30, Jan 2024
CarTrade Tech’s CarWale abSure Achieves Remarkable Milestone With 1000+ Cars Sold
30th January 2024, India: CarWale abSure – part of CarTrade Tech Ltd., a multi-channel auto platform to provide hassle-free buying and selling experience to customers, proudly announces the successful sale of over 1000 cars in the month of December 2023. This outstanding achievement is a testament to the platform’s commitment to providing customers with a seamless and transparent used vehicle buying and selling experience. Additionally, the achievement represents a remarkable year-over-year increase of 160 % compared to the same period in the previous year, showcasing CarWale abSure’s substantial growth in sales.
The December 2023 sales data reveals a significant surge, with over 40% of the transactions exceeding the 10-lakh price bracket. Notably, the premium segment witnessed a strong presence of Mercedes, securing an overall 5% of transactions and claiming an impressive 40% market share in the premium segment. Other popular models contributing to this success include Honda City (4.4%), Hyundai Elite i20 (3.7%), Innova Crysta (3.5%), Hyundai Creta (3.2%), and Hyundai Grand i10 (3.2%).
In response to this achievement, Abhishek Patodia, President, CarWale abSure, shared, “We are extremely proud that we have achieved the milestone of over 1000 cars sold through CarWale abSure and Signature dealers in the month of December 2023. As pioneers in the used car ecosystem, CarTrade is at the forefront of innovation, and the sale of 1000 cars on December 23 showcases that consumers want the AbSure offering. Through our platform, we empower a seamless, industry-specific experience, enabling effortless transactions in buying and selling pre-owned vehicles.”
CarWale abSure’s strategic initiatives played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone. High-impact marketing on CarWale used car pages, customised offers and online presence captured the attention of buyers.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, CarWale abSure remains committed to providing an unparalleled platform for car enthusiasts and buyers, setting new benchmarks in the industry with each passing month.
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- By Rabindra
30, Jan 2024
Outlook Survey Reveals 36% or nearly 4 out of 10 of Individuals Above 40 Navigate Without Professional Financial Guidance
January 30, 2024: In a groundbreaking initiative to decode the financial intricacies of retirement planning in India, a recent survey has surfaced with exclusive insights that promise to reshape the way individuals approach their golden years.
With a meticulous execution that included 1,735 interviews spanning over 20 cities, encompassing both metros and non-metros, the survey has unveiled noteworthy trends in retirement planning. Survey findings on the retirement planning behaviours of individuals around the age of 35, reveals that an impressive 75% have already initiated retirement planning. The survey underscores that their priorities predominantly revolve around health expenses and children’s education, with approximately 70% emphasising these crucial areas.
A striking revelation from ‘The Outlook – Toluna Survey’ on Retirement indicates that 61% of respondents rely on family wealth, while 39% depend on their spouse or children for retirement financing, showcasing a significant reliance on familial support. Furthermore, the survey highlighted a disorganised approach, with 36% of individuals above 40 lacking a professional advisor for their retirement planning.
Nidhi Sinha, Editor, Outlook Money commented on the findings, saying, “The retirement survey by Outlook Money and Toluna aims to find out India’s preparedness for retirement. The insights into the data show that though people have started saving, retirement is not yet a focused goal for most. Indians still need to go a long way in becoming serious about their own well-being in old age.”
In terms of investment patterns, respondents said they allocate an average of 17% of their total income, dedicating 21% specifically to retirement. This allocation demonstrates a balanced split between growth and guaranteed instruments. Noteworthy is the preference for equity mutual funds, with 76% of respondents choosing this option. In contrast, 68% opt for low-growth-guaranteed-return instruments like life insurance, and 64% favour fixed deposits.
Surprisingly, government schemes such as small savings (13%) and the National Pension System (15%) attracted less interest among respondents above 40, according to the survey. A one-of-a-kind comprehensive survey, The Outlook Toluna Survey on Retirement is an essential resource for individuals, financial planners, and policymakers seeking a deeper understanding of retirement planning trends in India.
