The Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) Batch 2023-24 at the Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) hosted “Prabodhan,” a leadership conclave that witnessed the convergence of brilliant minds to discuss and deliberate on the theme, “Positioning India @ 2047.” The event was inaugurated by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore. Prof. Saurabh Chandra, Chair – EPGP, along with the dignitaries, graced the occasion. The event proved to be a platform for insightful discussions and exploration into the future of our great nation.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Rai set the tone for the conclave, stating compelling predictions about India’s future. “India is on its way to becoming the second largest economic powerhouse, emerging as a major hub for information technology, healthcare, and biotechnology’, he said. Prof. Rai foresaw a super-advanced healthcare system driven by artificial intelligence and telemedicine, leading to a significant increase in life expectancy. Moreover, he predicted India’s global leadership in a skilled workforce and the successful completion of manned space missions, both interplanetary and lunar. Discussing the global landscape, Prof. Rai highlighted the growing brittleness of the world’s supply chain and the collective anxiety induced by rapid changes, urging business schools to offer contextually relevant courses that go beyond disseminating knowledge to curating it. Contrary to fears, he asserted, “AI wouldn’t take jobs away but rather empower those who understand it”. Prof. Rai emphasized the need to address non-linear challenges and incomprehensible phenomena, encouraging individuals to envision their aspirations, introspect on needs versus desires, and identify their true passion and connection with the universe. He concluded by stressing the importance of fortitude, appreciating and celebrating failure, and making informed choices to shape a resilient and prosperous future.
The conclave’s first-panel discussion, “Rethinking Business Models in the Era of Tech Disruptions,” brought together industry stalwarts to share their perspectives. Mr. Nilesh Biniwale, MD, India Operations at Pattern, emphasized the importance of gauging our ability to understand technological trends without unnecessary alarm. He highlighted three key considerations for businesses adopting new technology: the ability to pivot, leveraging collective wisdom, and discerning the optimal duration to support a particular technology. Executive Director at CNH, Mr. Satendra Tiwari, provided insights into the role of AI in the global supply chain, particularly its impact on material movement planning and forecasting. Discussing the steel industry’s response during the pandemic, Mr. Tiwari explored the strategic leverage of technology and ways to anticipate cyclicality in businesses. Ms. Garima Sethi, ESG Product Owner at Invesco, contributed a detailed analysis, focusing on advancements in tokenization techniques. Additionally, Ms. Sethi shared insights on managing organizational change during technology adoption, advocating for a calculated approach and progressive learning as essential strategies for navigating the dynamic business landscape.
The second panel discussion, titled “China + 1: India’s Outlook,” showcased dynamic insights from industry leaders. Mr. Siddharth Sethi, Co-Founder & CEO of Infobeans, and Mr. Dimitrov Krishnan, MD of Volvo, participated as distinguished panelists, with the session expertly moderated by Prof. Srinivas Gunta from IIM Indore. The panel delved into the enduring concept of “China + 1,” emphasizing that it is not a new phenomenon. During the discussion, Mr. Siddharth Sethi stressed the importance of India capitalizing on its strengths rather than benchmarking against other nations. He highlighted the significance of the English-speaking population in India as a unique advantage that differentiates the country globally. Mr. Sethi also addressed the challenges faced by MSMEs in scaling up and underscored the pivotal role of larger companies in providing support and guidance. On the other hand, Mr. Dimitrov Krishnan provided a nuanced perspective on India’s role amid global economic shifts. He conducted a thorough analysis of the dynamic factors influencing India’s global standing, offering strategic insights that aimed to empower students and foster a comprehensive understanding of India’s evolving position in the global economic scenario. The discussion underscored the need for a strategic approach to navigating the complex landscape of global economic shifts.
As a part of Prabodhan, an engaging quiz was conducted, and the winners were rewarded. Furthermore, the conclave witnessed the announcement of the winner of the Prabodhan logo competition. The winner of the case study competition was also revealed.
Prof. Saurabh Chandra, Chair, EPGP, delivered the vote of thanks. He mentioned that this year’s Prabodhan not only provided a platform for intellectual discourse but also offered a holistic learning experience for the participants. ‘The conclave encouraged a forward-thinking approach, urging attendees to envision India’s future in 2047 with a strategic mindset’, he said. Prabodhan emerges as a beacon of knowledge, fostering a spirit of innovation and preparedness for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, he added.
The success of Prabodhan reflects the commitment of IIM Indore’s EPGP Batch 2023-24 to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on India’s future. The event also reflects the institute’s dedication to nurturing future leaders who are not only adept in their respective fields but are also equipped to shape the destiny of our nation.