Alumni Engagement@IILM : A Step Forward

Uncategorized28 MaySonia Takkar

Alumni are the brand ambassadors for any educational institution and a strong alumni community is an irreplaceable asset for any organization. IILM is proud to have a alumni base of 8500+ alumni and continuously endeavours to engage them.

Year 2014 has been a good year in taking a step forward to make our alumni a part of our various events and activities. Alumni are invited for Guest Sessions, for participation in placements, Summer Internships, IILM’s internal events like Global Thinker Award, Conferences, advanced management programs that also helps our alumni to enhance their learnings. They also aid in course delivery by reviewing modules and their content. participating in Panel Discussions and empanelling the Comprehensive Viva, assist admissions by being part of GD/PI process, judges for i-fest events etc.

We introduced the Alumni Mentorship program in 2013 and this is helping our students get guidance from their experienced seniors. As part of this program we invite our alumni to deliver a session which includes their experience sharing and knowledge about their industry, tips to students for placement interviews and then on the basis of their interaction with the students, a few students are allotted as mentees to the alumni to stay in touch with them for career guidance. We have successfully organized many sessions and will continue to do so for the benefit of our students.

Profiles of some of our top alumni:

Shyamalal Agrawal ( 1994-96)

Shyamal has done graduation from Venkateshwara College, University of Delhi. He has total experience of 18 years. He is an entrepreneur and owns two companies, Director at WALKER AUTOMOTIVES Pvt Ltd, engaged in IMPORTS and TRADING of auto parts and CEO at PEE CEE ENGINEERS, engaged in MANUFACTURING of precision auto parts.

Arti Mittal ( 1995-97)

Arti Mittal is a Science graduate from Delhi University. She completed her PGDBM in Marketing in 1997. She is a certified trainer on Keane Guide to Project Management and Productivity Management. Being a very hard working and ambitious girl, she strive to achieve high goals. She has worked with Innodata Isogen Pvt. Ltd, Pinaki Technologies Pte Ltd, Keane India Ltd. She has total experience of 17 years. Currently she is working with Accenture as India Lead_Global Legal Operations. She is managing Accenture’s legal operations. She has a very diversified career – Science Graduate, PGDBM in Marketing and heading the Global Legal Department of a company like Accenture.

Keshav Bajaj ( 2000-02)

Keshav Bajaj–Head E-Commerce & VP Biz Dev Nimbuzz Internet India. Has over 10 years of industry experience. Keshav is the alumnus of 2000-2002 Batch from Lodhi Road campus. He is a dedicated person and has excellent business acumen. He has worked in top brands in the industry like Aircel (Nationall Head Devices), Motorola ( Marketing Head). Bharti Airtel ( Sales Manager) and Nestle. He has been very active at mentoring our students and has proactively participated at our various events. Honors: Won three internal contests of highest redistribution, highest invoicing and highest growth at Nestle India Ltd.

Shweta Berry ( 2004-06)

Senior Product Manager, Tech Mahindra. 15 years of experience including IT Portfolio & Product Marketing and Management, Go-to-Market and Communication, Presales, Sales & Business Development in different industry verticals like Telecommunication, Pay Media, Mobile Marketing, Software Development & Education sector. Shweta did her graduation from Delhi University in Ancient Indian history, she has a lot of certifications like JAVA Programmer from Sun microsystems and Advanced Diploma in system management from NIIT. She was given the ‘Long Service Award’-5 Years, Valuable Team player, 2013 at Tech Mahindra. Prior to Tech Mahindra, she has worked with Magna quest Technologies as Senior Consultant, Business Development, Mobile5050, as Manager-Business Development.

Harbinder Narula ( 1994-96)

Harbinder Narula -Business Strategist & Senior Professional with 16 yrs exp in Internet & Telecom. Harbinder, alumnus of 1994-96 Batch of Lodhi road, is a motivated Business Development Strategist with 16 years experience with major concentrations in Internet & Mobile VAS. Harbinder has been the founding team member of Google’s business development operations in India where he headed the content partnerships function and also doubled up for Google’s mobile partnerships initially. His self-initiative to deal with the entertainment industry led to the early launch for YouTube in India. In the past, Harbinder has also worked with companies like Data Access, Indiatimes, Buongiorno and Aryty Inc.He is currently the Director, Business Development at WonderDoctor. Interests : Strategic planning, Photography, Professional networking, International travel.

Convocation Ceremony of IILM Institute for Higher Education, 2015

Uncategorized28 MayDr. Smitha Girija

The Convocation of IILM for the Class of 2015 was held on 5^th May 2015 at its Lodhi Road campus. His Excellency, Mr Nadir Patel, High Commissioner for Canada to India presided over the ceremony and awarded diplomas and Certificates of Merit to the students. 80 students completed their post graduate studies at IILM this year.

