KIIT School of Rural Management (KSRM) hosted the 5th National Rural Management Konclave on 31st August, 2024. The objective of the Konclave was to bring together development professionals and corporate leaders onto a common platform to discuss emerging issues. The event featured two panel discussions: Inclusive Rural Management in Viksit Bharat, and Innovation and Adaptation in CSR.
Prof. (Dr.) Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, inaugurated the Konclave and emphasized on inclusivity. He highlighted the KIIT–KISS model of inclusivity. He flagged on the important aspects of ‘rural entrepreneurship’ amidst the arena of demographic dividend. Prof. Singh also reiterated the philosophy (‘eradication of poverty through education and women empowerment’) of the Founder of KIIT & KISS Prof. Achyuta Samanta.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Nishith Parida, Director of KIIT School of Rural Management shared the remarkable journey of KSRM and KIIT-DU, and set the context for the conclave. Prof. Damodar Jena, Dean of KSRM delivered the word of thanks. The Vice Chancellor congratulated the winners and participants of “QUIZ WHIZ”, a national quiz competition.
The panelists at the first panel discussion were: Dr. Bharat Kakade, President & Managing Trustee, BAIF; Shri Puneet Bali, Executive Director, Smile Foundation; Shri Naveen Patidar, Chief Executive Officer, AKRSP (India); Shri Sudeep Sinha, Director, Hans Foundation; Shri P.B. Sajeev, Chief Executive Officer, Aide et Action (India); and Shri Ganesh Neelam, Executive Director, CiNI, Tata Trusts. The discourse emphasized the importance of inclusive rural management for achieving the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. Panelists stressed the need for professional management, innovation, and collaboration to address various challenges.
The second panel discussion centered around innovation and adaptation in corporate social responsibility. The panelists of the discussion were: Captain Amitabh, Head Skill Development, CSR, Tata Steel; Ms. Harmeet Sehra, Head CSR, Vedanta Ltd.; Shri Suresh Reddy, Lead CSR and Director, SRF Foundation; Shri Onkar Pandey, Director, Social Alpha; Dr. Nachiket Sule, Head Health Programs, Lupin Foundation; and Shri Pravin Lawande, Director, Omni Health Services (India). The panel highlighted the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India in facilitating sustainable development. Businesses are stepping up, not just to meet obligations, but to genuinely improve the lives of people in rural communities, they stated. The programme was coordinated by Prof. Surendra Kumar Jena and Prof. Debashis Mohapatra.