PANEL DISCUSSION

The PHD Chamber of Commerce in association with Purdue University, USA organized a panel discussion on “Reimagining the Future” on October 30th, 2015 at the PHD House, New Delhi. Three ECE students, Prateek Kumar (7213), Mohit Bais (8212) & Abhijeet Rawat (8194) along with faculty members Prof. (Dr.) H. S. Dua and Ms. Angana Chatterjee from Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida attended the event.

The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Alok B. Shriram, President, PHD Chamber. After the inauguration ceremony the revered guests for the occasion were felicitated with the PHD chamber plants. The panelists for the session were introduced by the moderator for the session Mr. Suresh Garimella, Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering. The panelists were:

1. Mr. Mitch Daniels, President of Purdue University and the former Governor of Indiana,

2. Mr. Aunpam Jalote, President Greenoil Energy sciences Ltd.,

3. Dr. Rubina Mittal, Co-chairperson, Education Committee, PHD Chamber,

4. Mr. Richard Rahul Verma, United States Ambassador to India

5. Mr. Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary General, PHD Chamber.

The event started with presentations delivered by the delegates from Delhi and other universities on “Reimagining the Future”. Each of the delegates presented their views on how the future of India can be reimaged according to them. Prateek Kumar, of ECE department from Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida delivered a three minutes talk on the topic.It came up from their deliveries that the future generation imagines the future with upcoming human diversity, with conservation of energy, resources, agriculture, health, women empowerment, social justice issues. Development of smart cities, breakthrough manufacturing and entrepreneurship requires a thorough research for a better and developed India as per the student delegates. They also highlighted that a global partnership developed between USA and India relationship will help in providing solution for these factors. The point of sustainability was also raised during the session and reference of Sir Adam Smith, father of capitalism, was made. According to Sir Adam Smith both people and companies has responsibilities towards society, this is one of the main factors behind reimagining any country’s future.

After the felicitation of the delegates started the panel discussion. The discussion started with the keynote that academia- industry and government at the national and international levels have recognized the potentials of working in an integrated manner to rise up the challenges and reimagine India. It was discussed that India’s flagship programs like Make in India, Digital India, Skill India and Statrtup India require major initiative intended to facilitate investment, foster innovation, protect intellectual property rights and build best in class manufacturing infrastructure. Mr. Suresh Garimella said that bringing industry and entrepreneurship together is a critical part of the economic growth and development of a nation. He also said that the way India capitalizes on demographic dividend and utilizing the youth force will affect the reimagining the future of India. Mr. Alok B. Shriram said that smart cities, digital solutions, development of infrastructure and education are needed for growth of the nation. Mr. Aunpam Jalote said that a reimagined India according to him is fully empowered India, where citizens can pursue their goals and bring their unique energies to play and make the nation richer and stronger. He said that India possesses a tremendous amount of innovative energy and vitality. Dr. Rubina Mittal remarked that enthusiasm in the faculty in India is lacking in general. No wonder a lot number of Indian students are going abroad for better quality of higher education. The panelist discussed the role of university in addressing education, effective use of natural resources, women’s empowerment and other related social justice issues.

It came up from the discussion that India needs a India - specific solutions for the required growth. It was discussed that problems must be dealt with at the micro level rather at the macro level.

Then there was a question and answer session with the audiences. The participants asked many interesting questions that focused the problems of the modern India. This even enhanced the importance of the discussion.

Mr. Saurabh Sanyal gave the vote of thanks and the event concluded by presenting mementos to the panel members. Certificate of participation was given to all the participants present.

It was a learning experience for the students as well as for the faculty members.