The ‘40After40’ expo by Outlook Money was held on January 23-24, 2024, at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, featured an impressive lineup of over 40 distinguished speakers, attracting over 4000 attendees and hosting 50+ exhibitors. The event provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage in insightful panel discussions, interactive chats, enlightening masterclasses, and connect with seasoned planners and industry experts.
Distinguished speakers at the “40After40” Retirement Planning Expo included influential figures from various domains, offering a rich tapestry of expertise and insights. Notable financial leaders gracing the event were Bharat Shah, Executive Director of ASK Group; Deepak Mohanty, Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA); and Madan Sabnavis, Chief Economist of Bank of Baroda. The lineup also featured
eminent public figures such as national award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee, Former Captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team Mithali Raj, India’s leading storyteller Neelesh Misra, Columnist, Author, and Yoga Acharya Ira Trivedi, Indian Mythologist and Author Devdutt Pattanaik, and Senior Age Model and Actor Dinesh Mohan.
Over the course of two days, the expo boasted an impressive array of speakers, including M Jagannath, MD of LIC of India; Ananth Narayan Gopalkrishnan, Whole Time Member of SEBI; A Balasubramanian, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC; Vishal Kapoor, CEO of Bandhan MF; Nilesh Shah, MD of Kotak Mahindra Asset Management; Prashant Tripathy, MD & CEO of Max Life Insurance; Swarup Mohanty, Vice Chairman & CEO of Mirae Asset Managers (India); Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO of HDFC Life Insurance; Amit Jhingran, MD & CEO of SBI Life Insurance; Sashi Krishnan, CEO of National Pension System Trust; Vijay Chandok, MD & CEO of ICICI Securities; and Anup Bagchi, MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. These industry stalwarts collectively provided invaluable perspectives to guide attendees on their retirement planning journey.
Over two days of engaging sessions, the expo successfully delivered invaluable insights and expert guidance. Attendees were empowered with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, steering them towards a secure and prosperous retirement journey. The event stands as a testament to the importance of proactive retirement planning, providing a roadmap for individuals to navigate this critical phase of life with confidence and foresight.
30, Jan 2024
Paytm announces exclusive 100% cashback offer for devotees traveling to Ayodhya through flight and bus
One97 Communications Limited (OCL) that owns the brand Paytm, India’s leading payments and financial services company and the pioneer of QR and mobile payments, has introduced a special offer on flight and bus tickets for pilgrims visiting Ayodhya to witness the grandeur of the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh.
The company is offering this exclusive offer for budget-friendly travellers with an opportunity to enjoy 100% cashback on their bus and flight bookings to Ayodhya. Utilizing the promo code ‘BUSAYODHYA’ for bus bookings and ‘FLYAYODHYA’ for flight bookings, every tenth user becomes eligible for this outstanding cashback offer. Bus travelers can receive cashback of up to ₹1,000, while those booking flight tickets stand a chance to win up to ₹5,000 in cashback.
Additionally, users can leverage the ‘Free Cancellation’ option providing flexibility in case of change in plans, and get hassle-free 100% refund in their source account without providing a reason.
To enhance the travel experience, Paytm offers a live bus tracking service, ensuring users can journey at ease while also sharing the real-time location of their booked bus with their close ones. The company also assures the best prices for both one-way and round-trip flight ticket bookings.
Paytm Spokesperson said, “Being at the forefront of mobile payments and QR technology, we are delighted to introduce this exclusive offer for devotees traveling to Ayodhya. Through our exclusive offers, including 100% cashback on bus and flight bookings, our goal is to help users with seamless travel to Ayodhya.”
30, Jan 2024
Samsung R&D Institute, Noida Signs MoU with IIT Kanpur
Bengaluru, January 30, 2024: Samsung R&D Institute, Noida (SRI-Noida) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) for a period of five years to focus on key growth areas that will include joint research projects by IIT Kanpur students, faculty and Samsung engineers, helping students become industry-ready. These research projects will span areas such as health, visual, framework, and B2B security, and cutting-edge technology areas such as Generative AI and Cloud.
