EVENTS | XSRM holds summit on Indian Economic Slowdown & Rural Scenario
EVENTS | Oct 15, 2019:
The RM Alumni Committee of Xavier School of Rural Management (XSRM), Xavier University, Bhubaneswar (XUB) conducted its rural leadership summit at the Xavier City campus, on October 13 under the theme "Indian Economic Slowdown & Rural Scenario".
The summit was attended by alumni speakers and faculty members alike and was inaugurated by Fr. Donald D'Silva S.J., who ceremoniously lighted the lamp along with the panelists.
In his speech, Fr Silva stressed upon the uniqueness of Rural Management as a course and the changes 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 and economic scenario into consideration.
Prof. S.S. Singh (Assistant Professor, XSRM) emphasized on the objectives behind the event and how it would help establish a link between the successful alumni and the future prospective alumni of XSRM. Thereafter, the panelists and faculty members launched the annual magazine "Alohomora"published by the RM Alumni Committee. This was followed by the launch of their official YouTube Channel and the felicitation of the panelists with saplings as a token of gratitude.
The first panel was moderated by Prof. Gautam Prateek (Assistant Professor, XSRM) consisting of Ms.Neelima Burra (Country Marketing Director,Hewlett-Packard), Mr. Puspendra Singh Rathore (Operations Manager,ITC Limited) and Mr. Ved Prakash(Sr. Business Development Manager- Banking (India/SAARC),Gemalto). They deliberated upon, "Rural Dynamics Driving Marketer's Approach & Shaping Consumer Behaviour to Counter Current Market Slump".
Mr. Prateek shared the challengesfaced by the rural managers in the industrial and financial context due to economicslowdown. Ms. Burra questioned the biggest concern of the organization and theimpact of new investments, revenue streams, and consumer habits on the ruralmarket, and its dynamics. Mr. Rathore highlighted the diversity among ruralconsumers, the emotional connect they have with the brand and the need to havespecialized departments in an organization to attend to and satisfy eachsegment of the consumers. Mr. Prakash threw light on the deficit of technologyin rural India, the importance of technological advancements concerning ruraleconomic development, and the growth potential of technology in the ruraldynamic markets.
The second panel, moderated by Prof. Satyendra Nath Mishra (Assistant Professor, XSRM), comprising ofMs. Itishree Kanungo (State Coordinator, Climate Parliament), Mr. Prakash Panda (Associate Consultant, NABARD Consultancy Services), and Mr. Pratyaya Jagannath (Managing Director, Kabil Professional Services), elaborated on the "Incapacitate Rural Infrastructure& Reducing Agricultural Produce in Current Background".
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Prof. Mishracorrelated Indianagriculture and the economy and emphasized the importance of maintaining socialsecurity in India.Ms. Kanungo stated that there is a decline in economic growth,and to fill the gap, we need more experts in the area ofhealth and agriculture. Mr. Panda elaborated on the causes of economic slowdownand its effects on various sectors. He suggested certain remedies such as strengtheningagricultural extension and skill development to address this issue. Mr.Jagannath spoke about the policies that need to be changed in the developmentsector and gave examples of people facing difficulties in rural areas due tolack of development.
The third panel, moderated by Prof. Pradeep Kumar Mishra (Assistant Professor, XSRM)involvedMr. Pravash Dash (Founder, MD & CEO, Arthan Finance), Mr. Surya Panda (Head – Credit, Samasta Microfinance Limited) and Mr. Sudhanshu Shekhar (Founder & CEO, Aurbery Consulting Firm) who emphasized on "Dilemma of Financial Institutions – Rift Between Financing the Unfinanced and Maintaining Profit Sustainable Model".
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Mr. Dash brought to light the recent trends in the micro-finance sector along with the impact of demonetization.Mr. Panda conveyed that it is important to focus on the quality of manpower and adopt proper strategies to retain and serve customers. Mr. Shekhar explained the significance of introducing and implementing financial reforms in the rural sector for strengthening the foundation of rural economic growth and development. The conclave concluded with a public address by Mr. Vishes Jena (RM Secretary).
XSRM students contributed by posingrelevant questions to the panelists and added value to the discourse. Whileappreciating the discussion topics, the panelists emphasized the significanceof the issues and the importance of such qualified summits in keeping theconversation alive.
