Bhubaneswar: Abhivyakti’19, the annual business conclave of XUB’s Xavier School of Rural Management (XSRM) expressed concern over low killed man power in the country.
The conclave viewed that as only 2% of the population is skilled, it poses a great risk for the inclusive development of the country.
The theme of the Abhivyakti’19 was ‘Tectonic Shifts in Rural Milieu’. The conclave, which was held here on Sunday, was inaugurated by XSRM dean Prof. S. Peppin. He stressed upon the accelerated pace of change in the field of rural management over the years, enlightening the students about the opportunities in Rural Economic Growth and Development, taking the present political scenario into consideration.
The first panel was moderated by Prof. Pradeep Kumar Mishra (Assistant Professor, XSRM) consisting of Vishal Wadhwa (Executive VP & Head-Rural Business, Fullerton India), Murli Manohar (National Manager, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank), Shri Priyaranjan (Deputy General Manager, RBI), and Jagannath Khuntia (GM-HR, Paradeep Phosphates Ltd.). They deliberated upon, “Private Investment in Subsistence Consumer for Inclusive Growth and Policy Formulation”.
Mishra shared the challenges faced by the rural population due to the changes taking place in the current scenario. Wadhwa reflected as to why private investors are not so into rural development projects. Manohar highlighted the pervasive growth in changing preferences of rural consumers. Priyaranjan, who is associated with the regulatory system, focused on advocating financial inclusion and government policies to promote the rural economy. Khuntia sensitized the need for the development of a mixed economy and spoke on the adoption of advanced technologies in the rural housing sector.
The next panel, moderated by Prof. Balram Bhushan (Assistant Professor, XSRM), comprising Jayashree Rao (Chief Marketing Officer, Micro Energy Credits), Mendu Srinivasulu (Vice President – eFresh Agribusiness Solutions Pvt. Ltd.) and Abhishek Kher (Assistant Vice President in Motor Business, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd.), elaborated on the “Role of Marketing and Social Entrepreneurship in Poverty Alleviation of India”.
Prof. Bhushan emphasized on the virtue of doing good to others and cited challenges that could be encountered on the way. Rao enlightened the students that social entrepreneurship is not only theories but also an understanding of sensitivity and need of the market. Srinivasulu stressed upon the integration of modern-day technologies and the needs of farmers to achieve sustainable development goals. Kher brought to the forefront the crucial role of marketing in rural business while reducing the risk of uncertainties.
The third panel, moderated by Prof. Satyendra Nath Mishra (Assistant Professor, XSRM) involved Aparna Singh (Senior Manager- CSR & Projects, Projects and Skill Development, AISECT), Vibha Bansal (Associate Director – International Tax & Regulatory, KPMG), and Sanjit Kumar Behera (Director, CSR Council, Practical Action Foundation India), who emphasized on “Policy Advisory for Rural Governance and the need for Skill Development”.
Mishra stated that “only 2% of the population is skilled and questioned the risk it portrays”. Singh brought to light the increasing worries of the farmers and urged the inclusion of all stakeholders with effective participation and accountability for development planning. Bansal imparted the significance of skill development and its affinity with the overall economic development. Behera conveyed the need for reformation and reincorporation of the financial institutions for providing aid to the rural economy. Finally, he cited some figures that support adapting to a multidisciplinary skill set.
On this occasion, the 13th edition of the Monthly newsletter, Abhigyaan’19 was unveiled by the honorable panelists and faculty members. The conclave ended with a vote of thanks by Sushree Jena (Coordinator, RMAX).