IILM Director Dr. Smitha Girija welcomed the Chief Guest, His Excellency, Mr Nadir Patel. Mr. Nadir Patel served as Director of ministerial services, Agency adviser to the minister and secretary to the Board of Management from 1997 to 2003. In 2003, he moved to the Privy Council Office, serving as Chief of staff to the national security advisor, Associate secretary to the Cabinet, and deputy minister to the deputy PM. From 2005 to 2006, he served as senior policy adviser to the Privy Council and secretary to the Cabinet. In 2006, he was appointed as Canada’s chief air negotiator. Mr. Patel served as consul general in Shanghai from 2009 to 2011. Before moving to New Delhi, Mr Patel served as assistant deputy minister for corporate planning, finance and information technology, and as chief financial officer at Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.

Highlighting some of the achievements of IILM, Dr. Girija shared with the distinguished audience that IILM is a signatory of the UN Global Compact Initiative, PRME, since 2009. In September last year IILM was selected as a PRME champion business school. Only 30 B-schools from all over the world have been given this honor and IILM is the only one from India and Asia.

IILM was also selected in the 10 member advisory group to the PRME secretariat. With the support of UN Global Compact and PRME, IILM is actively involved in promoting the proposed Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. She further added that IILM was accorded the prestigious SAQS Accreditation by AMDISA in April 2013. Only 15 other business schools in India have received this accreditation. She also highlighted that IILM has now initiated the process of accreditation for AACSB which is the premier accreditation agency for B Schools globally.

IILM offers a wide range of Executive Education Programmes on various platforms and has completed 10 years of Training programmes for IAS and IPS officers. Almost one tenth of the IAS officers in Government of India have attended Training Programmes of IILM.

IILM has very recently signed a MoU with Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. IILM and Indian Institute for Corporate Affairs will jointly conduct programmes for Government officers and executives of PSUs and corporates. She also added that IILM has also signed a MoU with National Skill Development Corporation. The objective of this partnership is to introduce Skill Based Training in various Colleges and Institutes of IILM to improve the employability skills of the students.

IILM’s Senior Director, Professor Rakesh Chaudhry was part of the delegation accompanying Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi on his visit to Canada last month. During this Visit, IILM signed an MoU with the Fanshawe College, London, Ontario for Skill building and training in area of Information Technology. IILM is also finalizing Articulation Agreements with reputed Canadian universities and Colleges. These will enable IILM undergraduate students to study for first two years at IILM and final two years in Canadian Colleges and Universities for their Bachelor’s degree.

His Excellency, Mr Nadir Patel congratulated the passing out students on completion of their studies. In his address, he impressed on the students that as they enter a new phase of life, they should never forget the importance of education. He advised the students to remain grounded to their values and ethics as they move upwards on the ladder of success. In the end he also motivated the students to enjoy their jobs and never feel afraid of experimenting with their careers. His address was concluded with his blessings to the students.
Ms. Aarti Rai, President, IILM Institute for Higher Education, presented Dr. Kulwant Rai Gold and Silver medals to the meritorious students as well as to the overall performers.

IILM ART CAMPS

Uncategorized28 MayMukesh Singh

In the journey of life, we cross a number of milestones though we do not give much attention to all of them. But certain milestones have a great significance, as they sometimes become major turning points in this journey. Similar milestones have been setup by IILM in Field of Art and Design. Since, October 2014 under the umbrella of ANANT ART, IILM School of Design organised various art camps with more than 150 selected young and senior artists from all over the country with different medium and techniques, towards the common goal of promotion of art and culture.

ANANT ART came forward to encourage, promote and supports innovative work in the field of the visual arts, by organizing camps and residencies. It is committed to promote art and artist form different regions. Students and artists from all over India and the world showcase their work without the intermediary of the galleries. In the forthcoming camps, particular attention will also be given to folk and tribal arts, as they are a unique part of India’s culture and tradition.

Art cannot be judged according to its status in the commercial world or academic world or regions it belongs to. IILM has broader vision and always looks for a seminar mode of art camps or exhibitions rather than focusing upon a particular style or ideology. Effort has always been directed towards maintaining high standards for the art camps as selection process needs to qualify the defined rules for its execution.

IILM art camp is a significant event organised twice a year, in which we invite artists from varied fields of visual arts. Students at IILM School of design experience art forms beside design by actively participating in these art camps. The camp invited art talks by senior artists on paintings, installations, sculptures, video projections, site-specific art works, audio, digital and multimedia works. The competitive character of IILM Art Camp gave number of opportunities to various artists who live in the off-centers of art to come to the centre stage and make their presence felt. I am sure these art camps will be a grand platform for a huge number of talented artists of our country.

Book Review: Brushes with History (An Autobiography of Dr. Krishna Kumar Birla)

IILM University28 MayDr. Nikhil Varghese

Author of the Book – Dr. Krishna Kumar Birla

Publisher – Penguin Books

Copyright- Shobhana Bhartia, 2012

No. Of Pages – 665

Dr. Krishna Kumar Birla was a noted industrialist of the Birla family. Born in Pilani in Rajasthan on November, 11, 1918, he was the eldest of the three sons of Maha Devi and Ghanshyam Das Birla. He started his business career in the year 1940 and played an important role in shaping and developing India’s sugar industry. He diversified his business interests by venturing into textiles, engineering, shipping and fertilizers. He was a Member of the Rajya Sabha for three terms from 1984 till 2002 and served on several committees of Parliament. He was the chancellor of BITS Pilani from 1983 until his death in 2008. He was the chairman of one of India’s biggest national daily – The Hindustan Times. Birla was the group chairman of the Zuari-Chambal group of companies with a turnover of over Rs.10,000 Crores. He was also the Chairman of Zuari-Chambal-Paradeep, India’s largest fertilizer combine in private sector.

