Charu Bhatia, Senior News Editor, Business Remedies, in conversation with Saloni Jain, Chairperson of the Rajasthan Zone of JITO, Jaipur
Saloni Jain, Chairperson of the Rajasthan Zone of JITO (Jain International Trade Organisation), Jaipur, is committed to strengthening entrepreneurship, expanding business networks and promoting inclusive economic growth across Rajasthan. Having served as the first woman Chairperson of the JITO Jaipur Chapter, she brings experience in leadership, community engagement and business development to her new role. With a vision of building a stronger, more connected JITO network across the state, she aims to encourage inter-city business collaborations, empower women entrepreneurs, nurture young leaders and combine traditional business strengths with digital innovation. In this conversation, she discusses her leadership journey, priorities for Rajasthan, the evolving role of women in business and her vision for JITO’s future under the motto, “Har Ghar Goonje JITO!”
Question: Congratulations on becoming the Chairperson of the JITO Rajasthan Zone. What does this appointment mean to you personally and professionally?
Answer: Thank you so much! For me, this appointment is not just a position of leadership; it is a responsibility, an opportunity and a commitment to create meaningful impact. Personally, it is a moment of immense pride and gratitude. Having served as the first woman Chairperson of JITO Jaipur Chapter, stepping into the role of Rajasthan Zone Chairperson represents another significant milestone in my journey.
Professionally, it gives me a larger platform to connect people, strengthen entrepreneurship and contribute to the economic and social growth of Rajasthan. I believe leadership is not about the position we hold, but about the opportunities we create for others.
My aspiration is simple yet powerful — “Har Ghar Goonje JITO!”
I want every city, every chapter and every member to experience the strength of being part of JITO.
Question: How has your journey with JITO been so far, and what experiences prepared you for this leadership role?
Answer: My journey with JITO has been one of learning, transformation and tremendous personal growth. From serving as Vice Chairperson of JITO Jaipur Ladies Wing to Co-Convenor of JITO Connect 2023, and subsequently becoming the first woman Chairperson of JITO Jaipur Chapter, every responsibility has shaped my leadership perspective. Organising large-scale initiatives like JITO Connect taught me the importance of vision, teamwork and execution. Leading Jaipur Chapter reinforced my belief that collective efforts can achieve extraordinary results. During our tenure, we organised over 370 activities and initiatives, strengthened member engagement and received recognition at the zonal and national levels.
But beyond achievements, my greatest learning has been that leadership is about building teams, empowering people and creating a legacy that continues beyond one’s tenure. These experiences have prepared me to take the next step — bringing Rajasthan’s chapters together under one shared vision.
Question: What is your vision for JITO during your tenure, and what are the key priorities you want to focus on?
Answer: My vision is to build One Rajasthan, One Strong JITO Network — where every chapter is empowered, every member is connected and every city contributes to collective growth.
My priorities for the next two years are:
- Expansion and Infrastructure: Establish five new chapters, strengthen existing chapters and work towards dedicated JITO offices across Rajasthan.
- Business and Entrepreneurship: Launch the JITO Rajasthan Business Exchange to encourage inter-city trade, referrals, collaborations and business opportunities.
- Digital Transformation: Build One Digital Network connecting members, businesses, professionals and opportunities across the state.
- Leadership Development: Introduce a JITO Leadership Academy to nurture future leaders.
- Social Impact: Promote skill development, livelihoods and self-reliance through JITO Atmanirbhar initiatives.
- Statewide Integration: Organise inter-city meets, a Rajasthan Zone Conclave and a large-scale trade fair in Jaipur.
My goal is to move from individual chapters to collective strength, from networking to business generation, and from activities to measurable impact. Together We Connect. Together We Grow. Together We Lead.
Question: What does JITO aspire to do and how does it create stronger connections among business owners, professionals, industrialists and emerging entrepreneurs?
Answer: JITO is much more than a community organisation. It is an ecosystem of entrepreneurship, professional excellence, economic empowerment and social responsibility. Its strength lies in bringing established industrialists, business owners, professionals and young entrepreneurs onto one platform. Through business networking, mentorship, knowledge-sharing, trade exhibitions and collaborative opportunities, JITO enables members to learn from one another and grow together. I strongly believe that the true value of networking is not measured by how many people we know, but by how many opportunities we create together. My focus will be on converting connections into collaborations and collaborations into measurable business growth.
Question: What challenges do women face when entering leadership positions in business and community organisations? What are the possible ways to overcome them?
Answer: Women today are breaking barriers, but challenges still exist — social expectations, unconscious bias, limited access to professional networks and the constant balancing of personal and professional responsibilities. Sometimes the biggest challenge is not capability, but opportunity and visibility.
Having experienced leadership myself, I believe women do not need special privileges; they need equal opportunities, encouragement and platforms where their capabilities are recognised. We must create mentorship networks, promote financial and digital literacy, encourage women in decision-making roles and build supportive environments. Equally important is the support of families, organisations and society.
A woman in leadership does not merely change her own journey; she changes the possibilities for the next generation.
Question: How do you see women-led businesses contributing to Rajasthan’s economic growth and entrepreneurial ecosystem?
Answer: Rajasthan has tremendous entrepreneurial potential among women, particularly in jewellery, textiles, handicrafts, hospitality, fashion, manufacturing and emerging digital businesses. Women entrepreneurs are not only generating income but also preserving traditional skills, creating employment and introducing innovation into established industries. With access to technology, finance, mentorship and larger markets, many homegrown enterprises can become nationally and internationally recognised brands.