Apart from research projects, the MoU seeks to provide opportunities for upskilling Samsung engineers in key technology areas such as AI, Cloud, and other emerging technologies.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, SRI-Noida, Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean, Research and Development, IIT Kanpur and in the presence of Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Sandeep Verma, Department of Chemistry, IIT Kanpur; Prof. Tushar Sandhan, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur; and other senior delegates from Samsung.
“We are excited to begin this collaborative journey with IIT Kanpur. This collaboration reflects our dedication towards merging academic excellence with industrial innovation, thereby making students industry-ready. We look forward to a dynamic exchange of ideas, knowledge and talent, which will certainly play a crucial role in the success of groundbreaking projects and contribute to the growth of both Samsung and IIT Kanpur,” said Mr. Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director, SRI-Noida.
“By combining the academic excellence of IIT Kanpur with the industry expertise of Samsung India, we aim to create a dynamic environment for cutting-edge projects and provide invaluable opportunities for our students and researchers. This MoU complements IIT Kanpur’s relentless efforts in bridging the gap between academia and industry, while creating a connection between theoretical knowledge and practical industry solutions,” said Prof. S. Ganesh, Director, IIT Kanpur.
“The MoU reflects our commitment to providing our students and researchers with opportunities that go beyond academics, contributing significantly to technological advancements and growth of the academic landscape of our institute,” said Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean, Research and Development, IIT Kanpur.
As part of the joint research projects, students and faculty of IIT Kanpur will work on real-world industry challenges, aligning themselves with actual market needs. They will also work on Digital India related solutions, along with Samsung engineers.
Students and faculty of IIT Kanpur will also be encouraged to publish joint research papers with Samsung engineers.
Under the upskilling opportunities for Samsung engineers, IIT Kanpur will conduct specialized training programs in various domains, providing them with access to the institute’s renowned expertise, culminating in degree programs, certifications and specialized courses tailored to enhance the skill and knowledge of Samsung engineers.
30, Jan 2024
Warming Hanle Monastery School: Children Embrace Comfort with New Heaters
Hanle, Ladakh, January 30, 2024: In the heart of Ladakh’s challenging winters, the “Lamas of Light” initiative celebrated a significant milestone with the successful launch of its first phase at Hanle Monastery School on January 22, 2024. Spearheaded by the Headlight Foundation, this initiative endeavors to bring warmth, education, and hope to the resilient students of Hanle Monastery School.
The Chief Guest for the event, Shri Ishey Spalzang, Hon’ble Councillor, Nyoma, graced the occasion, highlighting the collaborative effort dedicated to the betterment of Hanle’s educational landscape.
Message from Headlight Foundation Founders:
“As founders of the Headlight Foundation, our mission has always been rooted in creating a lasting impact in remote regions. The Lamas of Light initiative reflects our vision to empower young minds in Hanle, providing them with the tools for a brighter future. We believe education is a transformative force, and with the support of our partners and well-wishers, we aspire to make a meaningful change in the lives of these students,” shared Rajendra Prasad & Manish Bhaskar, Co-Founders of Headlight Foundation & Royal Bikers who had accomplished some more similar initiatives in the region.
Empowering Lives in Phases:
The first phase of the Lamas of Light initiative focuses on installing room heaters, ensuring a comfortable learning environment even during the harshest weather conditions. This transformative step aims to address the challenges posed by extreme weather, enabling students to pursue education without disruption.
Impact Beyond Warmth:
The Lamas of Light initiative aims to transcend the immediate provision of warmth. It envisions creating an atmosphere where education thrives, resources are abundant, and the future becomes brighter for the resilient students of Hanle. The first phase lays the foundation for subsequent phases, where additional deliverables, including electronic and computer equipment, a full-time teacher, and school infrastructure enhancements, are planned.
Gratitude to Supporters:
The successful launch of the first phase wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support from all quarters. The Headlight Foundation expresses heartfelt gratitude to Hanle Monastery Management, residents of Hanle village and all individuals who had come forward & contributed, whose belief in the initiative has set the stage for positive change in Hanle.
Looking Ahead:
As we celebrate this milestone, the journey continues. The Lamas of Light initiative invites individuals, communities, and organizations to join hands for subsequent phases. While the first phase brings warmth, subsequent phases promise to enhance educational resources, infrastructure, and overall opportunities for the students in Hanle.