The book is divided into four parts and 40 chapters. Part 1 entitled “My Early Years” consists of twelve chapters and talks about the family roots of Birla family and the family village of Pilani in Rajasthan. The part 1 introduces the readers to the childhood, bringing up and early life of Dr. K. K. Birla. The canny Marwari clan that originated from a small town called Pilani in Rajasthan became the tallest industrial house in this country in the 20th century rivaled just by the Tatas in post-Independence India. The family patriarch and author’s father, G.D. Birla used his wealth to support the Independence movement and became not just a friend to, but a follower of, Mahatma Gandhi. The Birla residence had become a hub and meeting point for those fighting for freedom and especially the Congress Party. Part 1 of the book also talk about how hard working K. K. Birla was as a student and about his early business ventures with his father and Uncle.

Part 2 – “Indira Gandhi: Reminiscences” the part 2 of the book talks about the family ties between the Nehru Gandhi family and the Birlas. This part stresses on the dynamics of the family ties and how it evolved with generations. Unlike his father’s frosty relationship with Nehru, K K Birla was close to Indira Gandhi, Nehru’s daughter. K. K. Birla was also close to Sanjay Gandhi, Indira Gandhi’s younger son who died in a plane crash in 1980. The book talks about Sanjay Gandhi approaching Dr. Birla to become a shareholder in the company and infuse some capital. But K. K. Birla was not convinced with the Maruti small car project initiated by Sanjay Gandhi. He though that for Sanjay Gandhi to realize his dream, it would have to be a large-scale project requiring large investments. He even told Indira Gandhi that her son was leading an unwise project and needed to be restrained.

Part 3 – “My later Life” focuses on the end of political innings of K. K. Birla as a three term Member of the Rajya Sabha. This part also talks about the family’s academic institutions and those set up by Dr. Birla himself. His numerous responsibilities included the Trusteeship of the Birla Education Trust, which runs a number of schools and institutions in the Country offering subsidized education, and Chairmanship of the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) at Pilani and Dubai. Dr. Birla had established K.K. Birla Foundation which has instituted annual awards for excellence in Indian literature, scientific research, Indian philosophy etc. and K.K. Birla Academy to undertake research on scientific, cultural and historical subjects. This part also talks about his health related issues and his heart bypass surgery that he underwent in London.

Part 4 – “Vignettes & Correspondence” is a collection of the written correspondence that Dr. Birla had with various people including political and business leaders, the top executives in his company and some of his family members and cousins. Dr. K. K. Birla had a rare distinction of being a multi-faceted personality but above all he was a humble humanist. The beautiful Radhakrishna Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in Kolkata and the G.D. Birla Sabhagar in Kolkata are the two popular monuments which are amongst his many social contributions bearing testimony to his regard for humanity.

I think the book makes for an interesting read as it is full of vignettes of Birla family’s close ties with historical personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Rajendra Prasad, B.C Roy, Jayaprakash Narayan & Moraji Desai, among others. This autobiography captures a vibrant era in the nation’s existence, which influenced Dr. Birla’s thoughts & later achievements. The book brings in the readers, a deep sense of respect for him, as it is replete with a towering humility and sense of discipline which Dr. Birla was well known for. This book is rich with impressions, sketches and personalities and there is not a single boastful or smug moment in the whole book spanning around 650 pages. Through this autobiography one vicariously brushes shoulders with India’s greatest leaders. Prestige, power, family, courage, discipline, loyalty – this is what drove K.K. Birla in a life spanning nine decades.

How are you? Well, thank you!

Uncategorized27 MayKiran Sakkar Sudha

Wellbeing at Workplace

Extravagant wellness projects are been taken at corporates so as to ensure the wellbeing of the employees. It is a fact and an observation that on average employees spends the major part of their life cycle at work. Corporate social responsibility has by and large focused on maintaining “goodness” at workplace. The way we feel is reflected in the work we do.

Be it any nature of work, it is expected that enthusiasm is transmitted to the receiver. A gentle behavior and a least smile are expected primarily and then the performance output. Wellness ensures a sense of purpose among the employees and towards the organization. It is vital to evaluate the happiness and wellness quotient at workplace. Both dispositional and contextual factors might be responsible for the goodness quotient. How the structure of this behavioral aspect works has been briefly elaborated below with intriguing questions on how it could be ensured?

