IIM Indore hosted the G20 University Connect event on August 14, 2023, in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. The event served as an influential platform for thought-provoking discussions centered on the intersection of education, healthcare, and global diplomacy, contributing to advancing key agendas within the G20 framework. Distinguished speakers, including Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore; Ambassador L. Savithri; and Dr. Digpal Dharkar of the Indore Cancer Foundation, shared their insights and expertise during this enlightening event.
In his welcome address, Prof. Himanshu Rai emphasized the pivotal role of education in shaping a brighter future. He highlighted that education is not only a tool for personal growth but also a catalyst for global progress. Prof. Rai underscored the significance of collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and policymakers in addressing complex challenges faced by societies worldwide. He mentioned that IIM Indore’s vision aligns with the G20 mission.
“Our commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation aligns with the G20’s objectives, particularly in fostering sustainable development, inclusive growth, and cross-border cooperation. We shape leaders who understand global interconnectedness, capable of driving positive change and contributing meaningfully to the G20’s mission of sustainable, inclusive growth”, he said.
Prof. Rai also stressed the importance of adapting education systems to the evolving needs of the workforce in an era of rapid technological advancements. “Business schools like IIM Indore play a crucial role in nurturing future leaders who are not only well-versed in business principles but also possess a broader perspective on global issues”, he added. The importance of adapting education to evolving workforce needs and nurturing leaders well-versed in business principles and global issues. He advised students to embrace their potential as change agents aligned with the G20’s vision. He encouraged them to bring their unique perspectives to foster collaboration, innovation, and positive transformation.
Ambassador L. Savithri appreciated the remarkable cleanliness of the Indore city, likening it to an ‘A’ grade while lauding the campus as an ‘A++’ grade. Stressing India’s 2023 presidency as a golden year, she emphasized its significance, involving preparatory meetings and domestic outreach, with each state engaged in the exercise. “It’s a matter of pride to see that everyone, irrespective of their demographics, knows what G20 is, and this reflects our unity in diversity”, she said. She also delved into the tracks that shape the G20 agenda, namely the Sherpa track and the Finance track. She elucidated the diverse topics that come under discussion, including energy transition towards a greener world, sustainable development goals, and the promotion of eco-friendly lifestyles. With a focus on a greener world and energy transition, including solar alliances, she underscored sustainable development, interdependence, and solutions-driven discussions. Additionally, the Ambassador emphasized the inclusive approach, addressing the concerns of global south nations and ensuring the G20’s impact extends beyond its member countries. She emphasized the collaborative spirit of G20, aimed at driving positive changes on a global scale.
Dr. Digpal Dharkar commenced by acknowledging Prof. Himanshu Rai’s commendable initiative in offering pro-bono consultation to the Indore Cancer Foundation. This gesture has been instrumental in impactful healthcare contributions for the foundation. He then delved into the paramount role of healthcare within the G20 context. Highlighting the paradigm shift brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, he spoke about the newfound recognition of health as a cornerstone of global well-being. Dr. Dharkar outlined the pre-pandemic discussions on equitable health and transitioned into India’s successful crisis management. He illustrated the transformative power of digital technology, citing India’s burgeoning internet user base and smartphone penetration. “With such emerging technology, we can revolutionize healthcare access and early disease detection. Thus, we envision an integrated healthcare system prioritizing transparency, credibility, and expansive reach”, he said. Dr. Dharkar highlighted India’s opportunity to lead in medical tourism, foreseeing substantial growth from 3 billion to 8 billion in the industry’s overall value. This, he asserted, would contribute to India’s global leadership in healthcare and highlight its commitment to a healthier and interconnected world.
An engaging Q&A session, moderated by Ms. Niyathi Singh, Consultant at RIS, added a dynamic dimension to the event. The students enthusiastically posed thought-provoking questions to the speakers, delving deeper into the themes of the G20 and its implications. It was an enriching experience for both the students and the speakers, contributing to the event’s success and its mission of fostering informed dialogues.
As part of the event, IIM Indore students conducted three engaging competitions that allowed participants to express their viewpoints on pressing global issues and explore practical solutions.
- The G20 Quiz, organized by the Quiz Club led by Shreyansh Vyas and his team challenged participants’ understanding of the world’s economic and environmental aspects. The winners of this competition were:
- 1st Position – Roopsha Hirak Deb & Vishal Revanur
- 2nd Position – Sai Suchir Dachepalli & Naga Kalisetty
- 3rd Position – Shrey Syal and Shivish Shukla
- The Essay Writing competition, organized by Sarthak Sahu and his team from Management Canvas, provided participants with a platform to share their insights on the summit’s themes. The winners of this competition were:
- 1st Position – Swathi Suraj (2022PGP405)
- 2nd Position – Simran Kathuria (2022PGP547)
- 3rd Position – Jay Garg (2022PGP175)
- The Mock Summit, coordinated by Samriddhi Choudhury and Jayakumar Kartic Baradwaj, engaged speakers in discussing global policies and collaboratively generating actionable solutions. The winners were:
- 1st Position – Anant Goel
- 2nd Position – Deepansh Goyal
- 3rd Position – Muskan Goyal
On this occasion, the winners were felicitated with prizes, adding to the spirit of enthusiasm and learning that characterized the event. The organizing teams also received their certificates of appreciation. Through these competitions, participants gained valuable insights into how leaders cooperate and address challenges at a global level, aligning with IIM Indore’s commitment to fostering informed and collaborative future leaders.