Today, the students of CARE GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS had the privilege of engaging in an insightful and interactive session with Mr. Nagaraja (Naga) Prakasam – a well-known angel investor, startup mentor, and a firm believer in the power of grassroots innovation.
The theme of the session revolved around a simple yet impactful idea: “Every problem is an opportunity.” Mr. Prakasam started by asking students about the everyday problems they face in Trichy — from traffic congestion and waste disposal to limited employment opportunities. He encouraged students to look at these not as limitations, but as potential problem statements for future startups.
With inspiring real-life examples, he introduced the idea of waste-to-energy projects, including how biogas can be generated from organic waste, and how such ideas are gaining traction across the country. He also highlighted the success story of Happy Hens, a startup that brought innovation to organic egg farming at scale, proving that quality and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
The session also touched upon the startup ecosystem in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and how many professionals are returning to their hometowns to create impact through business. When asked about angel investing, Mr. Prakasam shared his personal journey, along with the pros and cons of investing in startups. He also advised students to explore multiple streams of income and think long-term in building careers with both passion and purpose.
The event concluded with a Q&A session where students posed thoughtful questions — making it a two-way, engaging learning experience. It was more than just a talk; it was a call to action — to think differently, act locally, and dream boldly.
