In a recent LinkedIn post, Ritesh Agarwal, founder of OYO Rooms, reflects on the significant growth of India’s startup ecosystem over the past decade, attributing much of this progress to the government’s “Startup India” initiative. Agarwal shares his personal journey and underscores the transformative impact of this policy on entrepreneurs, particularly those from smaller towns.
Agarwal begins by expressing gratitude for being recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 10-year anniversary of Startup India. He emphasizes that this acknowledgment extends beyond his individual success.
“This recognition is not just mine, it belongs to millions like me who took a one-way train from towns like Rayagada to chase a dream.”
He contrasts his early days, when PRISM (then OYO) was just starting and faced skepticism, with the current landscape where India boasts hundreds of thousands of startups.
The Role of Government Backing in Entrepreneurial Success
A key theme in Agarwal’s post is the critical role of government support in fostering a thriving startup environment. He highlights the “bold risk” taken by Prime Minister Modi in launching Startup India, which provided backing to founders from diverse backgrounds, including those from small towns and villages.
According to Agarwal, the government’s philosophy was to encourage trying, creating, and learning, even in the face of potential failure. This supportive stance, he argues, has been instrumental in the exponential growth observed.
“Our Prime Minister took a bold risk by launching Startup India, backing hundreds of founders from small towns and villages. He believed that even if we failed, it was okay, as long as we tried, created, and learned.”
Agarwal points out the tangible results of this initiative, noting the dramatic increase in the number of startups, employment generation, and contribution to India’s GDP.
From Skepticism to Belief
The post also touches upon the evolving perception of entrepreneurship within families. Agarwal shares a personal anecdote about his mother’s initial reservations in 2016, where she viewed startups as a risky proposition that could negatively impact a “biodata.” This has since transformed into a belief in the value of entrepreneurial ventures.
“Even my mother, who in 2016 thought startups were a terrible idea because of the “risk to the biodata”, now believes it was the best decision we could have made.”
This personal reflection underscores a broader societal shift in appreciating and supporting the startup culture, a change facilitated by the visible success and government endorsement.
Future Outlook and Continued Support
Looking ahead, Ritesh Agarwal expresses optimism about the future of Indian entrepreneurship. He projects significant job creation and GDP impact in the coming decade, envisioning India leading the way towards “Amrit Kaal.”
Agarwal also extends special thanks to Shri Piyush Goyal for his “relentless hard work and unwavering support.” In his view, Goyal’s leadership has been a significant source of inspiration and has played a crucial role in shaping what he terms “India’s own version of the Indian Dream.”
The insights shared by Agarwal on LinkedIn offer a compelling narrative about the symbiotic relationship between government policy and grassroots entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting how strategic initiatives can unlock vast economic potential.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ritesh Agarwal on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 16, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →