YBI Mentor of the Year2013Mohan Singh

Award Sponsor: Yimei McCabe

Mohan SinghBYSTIndia

YBI Mentor of the Year 2013

Mohan Singh’s heart lies with creating grassroots entrepreneurship in Haryana’s hinterland. Mohan, who is also Director of hydraulics firm Hind Fluid Power, has mentored more than 50 entrepreneurs over a 19-year period with YBI member Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST). He has also formed key relationships with financial institutions providing funding for start-ups.

This highly experienced mentor has also been pivotal to the success of BYST’s Mobile Mentor Clinic, which sees mentors from urban areas travel to rural entrepreneurs’ doorsteps to deliver necessary support and guidance. Mohan’s passion and dedication has inspired BYST to expand its operations into more outlying areas in India.

A tower of strength in the programme

Mohan joined BYST’s mentoring programme in 1994. He was inspired by the work business leaders were doing with aspiring entrepreneurs – driven by a desire of improving the lives of people in India.

Mohan has spearheaded BYST’s mentoring programme. Amongst others, he has acted as strategic committee chairman; established two mentor chapters; sourced industry professionals to join the mentor network; interfaced with banks, government and agencies; donated funds and equipment; and been part of the loan selection panel.

“He is and has always been available to BYST notwithstanding his busy schedule,” said BYST. He has recently been involved in the process of forging a significant BYST partnership with leading Indian engineering conglomerate Escorts Group. “He has been a tower of strength to the programme,” said the network member.

An active public speaker, Mohan has hosted a series of national and international delegations, and addressed groups including industry members, youths, women, entrepreneurs, associations and employees.

Mohan reaps praise from his mentees, to whom he provides a range of skills, including strategic planning, marketing, finance and accounting, statutory compliance and business ethics, networking, and advice on quality management and accreditation. He is currently mentoring 3 entrepreneurs on a one-to-one basis meeting each for 24 hours per month, excluding additional follow-up communication.

“When I first got introduced to BYST’s mentoring system, I could immediately relate to the millions of young people in India who have a vision to excel in life.” - Mohan Singh

www.youthbusiness.org

Award Sponsor: Yimei McCabe

www.youthbusiness.org

Two of Mohan’s mentees have already been recognised by YBI. Vijay Jasuja was shortlisted for the 2012 Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Hitender Punyane won the People’s Choice category.

“I could not have been happier when BYST assigned Mr Singh as my mentor since he taught me focus and to draw on my inner strengths, and change my outlook on life,” said Hitender who set up air conditioning business SHN Enterprises in 2009. With Mohan’s help, Hitender identified, focused on- and strengthened his core business before diversifying. Mohan’s technical background helped improve his product design and there has been a 100% growth in sales over the past 2 years.

“Mr Singh is a natural leader who inspires not only me but all those who have benefited from his mentorship,” said Hitender. “We brainstorm issues where his technical knowledge and business experience facilitate quicker decisions. His surprise visits give a morale boost; he is always ready to help; and he has a selfless attitude in sharing his 40 years of experience with me.”

Mohan credits his father for his involvement in- and commitment to the mentoring platform. “I would not have been where I am if he had not been there when I was lost. When I first got introduced to BYST’s mentoring system, I could immediately relate to the millions of young people in India who have a vision to excel in life,” said Mohan, who passionately believes in the value of positive reinforcement and building young entrepreneurs’ confidence levels.

Mohan is committed to serving the rural entrepreneur community – a move that can hopefully help stem the tide of young people moving away from these areas to find work in cities. Mentoring in outlying areas could inspire job seekers to become job generators, which improves local economies and creates closer-knit societies.

“I believe that knowledge grows by sharing,” said Mohan. “While I help my entrepreneurs realise their potential, I feel that I discover much of my own hidden potential. It gives me great satisfaction when I help and see somebody succeed.”

Mentor supported by:

“I believe that knowledge grows by sharing; while I

help my entrepreneurs realise their potential, I feel that I

discover much of my own hidden potential.” - Mohan Singh