A popular positive psychologist Diener has a history of working on a behavioral factor – subjective wellbeing for the past 3 decades. Subjective wellbeing is general understanding of good living factors of individuals, communities, societies and cultures. The underlying factor of this quality of life and good living factor is “happiness”, happy life is good life. The evolution of concept of subjective wellbeing can be traced back to its equivalence with happiness (however, there are many others feel that they are different as happiness is episodic and keeps on shifting while well-being is more stable. Considering with the nature of happiness as an explanation to wellbeing, it comprises of two categories: hedonic, emphasizes more on pleasant experiences and good life and eudaimonic, which has a firm focus on meaningfulness of life, fulfillment and achievement of one’s potential.

It can be understood that subjective wellbeing is often evaluated in terms of pleasantness and unpleasantness and as reactions to life stimuli encountered in various contexts (individualistic, family, work, life and other social domains). Hedonic and eudaimonic happiness are both parameters of employees who feel “well” or we can say happily involved at workplace. Organizations should focus more on developing fully functional person. , that is realizing the full potential of the person and relating it with engagement, growth and skill development

How essential it is to maintain wellbeing at workplace is a question? The wellbeing of employees is now being ensured at workplaces. Performance evaluations and commitment of the employees contribute to the larger chunk of responsible management at workplaces, which are both byproducts of wellbeing. Happiness and wellbeing are the key ingredients ensuring growth, productivity and positivity at a workplace. It is a fact that a happy employees performs better. More or less, it becomes essential to trace the contextual factors as to what contributes towards the happiness quotient of employees. The culture, diversity, hierarchy, leadership, pay, and appraisal etc. at the workplace are some of the factors contributing to wellbeing of the employees which have been linked and explored over the years globally. On the contrary, numerous researches have shown that interpersonal relationships play an equally important role in the affective component. Some of the key highlights of what the organizations are currently practicing to ensure at the wellbeing at workplace are:

The hierarchical and divisional relationship shall be closely tracked.
To ensure and appreciate the decision making role of employees at every stage.
What kinds of duties are allocated to the employees? Is there a rotational role?
Whether or not flexibility is allowed to ensure the output and quality of output
Need assessment of employees on the periodic basis
Training and development at workplace
Constructive Feedback for and by the employees
Appraisals (360 degree)
Higher empathy with the employees
Framing policies in the favor of employees health

These are some of the factors which contribute to employees’ output at work and other wellbeing factors such as motivation, commitment, engagement, citizenship behaviors etc. Wellness of the employees is more or less impacted by both tangible and intangible factors. The close monitoring in the qualitative form is an interesting assessment method where employees’ goodness quotient could be mapped. There are also demographic factors related with wellbeing such as age, gender, religion, marital status, socio economic status and intra individual factors such as personality type, traits, ability, attitude and other dispositional factors. Aforesaid factors also contribute to the wellbeing quotient. The assessment of wellbeing is essential to map so as to have more generic opinion on the same. Recent updates on popular business magazine “Forbes” quote engagement, motivation, support and strategy as key drivers of complete wellness cycle: from work style to lifestyle.

At an individual level also, well-being is extremely rewarding and self-satisfying. It contributes in holistic development of an individual and helps them thrive. It enhances the skill set and nourishes the mental, physical as well as emotional health. Some of the benefits of wellbeing at the individual level are:

Goodness factor increases the mental strength
Happy employees present and feel associated with their organizational identity
Happy employees multiply positivity at home and workplace
Happy employees motivate other employees , adds up to the positive climate of the organization
Happy employees thrive for success and target on attaining higher targets

There is a strong need to harness wellbeing at workplace. It not only adds up to the individual competency but also is in the larger benefit of the organization. It is essential to tap the facets of employee’s wellbeing categorized as: the being and belongingness as the perception of future. This end goal of happier employees adds up to the common goal of intent and future vision of every organization. So, when people respond to the largest used greeting “How are you?, by saying I am well, Thank you”, they all should semantically mean it. Hence, it could be clearly opined that there are enough evidences on importance of goodness quotient and how one shall consider it as a prime factor of assessment at workplaces.

A wonderful quote by Dr. A.P.J. Kalam states “In a democracy, the well-being, individuality and happiness of every citizen is important for the overall prosperity, peace and happiness of the nation”. And so it stands true for every context!

Broom for Booming Economy

IILM Undergraduate Business School, IILM University27 MayDr. Vidhisha Vyas

“Cleanliness and Order are not matters of instinct, they are matters of education, and like most great things, you must cultivate a taste for them.” Benjamin Disraeli

The above words said by former British Prime Minister are more relevant in today’s context. The quote rightly explains the importance and inter-linkages of education, cleanliness and proper societal order. If growth and development is the goal the above statement is the path. This path is well understood by our current Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and he took it as a mission initiated as ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’.

The Swachh Bharat Mission is one of the most promising public health initiatives launched by the Modi Government. The flagship programme has adopted the ‘round spectacle frame’ of the Father of the Nation as the logo for the mission and targets towards creating a “Clean India” by the year 2019. If efficaciously implemented via huge public- private partnership, the Swachh Bharat Mission holds prodigious potential for providing robust economic growth. It is indeed commendable to note that Mr. Modi has dared to dream big and had the prophecy to accomplish extraordinary economic growth and prosperity for a huge country like India by usage of something as simple and unpretentious as a ‘broom’. This five year mission is anticipated to usher in a sea change in behavior of people in India and also change the world’s perception of India. It is indeed commendable to comprehend how the broom can essentially be instrumental in bringing about transformational change in our nation’s economy along with social change. In my opinion the mission is poised to have far- fetched implications in more ways than one.