For further information or to express your interest in supporting the ongoing initiative, please find details on the foundation’s website- www.headlightfoundation.org/initiatives
30, Jan 2024
Visa Accelerator Program 2024 now open for Applications from Indian Fintechs
Bengaluru, January 30, 2024: Visa (NYSE: V), the global leader in digital payments, today announced the launch of the fourth edition of Visa Accelerator Program with an open call for applications. The initiative aims to enable startups in India to unlock growth potential by collaborating with Visa’s payments experts. The 2024 edition focuses on new opportunity areas – Artificial Intelligence (AI), Global Money Movement, and Loyalty of the Future, with an emphasis on areas like Digital Acceptance for Micro, Small, and Medium Businesses (MSMBs) and Embedded Finance.
Speaking on the launch of the program, Sandeep Ghosh, Group Country Manager, Visa India and South Asia, said, “We are delighted to invite up-and-coming payment innovations of the country to the Visa Accelerator Program and power their solutions with Visa. The Program offers startups a unique opportunity to work with our subject matter experts to enhance and test their solutions with real-world opportunities, building a runway for growth. We aim to drive the next wave of momentum for global payments by enabling seamless, safe money movement through positive payment experiences.”
Tailored for companies in the pivotal expansion stage, the program will emphasise on development of proof of concept, product solutions and fast-tracked commercialisation, arming startups with potential collaboration and accelerated growth. A select group of startups from across the Asia-Pacific region will, through the program, address evolving challenges of the payment ecosystem. They will also co-develop, test, and iterate new solutions and leverage Visa’s extensive network of financial institutions, merchants, and digital partners to pursue tangible go-to-market opportunities.
Launched in 2020, the Visa Accelerator Program has consistently supported advanced-stage startups with experienced mentors, cutting-edge technology, and opened doors to investment opportunities. In 2023, of the seven startups selected, two were India-based companies – Transpure and Twid.
Applications for this edition of the Program opened on January 8, 2024, and will close on March 8, 2024. The selected startups will engage in the program from May to November 2024, culminating with a Demo Day later.
29, Jan 2024
Telangana is not just competing with sister states within India but is competing with countries of our size: D. Sridhar Babu, IT Minister
Hyderabad, January 29, 2024-…. Investment opportunities in Telangana State were showcased in a round table conference held today at T-Hub to 12 member delegates from the Nordics, Estonia and Western Europe.
Some of the prominent ones of the 12-member delegation were JAB Holdings (they own all the large coffee brands like Peets Coffee, Krispy Kreme and Pret), Whitestone Capital, Metaplanet holding (Founder of Skype) and Bjella Investments from Norway. The combined holdings of just these 4 Family offices are over $100B in assets under management.
The round table was the initiative of the Government of Telangana, NAR Infra Pvt. Ltd and Prasad Vanga, CEO and Founder of Anthill Venture, a Speed Scaling Ecosystem that invests in, and scales, early-stage companies in Media, Urban Tech and Health Tech. Prasad Vanga is a successful entrepreneur, angel investor and business transformation coach.
Anthill Ventures has invited the delegation to Hyderabad, and Parvathi Reddy seized the opportunity to get the government involved and showcase Telangana as an investment potential state. Being an entrepreneur herself and having a lot of work in the state herself, she understands the governance and ease of doing business here, the skilled workforce available, the infrastructure, the safety, and the liveability all included make Hyderabad and Telangana a great place to do business. She has taken it upon herself to showcase Telangana as the best destination for opportunities and investments.
The delegation was convinced by the Government of Telangana to come to Hyderabad over other cities because of our innovative outlook and a strong focus on entrepreneurship said N. Parvathi Reddy one of the panel speakers and Co-Founder and Executive Director at NAR Infra Pvt. Ltd. an industry leader in the infrastructure sector in India.
D. Sridhar Babu Minister of IT, Government of Telangana; N. Parvathi Reddy, FICCI FLO Young Leader and alumni of Family Business from the Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad; CEO of T-Hub Srinivas Rao Mahankali and Honourable Principal Secretary ITE & C Jayesh Ranjan; Founder of the Family Office Alliance Philip von Wulffen & Anthill Venture’s CEO & Founder Prasad Vanga and others participated.
