On the 15th of March, 2013 Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies hosted the Annual Corporate Symposium, Samanavay’13 at the Mumbai University Convocation Hall.
This was the first time this event was opened to other esteemed B- Schools across Mumbai. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students at JBIMS and other B-Schools. The theme for this year was ’Thriving amidst Turbulent Times’[/b]. Fiscal 2012 was a difficult year for Indian corporates. Slowing economic growth, faltering industrial demand due to lower capital expenditure, a weak rupee offsetting the benefit of falling global prices of commodities, sliding export growth, and high interest rates weighed on growth and profitability of companies. At Samanvay’13 we tried to understand the values, business models, and management philosophies of corporates that withstood the pressures of a post-subprime era when global markets plummeted. Through this symposium we learnt from the stalwarts of the industry their secret to surviving.
This year we hosted Mr. Kapil Garg, Co -founder, OilMax Energy Ltd and Former Managing Director, British Gas. Also we had the privilege of having amongst us Mr. Keval Handa, Chairman – Medybiz Pharma Pvt. Ltd, Promoter Director – Salus Lifecare Pvt. Ltd. and Former Managing Director - Pfizer Limited, India.
Mr. Kapil Garg, in his novel way, looked at economic crisis as a time to look out for opportunities. He emphasised that staying in motion, adapting to changes and innovating are the best ways of effectively handling an economic crisis. His parting advice for the batch was “Crisis for one is an Opportunity for another”
Mr. Keval Handa brought to light the impact of the global meltdown on India. He highlighted ways of managing the turbulence in Corporate India. He emphasized on the need of new leadership to emerge.
This was followed by a panel discussion where the theme was further probed into by the enthusiastic gathering. The panellists patiently addressed the queries of the students, arming them with unique perspectives and a much deeper understanding of the issue.
True to its promise, Samanvay’13 has shown us a new way of looking at crisis and finding hope for the future, in tune with its vision of – Nurturing Ideas, Igniting Minds.