inclusive growth. As far as industrial output is concerned, Gujarat is a leader in the country and it is high time that all sections of the community equally participate in this growth. I am glad that this programme is a stride in this direction. Entrepreneurship is needed today, more than ever before, to orient youths to participate in this growth story. The project has two aspects- one, to promote entrepreneurship and second, to create small enterprise managers who can be employed. Both the programmes will complement each other. So I urge the youths to benefit from this training and make a mark not just in Gujarat but also in India.”
 
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director, EDII said, “India is moving up the ladder of growth. Inclusive growth is the target of the nation and it is heartening to note that efforts are getting geared up from all significant quarters to achieve this mandate. Gujarat is also proactively pursuing this agenda. Efforts are directed towards bringing the disadvantaged sections into the mainstream by creating result-oriented training platforms and networks so that long term impact of these efforts is noticeable. These openings are certain to create more choices that place them on a levelled pedestal. Entrepreneurship is a proven form of empowerment, as alongside training on setting up and managing business, it promotes self-determination and the confidence to take control of one’s future. EDII is happy to contribute on this front.” 
 
Briefing the house about the Project, Faculty – EDII and Project Director, Mr. S. B. Sareen said, “The programme will help SC youth with latent entrepreneurial potential to get trained in all aspects of New Enterprise Creation and ultimately float their business. Also, those already in business but have not had the benefit of formal training can benefit. In addition,  youths will be trained to provide managerial services in MSMEs. In all, 900 youths will be trained; comprising 600 in Entrepreneurship and 300 as Small Industries Management Assistants.
The function concluded with Vote of thanks by Faculty-EDII, Shri P. Solanki.

 

Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat State delivering the inaugural address at the inaugural function of the first Entrepreneurship Development Programme for SC Youth under the mega project to train 750 youths in entrepreneurship and as Small Industries Management Assistants. Also seen on the dais are (from R – L) Shri D. S. Gadhvi, IAS, Managing Director, Scheduled Caste Development Corporation, Govt. of Gujarat; Shri Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director – EDII and Shri Prakash Solanki, IAS, Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare.

 

Seen during the inauguration ceremony is the (in the center) Chief Guest Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat State along with (from R – L) Shri D. S. Gadhvi, IAS, Managing Director, Scheduled Caste Development Corporation, Govt. of Gujarat; Shri Manoj Aggarwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Govt. of Gujarat; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director – EDII and Shri Prakash Solanki, IAS, Director, Scheduled Caste Welfare.

 
Shri Ishwarbhai Parmar lighting the ceremonial lamp at the inauguration ceremony.

Inaugurating the India-Uzbekistan Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IUEDC) at Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIU) in Uzbekistan is EDII Director , Dr. Sunil Shukla with ( on his L) Mr. Adkham Ikramov, Chiarman, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Republic of Uzbekistan and ( on his R) Mr. Vinod Kumar, Ambassador Extraordinaryand Plenipoteniary, Republic of Uzbekistan.