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. Five students, Shubham Chhabra (16150), Akshay Yadav (16014), Shivani Chauhan (16148), Sheetal Rana (16146) and Sandeep (15094) along with two faculty members Mr. Amar Saraswat, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Mr. Ashish Gambhir, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering on behalf of Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurgaon attended the Panel Discussion.

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 included Mr. Mitch Daniel, President Purdue University and Governor Of Indiana, Dr. Rubina Mittal, CEO Chairperson, Education Committee, PHD Chamber, Mr. Richard Rahul Verma, United States Ambassador To India, Mr. Anupam Jalote, CEO, Green oil Sciences ltd and 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. The framework of discussion included several topics such as livelihoods, energy, natural resources, agriculture, health, women empowerment, issues related to social justice, role of colleges and universities in the field of education.

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.