Turning dreams into reality: Amanjot Singh’s journey from abroad aspirations to local enterpenure

Amanjot Singh, a 25-year-old from Santoshgarh in Una district, once had dreams that seemed destined to fade. Like many young Indians, he planned to go abroad, seeking opportunities and a better future. But the COVID-19 pandemic brought those plans crashing down, leaving him uncertain about what lay ahead. However, in the midst of this uncertainty, a government scheme offered him a lifeline—Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Swavalamban Yojana. This scheme didn’t just help Amanjot rewrite his future, it anchored him firmly in his hometown, where he is now the proud owner of a flourishing restaurant, aptly named ‘Jannat’.

A New Direction: From IELTS Prep to Entrepreneurship

After completing his BA in Mathematics from Una College in 2020, Amanjot was all set to move abroad. He had even enrolled in IELTS coaching in Chandigarh to clear the language proficiency test necessary for his journey. However, as the pandemic spread, his dreams of flying abroad were grounded. Returning to Santoshgarh, Amanjot was faced with a tough decision. With determination and a hint of innovation, he started a small restaurant in a rented hall in Santoshgarh. The initial success and positive response from customers fueled his ambition, leading him to think bigger.

The Power of Government Support

Amanjot’s journey took a significant turn when he came across an article about the Chief Minister’s Swavalamban Yojana in a newspaper. This scheme, aimed at promoting self-employment among the youth, provided a perfect opportunity for Amanjot to expand his business. Under the scheme, he secured a loan of ₹60 lakh, including a government subsidy of ₹15 lakh. With this financial backing and the support of his family, Amanjot established ‘Jannat’, a North Indian cuisine restaurant, on his ancestral land along the highway in Mazara, Santoshgarh.

Since its grand opening on 18 October 2023, ‘Jannat’ has not only become a popular dining destination but also a profitable venture, earning Amanjot around ₹75,000 monthly. The restaurant, which started as a modest setup, now employs nine people and continues to grow, with plans for further expansion in the pipeline.

Gratitude and Vision for the Future

Amanjot is full of gratitude for the support provided by the Himachal Pradesh government, especially Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. He believes that the Chief Minister Swavalamban Yojana is a beacon of hope for young entrepreneurs like him, offering a practical pathway to achieve their dreams without leaving the country. His journey is a testament to the success of the scheme in not only creating self-employment opportunities but also in preventing the migration of youth from the state.

A Family’s Pride

Amanjot’s parents, Sukhwinder Kaur and Ranjit Singh, who works in the police department, couldn’t be prouder. They are relieved that their only son chose to stay back and build a life in India, rather than pursuing uncertain opportunities abroad. The joy and pride in their voices are unmistakable as they speak about Amanjot’s achievements and the role the Chief Minister Swavalamban Yojana played in this transformation.

A Model for Self-Reliant Himachal

Anshul Dhiman, Joint Director of the Industry Department, emphasizes that the Himachal Pradesh government is committed to making its youth self-reliant through initiatives like the Chief Minister Swavalamban Yojana. The scheme offers substantial financial support, including a 35% grant for women and 25% for men on projects up to ₹1 crore. In Una district alone, 87 youths have received self-employment loans totaling ₹22 crore in the past two years, with nearly ₹4 crore provided as grants.

Local Administration’s Support

District Collector Jatin Lal highlighted the continuous efforts being made to extend the benefits of self-employment schemes to as many young people as possible. The goal is clear: to build a self-reliant Himachal where the youth can find opportunities at home, contributing to the state’s economy and their own personal growth.

Amanjot Singh’s story is not just about one man’s success. It’s a story of how government support, coupled with determination, can transform lives. ‘Jannat’ is more than just a restaurant—it’s a symbol of hope, resilience, and the potential for a bright future right at home.