AIMA shows young minds the way

Hundreds of young management students and professionals of the city attended the "Shaping Young Minds Programme", organised by All-India Management Association (AIMA) and the Chandigarh Management Association (CMA). This is the ninth such programme in a series AIMA is organising across the country.

The programme was aimed at providing a platform to management students and professionals below 30 to listen to and interact with distinguished personalities to ignite their minds, sharpen their competence and seek inspiration to move ahead.

The speakers for the programme included K J Rao, former adviser to the Election Commission of India, General V P Malik, former Chief of Army Staff, P M Singh, former CEO, PepsiCola Beverage International, South Asia, Sudhir Jalan, AIMA President and former FICCI president among others.

Addressing the young crowd, K J Rao, said, "A person needs courage and conviction to carry out his duties. Young people have an apathy towards voting in elections these days. However, they should vote regularly and participate in the democratic process. There is a need for a shift in the present political system, as violence has penetrated the election system. The government should make the Election Commission an independent body. This will give it the power to curb malpractices stringently."

Rao, who was an instant hit with the students, told them that though it was not easy for his family to afford his education, belief in himself helped him. He spoke on various issues like values versus success, Indian versus US election process, revolution after depression, technocrats becoming politicians among others.

Speaking on the occasion, General VP Malik, said, "It is perseverence and hard work that will help you in becoming successful in your life. Ultimately, it is the human mind that makes the difference in management. Leaders are made only by imbibing values and working under pressure."

AIMA President Sudhir Jalan urged the young people to strive for the better . He told them to take inspiration from Indians who are excelling in every field and to forge ahead and achieve their goals. P M Sinha said if one wants to succeed, one has to enjoy his work.