The three day (5 - 7th of August 2011) Harvard US-INDIA initiative Summer Conference 2011 was organized by Amity Business School, at Amity University Campus, Sector – 125, Noida. The objective of the conference was to assemble the bright students from American and Indian Universities to share their experiences as well as expertise and foster an enriching interaction that will last beyond panels, workshops and discussions of the Conference.
An introduction about Harvard US-INDIA initiative was presented by Mr. Francis Thumpasery, President, Harvard US-INDIA Initiative (HUII) during the inaugural day of the conference.
A talk by Mr. Pravin Bhasin, Senior Executive Vice president at Reliance Infrastructure was presented during the penultimate day of the conference which was followed by an enriching lecture by Dr. Sanjay Srivastava - Head of Amity Business School wherein he shared valuable tips with the students on how to develop an extraordinary attitude. He apprised the audience with the principle of “ASK” (A- Attitude S- Skill set & K – Knowledge) and concept of 7 L (Learn, Laugh, Look – for positive things, Lasting Impression, Love Leverage and Lead) to success.
An enlightening panel discussion on “Understanding India’s Energy equation” (by Mr. A. K Gupta, GM - Business Development,NTPC, Dr. Arabinda Mishra Director, Earth Science and Climate Change Division, The Energy Research Institute, Dr. Bibek Bandyopadhyay Director, National Solar Energy Centre and Advisor, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) was followed by a group discussion on the topic “Educational Differences”. A talk on “Microfinance and Social enterprises” was presented by Mr.V.S.Radhakrishnan, Managing Director and CEO, Janalakshmi followed by an interactive session between Mr. Rajat Sethi, Executive Director at Direxions and the students. During his interaction Mr. Sethi shared his views on Indian market, different ways of marketing and The Indian Consumer along with brainstorming sessions various topics including opportunities for marketers, customer service and how Indian customers have upper hands in the market.
Addressing the audience during the concluding day of the conference Mr. Dikshu Kukreja, Director of Kukreja Associates and former President of the Harvard Club of India shared a set of his innovative architectural plans. During his address Mr. Kukreja stressed on the need of quality education in India in order to get more of demographic dividends apart from energy efficiency.
Also present during the three day conference were Mr. Shantanu Bhadkamkar, Managing Director, A.T.C, Mr. Sapan Gupta, Legal Head of Standard Chartered bank apart from various other important personalities.
A plethora of knowledge enhancing games, group discussions on stimulated topics and case study workshops were the chief highlights of the conference.