Bhubaneswar, Nov. 21: The fifth national symposium on rural management, which concluded at the XIMB here today, served as a platform for students, teachers, government officials and officials of private companies to learn about social marketing, linkages and livelihood.
The theme of the two-day event, organised by the Xavier School of Rural Management, was "Managing to Transform: Rethinking Rural and Development Management".
Vice-chancellor of XIMB-XUB, Paul Fernandes, S.J, addressed the audience on the importance of rural management for society and corporate development.
Principal secretary, department of rural development, Madhusudan Padhi, deputy general manager, Nabard, Manojit Biswas, national rural alliance and activation manager GlaxoSmithKline Navneet Gambhir shared their views on topics ranging from agribusinesses to social entrepreneurship.
Director, Annapurna Microfinance, Dibyajyoti Pattanaik emphasised on the changing world of financing, the importance of adaptability and a convergent effort on part of the entrepreneurial world. "Change is the buzzword, keep updating yourself," said Pattanaik
Director, executive VP and chief risk officer, Annapurna Microfinance, Shankar Shastri said MSMEs were significant for rural development in India. He said more technical and skill investments were required for a transformation.
The speakers also addressed government schemes such as Kisan Credit Card, National Livestock Scheme and MNREGA amongst others, which could be instrumental in rural poverty alleviation and better standards of living. Agribusiness, dairy and meat value chain were also declared as the future frontrunners of rural development. Academics, students and professionals presented case studies and video stories at the event. On the second day of the symposium, a large assembly of academics and professionals presided over rural financing issues and social entrepreneurship challenges. Speakers shared their thoughts on livelihood promotion, welfare and development, social entrepreneurship, development financing, new development organisations and institutions frameworks.
