Showing posts with label Mindmine Summit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mindmine Summit. Show all posts

Tuesday, 19 May 2015

A recap of this year's MindMine Summit


Another year and another MindMine Summit gone by and I’m already looking forward to what people will achieve this year from what they took back. The two days went by in a blur with some of the nation’s brightest minds discussing India’s future economic landscape and how each and every one of us contributes in our own way.
A tradition we are all familiar with is the lighting of the lamp prior to any event. So to start off the event on an auspicious note, Mr Sunil Kant Munjal, Mr Pawan Munjal and Mr Nitin Gadkari along with the first session panellists carried out this ceremonial deed. Prior to the beginning of the summit, Mr Sunil Kant Munjal gave a short address to the gathered intellectuals to reiterate the theme of the MindMine summit and the true purpose of such summits. That it is imperative that we keep ourselves updated and ready to adapt in this highly volatile landscape to ensure that this is India’s decade. We started the summit with an attention-grabbing speech by Mr Nitin Gadkari highlighting the various ways in which the government is toiling away to ensure the sustained growth for India. From on the ground negotiations for reduced material costs to creating untapped logistics sources, it is quite clear that this government is focused on delivering promised growth for the country. After that eye opening speech, we had a stimulating discussion led by Mr Nitin Gadkari about India 10 years down the line. How the initiatives put in place have already caught the eye of various institutions such as Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. But for any such growth, we need supporting infrastructure. Mr Suresh Prabhu highlighted the uphill battle that the railways has in its hands to upscale India’s logistics and various steps taken to overcome them. All this infrastructure in coordination with the Make in India policy is designed to promote the manufacturing industry. Mr Amitabh Kant reiterated the various initiatives the government has taken to ensure foreign interest in manufacturing in India. However, without the skill and ability to scale quickly none of the infrastructure matters as highlighted by Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad. He recapped us on the goal of the Digital India initiative. How it will along with a new certification system in government organisations will ensure people are skilled to handle the various job roles they face.
Nowadays demand for all those manufactured goods is not driven by the weekly family visit to the mall. But rather the mouse clicks or the smartphone taps that has brought convenience of purchasing to the masses. From the Nike’s to the Gucci’s; bringing both access to brands and affordable prices e-commerce has tapped our increasingly disposable income quite effectively. However, while we spend our hard earned money getting the latest fad in fashion, our borders are protected by soldiers using aging equipment outclassed by lawless militants. Despite that they ensure we are sleep in peace. Keeping this in mind, the government has reviewed the defence budgets and will be revamping the armed forces. From importing the latest equipment to developing and manufacturing in the homeland to ensure safety and independence. This will not only help creating jobs but also help us in maintaining peace in the region.

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Mindmine Summit 2013


Last week I was part of the 8th annual Mindmine Summit by the Hero Group. I have attended the past summits as well and like them, this one too was an enlightening experience with discussions on matters that concern the nation & economy as a whole.

At the summit, I had the opportunity of being witness to discussions among some luminous minds and also interacted with the likes of Mr. Salman Bashir current high commissioner of Pakistan to India. Being part of a platform where well known individuals from across various industries put forth their views on the economics & politics of India was an opportunity which can be used for introspection. Introspection not only for the system and authorities in the society but also the role that one can play in this, being a fresher to any industry or being the CEO of a well known organizational body.

Ms. Poonam Dhillon presented insightful piece on how adaptation of external culture is adding to our progress as a nation as long as we make it centered and do not blindly follow any one culture. Also, an interesting point made by Subodh Gupta was about how while we are worried about being “wrongly influenced” by other cultures, but are we really making efforts to preserve our cultures vis a vis museums and heritage.

Another intriguing discussion was how technology is leading India forward. A point put forth by one of the panelists, with which I agree, was that it is not  only about the gizmos that are invented, it’s about doing things smartly and efficiently. 

 Other dignitaries such as Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, Mr. Devang Nanavati & Ms. Smriti Irani debated on the topic ‘India needs stronger leadership, not democratic leadership.’  

An all in all wonderful experience and I look forward to the 9th annual summit. 

sandeep soni with shashi tharoor
Mr. Shashi Tharoor at the Mindmine Summit 2013

sandeep soni with poonam dhillon
Ms. Poonam Dhillon speak on the topic ‘Culture Club: Will Adaptation Enrich or Destroy Our Heritage?’

sandeep soni with poonam dhillon
Panelists at the summit


sandeep soni with omar abdullah
Mr. Omar Abdullah, who was part of the panel discussing ‘Return of Regionalism: Are the States ruling Delhi?’



sandeep soni with Mr.Salman Bashir and Mr. G. Parthasarathy
Interacted with Mr. Salman Bashir, current high commissioner of Pakistan to India & Mr. G. Parthasarathy, former diplomat.



sandeep soni with Ms. Smriti Irani, Mr. Devang Nanavati, Dr. Bibek Debroy, Ms. Shereen Bhan and Mr. Kanwal Sibal
Ms. Smriti Irani, Mr. Devang Nanavati, Dr. Bibek Debroy, Ms. Shereen Bhan & Mr. Kanwal Sibal, during the debate on Day 2 of the Summit.

sandeep soni with poonam dhillon
With Poonam Dhillon

sandeep soni with prabhu chawla
With Prabhu Chawla