JITO can play an important role by connecting women-led businesses with established industry networks, buyers, mentors and growth opportunities. When we empower a woman entrepreneur, we do not just build one business — we strengthen families, create employment and contribute to the economy.
Question: How important is financial independence in enabling women to participate in leadership and decision-making?
Answer: Financial independence is one of the strongest foundations of empowerment. It gives women confidence, security, freedom of choice and a greater voice in decisions affecting their lives and families. However, financial independence is not only about earning money. It is also about understanding finances, managing investments, building assets and making informed decisions.
When women are financially empowered, they become more confident participants in business, leadership and society. We must encourage financial education, entrepreneurship and skill development from an early age. Financial independence gives women the freedom to choose, the confidence to lead and the power to shape their own future.
Question: Do you believe artificial intelligence and digital transformation will change the way traditional businesses operate, and how can JITO prepare its members for this transition?
Answer: Absolutely. Artificial intelligence and digital transformation are no longer futuristic concepts; they are becoming essential tools for business growth. From jewellery and textiles to manufacturing, retail and services, technology is changing how businesses operate, market their products, manage customers and make decisions.
I believe traditional businesses do not need to abandon their legacy; they need to combine their experience with modern technology. Through JITO, we can introduce AI awareness programmes, practical digital workshops, technology mentorship and knowledge-sharing platforms. Our proposed JITO Rajasthan One Digital Network can help members discover businesses, connect across cities and access learning resources.
The future belongs not necessarily to the biggest businesses, but to those willing to learn, adapt and innovate.
Question: How do you define the relationship between business success and social responsibility?
Answer: For me, business success and social responsibility are inseparable. A truly successful business is not defined only by its turnover or profitability, but also by the positive difference it makes in society.
As an entrepreneur and through my association with Vinayak Jewels Foundation, I have always believed in giving back to the community, particularly through education, empowerment and opportunities for the underprivileged. JITO’s philosophy also encourages economic prosperity alongside social responsibility. Through skill development, employment generation, education and community initiatives, we can create sustainable social impact. Success becomes meaningful when our growth creates opportunities for others to grow. That, to me, is the real purpose of responsible leadership.
Question: Is there a dedicated wing in JITO for youth? If there is, what aim does it work on?
Answer: Yes, JITO has a dedicated Youth Wing, which plays an important role in nurturing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. The JITO Youth Wing provides young members with opportunities for networking, leadership development, entrepreneurship, skill enhancement and community engagement. It encourages young people to think independently, explore innovative ideas and connect with experienced business leaders and professionals.
I see tremendous potential in creating stronger collaboration between the Youth Wing, established entrepreneurs and professional networks. Our objective should be to provide young people not only with inspiration but also with mentorship, exposure and practical opportunities. The youth are not merely the future of JITO; they are an important part of its present strength and progress.
Question: How can Jaipur strengthen its position as a centre for entrepreneurship and business innovation?
Answer: Jaipur has a unique advantage — a rich entrepreneurial heritage, strong traditional industries, creative talent and an emerging startup ecosystem.
Our city is already recognised for jewellery, gemstones, textiles, handicrafts, tourism and hospitality. The next opportunity lies in combining these traditional strengths with technology, innovation and global market access. To strengthen Jaipur’s entrepreneurial position, we must encourage startup mentorship, industry-academia collaboration, digital adoption, investment opportunities and stronger business networking. I also envision Jaipur becoming a central platform for Rajasthan-wide business collaborations through large trade fairs, buyer-seller meets and entrepreneurship summits. Jaipur has the potential to become a bridge between Rajasthan’s traditional business excellence and the new economy of innovation.
Question: What is the long-term vision of JITO for women-led businesses?
Answer: My long-term vision is to create an ecosystem where women entrepreneurs have access to the right connections, resources, mentorship and markets to build sustainable businesses. The objective should be to move beyond encouraging entrepreneurship to actually enabling business growth.
Through JITO Ladies Wing, business networks, skill development initiatives and digital platforms, we can help women transition from small enterprises to organised and scalable businesses. I would particularly like to see stronger buyer-seller networks, mentorship by successful entrepreneurs, financial awareness and cross-chapter business collaborations. The larger aspiration is to create an environment where women-led enterprises become significant contributors to employment, innovation and economic development.
Our goal should not simply be to create more women entrepreneurs, but to create more successful, independent and influential women business leaders.
Question: What message would you like to give to young entrepreneurs who want to succeed in their businesses?
Answer: My message to young entrepreneurs is simple: Dream big, start with courage, stay consistent and never stop learning.
Entrepreneurship is not only about having a great idea. It is about discipline, resilience, adaptability and the determination to keep moving forward despite challenges. Build relationships, find good mentors, embrace technology and never compromise on ethics and credibility. Do not measure success only by how quickly your business grows. Measure it by the value you create, the trust you build and the impact you leave behind. Most importantly, remember that no great success is achieved alone.
“Don’t just aspire to build a successful business. Aspire to build something that creates opportunities, inspires people and leaves a legacy.” The future belongs to those who have the courage to create it.
My vision is not just to make JITO Rajasthan bigger, but to make it stronger, more connected and more impactful. I want to build a Rajasthan where every chapter grows, every entrepreneur finds an opportunity, every young leader finds direction and every member feels proud to belong to JITO.”
Har Ghar Goonje JITO!