Tourism:

India can be considered a heritage country. I believe that neatness and safety play a crucial role in drawing tourists in any country. Challenged with the concerns of hygiene and sanitation in the country, particularly at momentous tourist destinations, this mission is of weighty importance for Indian Tourism Industry. According to the report of Water and Sanitation Programme (WPS), ‘Economic Impacts of Inadequate Sanitation in India’, tourism-related economic losses from inadequate sanitation are estimated to be Rs. 12 billion ($266 million). Of these losses, 45 percent (Rs. 5.5 billion, $121 million) are from loss of tourism earnings. Cognizance about a destination is the distinct reason for tourists to cherry-pick a destination. The mission purposes to rebrand ‘Incredible India’ by introducing the concept of ‘Swachh Bharat , Swachh Samarak.’. Tourists all-inclusive perceive India as a very murky and filthy country where children and adults openly defecate. Swachh Bharat mission will have extended impact on tourism in India. The deleterious perception of the tourists about India will gradually dissuade. We can increase the foot- prints of tourists coming to India in times to come and tourists will definitely carry with them an image of clean India, safe India. This programme is indeed sustenance for the tourism sector in our India and a way to showcase India’s vast, rich and cultural heritage.

Innovation and Eco-Entrepreneurship:

Our country is home to a population of over 1.27 billion people and it is expected to be the most populated country in the world by 2025, beating China in the fray. The rapid growth in population and fast track development all over the country is inevitable. However, most of our cities and towns are unable to bear the burden of this huge population and to provide basic amenities such as hygienic surroundings and clean drinking water. It is essential to effectively manage green waste and recycling of water for drinking purposes has become an absolute necessity for managing the requirements of a large population. Thus, in the backdrop of insufficiency of natural resources, escalating costs of power, climatic change, and deterioration of our environment we need to find out innovative ways to manage our waste better. This ‘abhiyaan’ of Modi government can play a booster to eco-entrepreneurship. This will prove to be a win-win business opportunity for Eco entrepreneurs and enable us to even outsource our technology to various developing and poor nations of the world which are plagued by epidemics due to water and land pollution. The frugal innovations in the field of cleanliness can contribute immensely in reducing environmental pressure and India will be the pioneer for the same.

Waste management

We usually notice garbage and domestic waste that pile up on our streets are often left untreated, and these decay on site and eventually pollute the land and water underneath. The glitches triggered by solid and liquid wastes can be significantly lessened through eco-friendly technologies that will allow appropriate treatment and dispensation of wastes .The benefits of effective treatment of garbage are enormous. Conversion of waste to energy produces clean, reliable energy, thereby shrinking the usage of scare and fast depleting natural resources such as coal and petrol. These energy resources are not only economically beneficial but also help us in reducing and recycling garbage for daily use. This will also reduce the extent of our dependency on oil producing countries, thereby hugely contributing towards cost reduction. I strongly vouch for the development of precise cost effective green technology to recycle and manage every type of waste and it would lead to profitable and sustainable business in the field of waste management.

Gainful and meaningful employment for rag pickers:

Rag pickers are a fundamental part of waste management systems across our country. Their work involves serious health hazards and they work in very inhuman conditions. It is very taxing and fetches them a measly income and no recognition at all. A significant proportion of rag pickers in our country are women and children, who are exceedingly poor, unskilled, uneducated and are not employable elsewhere. This manpower can be efficiently and effectively utilized for waste management projects and cleanliness drives in the country. This will not only protect their self -interests but also give them recognition in the formal system. Employment for the poorest of the poor through effective training Programmes can help them to lead a decent living.

Powering the Beti Bachao Campaign:

Mission Swachh Bharat aims to construct separate toilets for boys and girls in schools and villages. This is indeed a right step in the right direction. Most girls drop out of school in villages because of lack of toilets for them in schools. This noble initiative will reduce the number of female dropouts in schools and increase female literacy to a great extent. Further, this initiative will protect and safeguard women against sexual crimes as steps towards cleanliness and toilet building will restrict the women to defecate in open. Thus, the ‘beti bachao, beti padhao’ campaign can be directly associated with Swachh Bharat mission. Safe, healthy and educated women can contribute immensely to a nation’s social and economic well-being.

Disease Control:

The swachhata mission will aid in reducing land and water pollution to a substantial level. The presence of cleaner areas will reduce the outbreak of diseases like diarrhea, cholera, malaria and dengue, which claim valuable lives each year in our country. For children in particular, the access to toilets and clean environment will lessen the number of diarrheal deaths and anemia due to intestinal parasitism. Thus I see a ray of hope that Indian children will be far healthier and stronger if this program is a success. Healthy children make a nation strong and prosperous. The success of the mission also reduces the burden on fiscal budget as we need to allocate lesser amount to social health care sector and disease control expenditures.