Speaking on the occasion D. Sridhar Babu said Telangana is the youngest but the best state in terms of human capital, infrastructure, proactive government and in ease of doing business. The state is not just competing with sister states in India, but is also competing with countries of our size. Please come forward and invest in the state. You will have minimal government intervention in your affairs. Last year the Telangana state got Rs 20,000 crore investments. This year we have already signed MoUs worth Rs 40,000 crore in investments.
Jayesh Ranjan asked why tech companies prefer Hyderabad and Telangana. It is because of the talent pool. When I say this, it doesn’t mean that other cities don’t have. We compete with cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Gurgaon. When compared to these cities our talent pool proved more productive, work-minded, and lived up to their deliverability. This was proven again during the pandemic. They proved to be a more responsible workforce. This was observed by many CEOs and they told us. The workforce here takes up challenges and lives up to those challenges. The attrition rate in Hyderabad is 6-7% lower compared to Bengaluru and the cost of acquiring talent is 15% lower.
The main driver of the tech industry is innovation. When I say these other cities are also doing well in terms of innovation and even better than us. But what makes this city apart from the rest is the innovation ecosystem and the state-of-the-art centres of excellence and innovation hubs, Jayesh Ranjan added.
We will continue the progress of the state. Policies of the previous government/s if good will be better and continued.
The Founder of the Family Office Alliance Philip von Wulffen & Anthill Venture’s CEO & Founder Prasad Vanga spoke on the manifestation & evolution of the Family Office Alliance
Family Office Alliance is an entity established by a wealthy individual/s to manage the family’s wealth.
The Family Office Panel Discussion was held with the founder of Cyient & Chairman at IIT Hyderabad BVR Mohan Reddy, iLabs Founder Srinivasa Raju Chintalapati and noted dignitaries including CEO at Bjella Investments Kristin Bjelland & General Partner at White Star Capital Cristina Ventura.
AI In Everything We Do — An Innovation Panel Discussion held with actor, producer and tech-preneur Rana Daggubati, Rauno Miljand who manages Skype in addition to his personal family offices, Peder Wallenberg, Senior Partner at Cohesion Investments and Akis Evangelidis, Co-Founder of Nothing.
Aditya Ghosh, former president and full-time director of IndiGo and co-founder of Akasa Air with Vinay Dube spoke on Scaling up in India. Giving his keynote address, Aditya Ghosh shared his experience in transforming and leading India’s largest & most profitable airline.
All the panellists shared their ideas and points of view on the growth story of Telangana.
In the end, the delegation had an exclusive tour of T-Works, India’s largest prototyping centre.
29, Jan 2024
IGCI’s 4th Artistic Gymnastics Meet Soars to New Heights
Bangalore, January 29, 2024 – IGCI’s 4th Artistic Gymnastics Invitational drew over 150 female gymnasts from various cities, aiming to revolutionize gymnastics competition through innovation, inclusivity, and a focus on individual progress. Organized by Coach Harish Parab, owner of The Gymnast, Mumbai a high-performance coach from Maharashtra, and Ms. Vivienne V, owner of RnR Fit Gymnastics Academy in Bengaluru, the meet took place at the academy on January 27th & 28th, 2024, from 8 am to 4 pm on both days. Gymnasts as young as 7 years old, hailing from over 15 cities, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa, Faridabad, and Delhi, participated across 8 levels. The event received support from Tata Soulfull, Chrysalis High, Ashley Furniture, Acceltrade, Nutrifymydiet, and Machas Bakery.
Winners across the events:
● Category A Team Champions: RnR Fit Gymnastics, Bengaluru; Champions Gymnastics Center, Chennai; Art Corner Gymnastics, Bengaluru.
● Category B Team Champions: RnR Fit Gymnastics Academy, Bengaluru; PTKS Gymkhana, Mumbai; Art Corner Gymnastics, Bengaluru.
● Category C Individual Winners: PTKS Mumbai; Art Corner Gymnastics, Bengaluru; RnR Fit Gymnastics, Bengaluru.
