SMVDU 3rd July, 2020: The Webinar on ‘Sectoral Experiences and Challenges for Self-Reliant India: Aatm Nirbhar Bharat’ was organized by School of Business, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in collaboration with Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad and Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Nagpur.

The webinar was under the series Strategies for Leading the Change: Covid19 Response of India.

The webinar came out with the discussions that sectoral challenges of Aatm Nirbhar Bharat may be based on various factors but the opportunities lie in new markets, new skills, being indigenous, new models of governance, logistics, leading inclusive growth and accelerating from policy to productivity.

The webinar emphasized on the requirement for leading into the Aatm Nirbhar Bharat with an Aatm Vishwas, i.e. being self-reliant with self-confidence.

Dr. Saurabh, Head, School of Business, SMVDU explained the importance of the deliberation and welcomed the panelists to the webinar session.

Dr. Dheeraj P. Joshi, TIC, Consulate General of India, Birmingham, UK presented the world view of Aatm Nirbhar Bharat in his inaugural address. He emphasized on the role of innovation and research to improve the basic infrastructure like roads, water, electricity and technology to attract business in India. The panelists consisted of experts from various sectors.

Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, department of Tourism, University of Jammu discussed the opportunities of virtual tourism and said it would be one of the sectors that shall bounce back quickly.

Prof. Balraj Singh, Ex VC, Agricultural University, Jodhpur, highlighted the role of agriculture in India to produce own hybrid seeds, ornamental plants, pulses and edible oils to become self-reliant.

FMCG leader Mr. Gaurav Parashar, with his twenty years’ experience in the industry, was optimistic about the growth of FMCG products in near future and discussed the various opportunities available to Indian manufacturers and retailers due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Prof. A.K. Saihjpal, Ex VC, Baddi University discussed the role of banks in promoting start-ups and local businesses. He said that the banking sector renovations for long term viability and minimizing operating costs are required.

Dr. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Professor, IPE, Hyderabad presented his views on managing the supply chains efficiently for combating the disruptions to make India the global supply chain leader.

Dr. Hari Govind Mishra, School of Business, SMVDU discussed the role of social bonding adopted by small local retailers in expanding the future retail business by locals. Dr. Ch. Lakshmi Kumari, IPE Hyderabad, was the moderator of the webinar and she explained the opportunities for becoming Aatm Nirbhar Bharat.

Dr. Rashi Taggar, the organizing secretary from SMVDU, deliberated with the number of questions of the participants and panel.

Dr. Amit Dashora, All India Academic Covener, Bhartiya Shiksha Mandal, Nagpur, concluded the webinar and expressed his belief in the role of Indian youth to make Aatm- Nirbhar Bharat. He thanked Prof. R.K Mishra, Director, IPE, Prof. R K Sinha, VC, SMVDU and Prof. D. Mukhopadhyay, Dean Faculty of Management, SMVDU, members of BSM, along with all the panelists and organizers, and participants for creating a platform for such a contemporary importance.