G.D.P. :

The Swachh Bharat mission can have a visible impact on India’s G.D.P. If the target of Swachh Bharat can be achieved then the government expenditure on health care can decline sharply which in turn can help government to maintain high G.D.P. Currently as estimated by World Bank illness from lack of hygiene cuts India’s G.D.P. by 6.4 percent (%) and 6.6 percent (%) of G.D.P. contribution is attributed to tourism. Cleanliness causing a hindrance to the tourism industry de facto if a tourist spot is in a filthy condition then the basic hygiene of the place will be affected attracting lesser and lesser tourists day by day. If the defect is removed, it will boost up the G.D.P. rate. Therefore, Swachh Bharat Mission, a vision of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi directly targets India’s growth.

Urban Governance:

The honorable Prime Minister Mr. Modi also pitched the idea of urban governance by linking it to ‘Digital India mission’ and ‘Swachh Bharat mission’. The cleanliness drive should emphasize on solid waste management and water waste management through public-private partnership. This can spur the growth of organic farming and can initiate the demand of organic fertilizers. Waste management and demand for organic fertilizer can become a cyclic process thus reducing the environmental pressure. The linkage of ‘Swachh Bharat’ mission and urban governance can trigger the demand from the grassroots for total sanitation of the cities.

Thus, it could be concluded from the above points that “Ek Kadam Swachata Ki Aur” mission can lead to the fulfillment of the ultimate mission of the nation that is fast track growth with inclusive development. Being the responsible citizens of this nation each one has to do his own bit to achieve this national mission.

BUDGET 2015 – A Trailer to “ACHHE DIN”

IILM University26 MayVISHAL GOEL

The new Modi Government came to power with the motto of “Achhe Din”, which ensured that the government would try and focus on creating a better environment for all concerned. Every year when the budget is to be presented, the Finance minister is faced with a dilemma and more so when it’s a first (full) budget from a new government. He is faced with a choice of whether to go for a populist budget to have a good initial first impression of the government or to take a risk, which he was suggesting to previous finance ministers, while sitting in opposition.

The budget this year seems to be bent towards the risk taking and experimentation; even though not many bold steps have been taken yet, as was expected from the government. However the budget did provide an inclination of what is to be expected in the coming years.

Just like the finance minister, as citizens we too are faced with a choice. We may either focus on what’s not being done and complain, or align our thoughts on what all has been undertaken and critically assess the implications. I would rather take the latter option i.e. focus on the steps undertaken and the direction of these steps; and how they may impact an individual, the society and the economy as a whole.

As is known, India’s Economic Growth is pegged at 8% by 2017, as per the World Bank reviews. In my view the budget this year is a pragmatic budget while also being growth oriented. Whenever experts analyze a budget they focus on deficit and its effect on inflation, though there is no empirical evidence of the linkage between the two. Let’s not focus too much on figures and the technical jargons, which only the CA’s and financial analysts might understand, because in last 67 years we have seen that jargons can’t lead to solutions. Let’s focus on actual steps taken.

In my opinion the idea behind the budget this year was to De-bottleneck the economy, and to simplify certain processes. One of the major reforms in budget is focusing on financial inclusion, which of course is in line with the overall governmental policy. Even after 65+ years of independence, a large part of our population operates outside the organized financial sector. Hence steps like linking Adhaar to direct cash benefit transfer, RuPay cards Jan dhan yojna and increasing mobile banking, all seem to be directed towards the right direction. This time Indians have liked the JAM (Jan Dhan-Adhaar-Mobile)!!!

Mr. FM has perhaps taken cues from the old Rabbit-Tortoise story that slow and steady wins the race, so he has shifted focus of the government from interfering in the economy directly in the form of subsidies and exemptions; to a new role of providing stimuli to the economy in terms of better infrastructure. The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), to be established with an annual flow of Rs. 20,000 Cr. indicate the government’s motive of creating ease of doing business. This seems to be in line with the “Make in India” Campaign. One such example is Plug and Play power projects, so now those private players who are investing can be sure of immediate/early starts of projects and reduced uncertainties. Another example is, The Tax free infrastructure bonds for the projects in the rail, road and irrigation sectors. (SETU) Self-Employment and Talent Utilization to be established as Techno-financial, incubation and facilitation programme to support all aspects of start-up business. Rs. 1000 Cr. is proposed to be set aside as initial amount in NITI in order to facilitate SETU. Though one can’t expect immediate results from these steps, but if properly and honestly implemented they will be very highly fruitful in long term and can prove to be real game changers for India as an economy.

Some of us may not like postponing of GAAR once again, believing it to be reason of huge revenue loss for the government. In my view what we need more at present is not revenue but the trust of the investors and assuring them of at least a predictable tax regime. There is no harm in catching those who evade tax but investors must also be assured that their past files will not be opened arbitrarily.