Speaking about the event, the parent of Larkan McGregor, a Category B participant aged 10, said, “I wanted to let you know how absolutely enjoyable the meet was. It was run very efficiently, and the live stream was easy for our families all the way in the US to watch. The professionalism of the judges and staff was impeccable. We honestly felt like we were at an event in the US that we have attended before.”
Ms. Vivienne Vidyasagar, Owner/Director of RnR Fit, expressed the motivation behind invitational meets in gymnastics, stating, “Cultivating a passion for gymnastics and witnessing the incredible talents on display at each invitational meet fills us with pride. RnR Fit is dedicated to fostering a community where gymnasts of all ages can thrive and showcase their skills. The record-breaking participation in our fourth invitational meet in Bangalore reflects the growing enthusiasm for gymnastics in the city. We are committed to providing a platform for budding gymnasts to shine and contribute to the vibrant gymnastics landscape in India and beyond.”
29, Jan 2024
LAPP India Unveils Innovative “All-Round Wires Multi-Standard – ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS
Bangalore, 29th January – LAPP India, a leader in cable and connection technology, proudly announces the launch of ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS, an all-encompassing single-core wire designed to revolutionize connectivity solutions across diverse industries and applications. Engineered with precision, these wires are making remarkable impact due to its high performance and reliability, offering versatility and a unique advantage in its voltage range.
ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS product family signifies all-around single-core wir
es, finding applications across various industries. Its adaptability and versatility make it a preferred choice for different wiring needs across the Asian market. ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS adheres to multiple standards UL/CSA, EN Standard – making it a versatile choice for a range of applications. Available in 1.05 (300V), 2.15 (600V), and 2.25 (1000V), ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS caters to diverse voltage requirements. ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS is built on a foundation of reliability, featuring certified PVC single cores that ensure consistent and secure connections in every application. It is designed to be cost-effective, providing a high-quality solution without compromising on affordability. ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS is ideal for internal wiring in electrical and electronic applications, making it a crucial component for seamless connectivity.
Gary Bateman, Managing Director at LAPP India, mentioned, “ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS reflects our commitment to providing innovative solutions that address the dynamic needs of our customers. This all-round single core wires, manufactured locally, is poised to set new standards in connectivity solutions”. Distinguished by its UL/CSA certification, ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS signifies compatibility across key markets. This certification offers various advantages, including a reduction in technical documentation, corrosion prevention with tin coating, and compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS) and REACH.
As part of the ÖLFLEX® Power & Control Cable lineup, ÖLFLEX® WIRE MS signifies a leap forward in cable & wire technology. It brings forth cutting-edge solutions for power and control requirements. The product is designed to be cost-effective, providing a high-quality solution without compromising on affordability.
29, Jan 2024
Directors of Prestigious IIMs Illuminate Paths to Enhance Managerial Capacities and Foster Collaboration
January 29th, 2024. Mumbai: The 9th PAN-IIM World Management Conference (WMC) at IIM Sambalpur concluded with a number of thought-provoking Panel Discussions including IIM Directors’ Panel, Accreditation Panel, CHRO Panel, among others.
While AICTE Chairman Dr TG Sitharam shed light on Initiatives to Shape Leaders and Drive World’s Third Largest Economy during the valedictory session, the Directors’ Panel was focused on “Building Managerial Capacities to Enhance Collaboration Between Industry and Society.” During the Director’s Panel Discussion Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur; Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Director, IIM Kashipur; Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore; Prof. Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, and Prof. BS Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, Prof. Umakant Dash, Director, IRMA; shed insights on enhancing collaborations between society and industry as well as effective management practices.
Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, shared, “The ecosystem at IIM Sambalpur, centered around the principles of Innovation, Inclusiveness, and Integrity, which has significantly contributed to our distinctiveness. Our commitment to inclusiveness prompted a notable change in our admissions policy to strive for a better gender balance. Furthermore, he cited about a project empowering traditional weavers, resulting in significant sales turnover growth and said, “Our Master Weavers project, called BunkarValleys.com, aims to digitalize as well as connect the products and businesses of master weavers to digital marketing platforms like Flipkart and ONDC. Such initiatives illustrate that we are working for a larger society and not only for big industries.”
