IIM Indore conducted a special event on the theme “India at 2047: Amrit Kaal” on October 21, 2023. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore. Ms. Anjana Om Kashyap, Managing Editor of Aaj Tak, was the Guest Speaker.
Prof. Rai, in his inaugural address, painted a vivid picture of “Amrit Kaal” as a call to turn the pages of India’s rich mythology and scriptures into a blueprint for its future. He envisioned a developed India, free from the shackles of a colonial mindset, united in purpose and proud of its roots. He emphasized the pivotal role of the youth in realizing this vision and highlighted the immense potential of academic institutions, particularly IIM Indore, in contributing to this noble cause.
“We at IIM Indore have adopted the principles of “Amrit Kaal” by addressing five critical issues: income and gender inequality, challenges in urban and rural areas, environmental conservation, and fostering entrepreneurial spirit among the youth”, he said. He emphasized on the institute’s collaboration with districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh to promote local products under the ‘One District One Product’ initiative that is contributing to reducing income inequality. He also highlighted the efforts in improving traffic management in Indore have enhanced the quality of life for residents. “With a commitment to environment and sustainability, our Centre of Excellence, ANVESHAN, will be training 4,800 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the nation, inspiring young minds to establish startups in sanitation and cleanliness”, he added.
Mentioning that in line with the Paanch Prans of the Amri Kaal, the institute is also taking initiatives to bridging the gap between rural and urban India through its Rural Engagement Programme. This programme allows students to immerse themselves in rural life, identify pressing issues, and devise practical solutions. The institute will also be offering specialized programme for women for career re-entry and will introduce a management development programme in Hindi, breaking boundaries and emphasizing that a unified workforce, regardless of gender or background, is the cornerstone of India’s prosperity. He mentioned that there is still much work to be done, and in a nation of 1.4 billion, the power to drive change lies within the unity of its people
Ms. Anjana Om Kashyap began her address by planting a seed of thought that made the crowd wonder about India’s progress over the years, how we still have a long way to go, and how the citizens should give back to their country. What followed was her insights on the five main mantras, the ‘Amrit Paans’ of what Amrit Kaal truly means and what we as citizens can do to achieve that goal. The most pivotal and crucial step towards achieving Amrit Kaal starts with gender equality. Ms. Kashyap addressed how our country has progressed to a great extent in this sphere and yet there is a long way to go. “It is extremely important for women to fight to speak out their thoughts bravely and believe that their dreams and aspirations are second to none. It is high time that women break these shackles and society and today’s youth help and support them in doing so”, she said.
She further discussed the importance of achieving a joyous balance between nationalism, national pride, and critique. It is important to look at the world from varied perspectives and develop a positive and responsible society. “What is equally important for us as citizens is to never forget our roots and respect our culture”, she said. Her emphasis on reaching out to rural areas and volunteering to improve the healthcare and education system was indeed inspirational. She also highlighted the unique and powerful position that India as a country has in the global setting. She concluded by emphasizing the responsibility of the youth to carry the nation towards its Amri Kaal. “It begins at home and it is the duty of every citizen to contribute towards making their country achieve great heights”, she said.
An interactive Q&A session added to the enriching experience, with Ms. Kashyap addressing the youth’s questions, spanning topics from women empowerment and life lessons to challenges in media, social media, and entertainment. Her comprehensive responses left everyone inspired.
The event concluded with a call for unity, social inclusion, diversity, and shared responsibility. The “India at 2047: Amrit Kaal” event marked an essential step towards realizing this vision, with attendees inspired by the commitment and dedication of IIM Indore to shape the future of the nation.