Another major step to be hailed is enlarging the scope of SARFAESI (The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002) and bringing large NBFC’s within the definition of financial institutions. This step is bound to speed up the process of recovery of NPA”s and there by improve the balance sheets of FI’s. Now they can lend to SME’s and mid- sized corporates without the fear of being caught up for years in legal battle for clearing NPA’s. However, at the same time they would have to ensure that they adhere to the Capital Adequacy Norms laid down by the Government from time to time for Financial Institutions. This would in turn ensure that unnecessary risk is avoided and loans are directed towards credit worthy lenders. Creation of MUDRA bank with a corpus of Rs. 20,000 Cr seems to be a step in this direction.

Another big step towards a larger economic and social goal is “Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna”, wherein everybody is to get accidental insurance of Rs. 2, 00,000 at a very nominal cost of just Rs. 1 per month, which was long awaited. In a country like India where a huge chunk of the population is poor, this can be a real game changer for society in long run. “Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana” to cover both natural and accidental death risk of Rs. 2 lakh at premium of Rs. 330 per year for the age group of 18-50; as also the introduction of “Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme”, all seem to be welcome steps. Contribution to such schemes will be eligible for tax rebates under section 80C. Clearly, this Budget has focused on developing a robust social security system, which had been put on the back seat for long now.

The service tax increase from 12.36% to 14% (may be 16% after Swatch Bharat Cess) is a bit of a dampener, since it raises concerns of inflationary pressures on economy. The only justification being is the intention to rationalize and simplify the indirect tax system, as a prerequisite before the implementation of GST. The government’s commitment toward implementation of GST from 1/4/2016 is again highlighted in the budget. This again gives hope of a simplistic and understandable tax regime in future, which not only will reduce hardship of taxpayers but will also reduce administration and supervisory cost of the government in terms of tax regulation.

Reduction in corporate tax by 5% in next four years is though not a very populist step in the eyes of large population of India. This was required to give Indian corporates a level playing field in competitive market as their counterparts in other countries are paying less tax.

Some noteworthy steps have been taken for the capital market as well, which seem to be intended towards bringing the investor’s confidence back. Major steps like the proposal of Forward market commission to be merged with SEBI thereby giving more power to SEBI, the proposed introduction of India financial code, Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA) to be set up this year; are expected to bring both external and domestic borrowings under one roof. Gold Monetization, which will allow the investors to earn interest or take loan on gold, will also help in mobilizing the dead assets of households, towards the creation of economic capital. All these steps have been taken, keeping in mind the long term horizon and to set a platform for India to gain competitive advantage on international stage.

So in conclusion, it can safely be assumed that the FM has set up a multi cuisine buffet which is looking promising. What remains to be seen is how well it is served and executed, is it delicious enough for the country, and whether it will be able to satisfy the taste buds of not only more than 125 Cr Indians, but also the foreign investors who are seeking India as the fastest growing economy in near future. The planning seems to be good, and the execution needs to be better. It is a game of wait and watch.

IILM Campuses: Learning with an experience

IILM University, Uncategorized26 MayKiran Sakkar Sudha

Welcoming new Batch: P.G. 2015-2017

IILM is among the top notch B-schools of the country. We here follow the philosophy of edutainment. The classroom holds the most essential place in one’s life memories. IILM’s classrooms are equipped with world class infrastructure and visual aids.

We ensure involvement and that the program entails live cases, activities, live projects, simulations etc. Context specific content is created for optimizing learning so that maximum can be extracted in the given time. The teaching pedagogy at IILM is student centered where each and every opinion of the student is considered.

The assessments at IILM are stringent mix of objective and subjective pool. There are components on classroom performance, midterm and end term. This aids in ensuring and scanning any biases and early intervention so that scope for improvement is maximized.

Apart from formal education, IILM much recently organized ART Camp where artists from all over world used canvas as the mode of delivering some of the most sensitive issues. Art is a contempt expression and to reflect through these set of emotions is necessary for one to feel. The sense of belief, sensitization to softer issues in society is a learning indeed. Students in larger number participated and tried to build the association between management, literal writing and canvas paints. Vocational and inter disciplinary learning is a part of IILM course curriculum.

IILM, illuminates, express and encourages students to develop holistically. Wishing and welcoming our new batch 2015-2017.

Here at IILM, we ensure holistic learning experience. Students from all fronts join the programme and are engaged in various activities throughout the year. We at IILM focus on skill enhancement and overall development. The highlights of some of the activities over the past month where students set the mood are as follows:

International student programme:

IILM quarterly organizes international students meet where students from popular internal universities along with the In-campus students had experiential learning sessions on board. The diverse culture and understanding had thought-provoking learning targets for all. The activities and academic session centered on entrepreneurship and rural marketing. Key note speakers, Industry professionals, socio political thinkers were the trainers for the sessions. The participants were oriented to the Indian culture and aspects of management were acquired via involvement in these activities. Students are seen below (in pictures) enjoying the harvest festivals (Lohri/Bihu/Pongal)- Barbeque and bonfire, enjoying Indian music and dance; cookery classes by a popular chef from seven star kitchen if the country, Hindi classes, cultural trips, visits to craft market, N.G.O. visits etc.. Learning from these sessions was later related to developing pitches for a business idea and prepare a presentation on the same.