On Day 2, the Keynote address on ‘Digital Governance and Public Policy’ was delivered by Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, IPS, Director General, Fire & Emergency Service, Commandant General, Home Guards and Director, Civil Defence, Odisha. During the CEO Panel Discussion on the topic ‘Develop Strategies to address Challenges of implementing ESG initiatives’ Mr. Sachin Trivedi, Director, Deloitte Consulting; Mr. Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact; Ms. Shraddha Danani, Tech-Entrepreneur and Mr. Keshav Rao, Director (Personnel), MCL Auditorium shared the sustainable practices adopted by their organizations. During the Start-up Round Table Discussion, Mr. Maninder Singh Bawa, Mr. Gaurav Kedia, Mr. Deepak Sharma ,Shristi Arora and Mr. Pradip R Subramaniam shared their entrepreneurial journey, the challenges and opportunities.
The Day-3 started with the Keynote Address by Ms Amy Menon, Regional Head, South Asia, AACSB and Prof. Rishikesh T Krishnnan, Director, IIM Bangalore. Similarly, during the Accreditation Panel Discussion Dr. Ravi Kumar Jain, Director, Sparsh Global Business School, Noida; Mr. Nishit Jain, EFMD; Prof. Sanjay Padode, Chairman, Centre for Developmental Education, JAGSoM; Prof. DK Mahalik, Sambalpur University; Prof Atish Chattopadhyay, Director, JAGSoM, Bangalore and Prof. Bidhu Bhusan Mishra, VC, Sambalpur University shared the practices for maintaining the standards and upholding the quality of B-School education standards.
The discussion on ‘Building organizational skills for the Industry 4.0 world’ witnessed the eminent speakers like Mr. Devi Prasad Dash, CHRO, Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited; Ms. Jaya Suri, CHRO, Kimbal Technologies; Ms. Jayanthi Jagannath, CHRO, K&S Partners; Mr. Krishna Padhi, Head HR, Hindalco Ltd, and Mr. Subrahmanya Sastry, Partner, PWC. The participating speakers delved into crucial aspects of challenges posed by Industry 4.0, exploring strategies for human resource development.
During the interaction with editors of Top Tier Research Journals Prof. Varsha Jain, AGK Chair Professor of Marketing, MICA, Ahmedabad; Prof. K. Mathiyazhagan, Chairperson of the Research Centre, Thiagarajar School of Management, Madurai; Prof. Dongmei Cao, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom; and Prof. Surajit Bag, Program Director, MSC. Supply Chain Research Center, Léonard de Vinci Pôle Universitaire, France, shared their valuable insights in terms of presenting the Research Paper.
The event witnessed as many as 712 active participations across various categories, including 18 participants for the Doctoral Consortium, 29 contributors presenting Case Studies with teaching notes, and 665 submissions in the form of Extended Abstracts for Research, Conceptual papers, full papers.
Valedictory Programme:
During the valedictory address, the chief guest Prof. (Dr.) T G Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Govt. of India, emphasized the pivotal role India must play in the 21st century, stating, “We are entering an era where India will be a global leader. Quality, skilling, and leadership are our key weapons, and this conference has fueled our fire to forge a brighter future.” Recognizing the immense strides India has taken in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Sitharam informed, “Today, India is the fifth largest publisher of research papers and patents globally. We are poised to become the third largest economy by 2027, a testament to the power of our youth and infrastructure development. AICTE is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.” On the occasion, Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur and Prof. Padmavathy Dhillon, Conference Co-Chair shared their vision and experiences for organizing the PAN IIM WMC at IIM Sambalpur.
The workshop on the Case Writing & Teaching convened by Prof. (Dr.) Gita Bajaj. The conference also saw inspirational session by the famous motivational speaker, Mr. Shiv Khera.
It is to be recalled that the 4-Day 9th PAN IIM World Management Conference (WMC) was organised at IIM Sambalpur from Sunday, January 21, 2024, to Wednesday, January 24, 2024, with the theme “Entrepreneurial Innovation and Digital Governance for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.”