The campus walk:

The lush green lawns of the campus are full of student engagement activities where the evenings are made entertaining. The residential stay of the students at the campus is made memorable so that an overall learning takes place. IILM ensures “Home away from home” at the residential campus. We have routine yoga, aerobics and movie sessions at the campus. The melodious tune of Osho music at the solar system area creates an aura of positivity which chimes into the students’ personal room.

The food olfaction (Healthy body and Healthy mind):

One cannot sleep well, express well, do well until one has eaten well. We have expert nutritionist on the campus where best combination of foods is served to the students. The cafeteria is one of the attraction features for the students (residential/nonresidential) where the thought development through the stomach takes place. Tuck shop (munch food) and gymnasium is an added attraction for the students.

IILM encompasses student development from every facet. Every day there is a wish fulfillment activity for students. The behavioral introspection and expansion is the USP of “IILM”.

The highlights of the events conducted in Fall Winter and Spring:

Student- Faculty relationship at IILM: We have a quo “Mentor-Mentee” at IILM. Authority can never ensure responsibility. Hence we believe in mutual learning, by keeping communications open and do an expectation setting. It is ensured that all academia and peer life correspondence is maintained. We have mentee meeting sessions and mentee profiling reports, where all emotional, educational, psychological needs are taken care of.
Placement week: An activity ladder is set up for students at IILM every quarter. Students are exposed to employability skilling workshops to have a command over language, proficiency in self-orientation/introductions and basic conduct. Intervention techniques, stimulating exercises, alumni lectures, industry experts, interview skills etc. are the elemental activities designed for student learning.
Well trained faculty: IILM has Faculty Development Programmes for the teachers as well where the faculty is updated on current trends and specificities. IILM is the member for PRME, where well trained faculty is a minimum requisite. The expert faculty conforms to the international standards where students are also equipped with the global trends and application.
Student Engagement Activities: Engagement and motivation are key happiness ingredients. There is nothing like thriving for happiness. We at IILM believe that “happy minds are creative minds”. Our students learn, in the classroom, on the field, off the classroom and in the campus. There is a need that the institute caters to everyday; “everyday” exemplifies managing work and life.

Being a part of IILM is a wholesome experience of youthfulness, learning and getting globally trained at management skills.

Fact File: IILM has produced more number of CEO’s and Entrepreneurs which contribute to the country. We create values; we teach values and make the learning experience, a complete developmental training.

“I do not yet know of a man who became a leader as a result of having undergone a leadership course”… …..Lee Yuan Kew

IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School, IILM University23 AprilProf. Sujit Sengupta

Leaders are iconoclasts; leaders are charismatic;
leaders are willing to the pay the price of conviction – Gandhiji did; leaders are
courageous people; leaders have big heart; leaders have strategic vision – they
can see what is beyond today.
Leadership is not a inherent quality or ingrained, it’s more of a skill which one
develops over a period of time by experience, observing others and learning by
oneself.

Nonetheless, experience has shown that leaders of successful organizations are disinclined to
change things if they are remotely successful. Few individuals or corporations
have managed to change successfully; even fewer have done so repeatedly.

Does this mean leadership courses are ineffective?

It is doubtful if a course can create these qualities. Courses can make, of course,
better managers, but doubt whether they create true leaders.

At the same time, it is the classic “born vs made” issue. At some level perhaps
this comment applies to a very select few of inspirational leaders. Some of these
leaders are a product of their environment, and succeed in them. For the vast
majority it is a skill, self learned by mindful attention to on the job experiences,
job challenges, and all of the external environment. Other than that, we know
that some help from friends, bosses, mentors, and Coaches can go a long way in making a leader to go from good to great.

Brick and Mortar Store is Dead; Long Live Brick and Mortar Store

IILM Graduate School of Management, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School, IILM University23 AprilProf. Sujit Sengupta

A few weeks ago I was looking for a CD of nursery rhymes for my three year old granddaughter. Since I live in south Delhi, I thought of a leading consumer electronic store in South Extension – I have known its owner for the past 40 odd years. However, I was taken aback by its barren look as soon as I made an entry. This visit was after a lapse of over a year. Once famous for its merchandise of leading consumer electronic brands, excellent demonstration and display, choicest of music albums and accessories, now the store wore a stark, deserted look… with hardly any footfall and activity that one got to see during weekends in a popular shop. What had changed suddenly? Upon enquiry, I was told that it was due to the advent of e-commerce that this age old business model had transformed completely. The convenience of on-line purchase rendered the fate of this brick and mortar store of consumer electronics goods vulnerable.
Today customers go to Croma or other similar stores, choose the model and their price and later order online at Flipkart and other e-commerce sites. The product gets delivered at the doorsteps, and on top of it, it comes with at a hefty discount. Music albums are downloaded online, said the owner. The e-commerce giants are targeting the comfort and convenience of the buyers in the marketplace and digging a deep hole in the pockets of the brick and mortar retailers.

The only choice now for the brick and mortar stores is to take their products to customers via online portals and remain relevant to the market place in order to survive. But it results in thin operating margins. A small back office is enough to maintain the level of such operations. Therefore, the stores like this brick and mortar consumer electronics items which have existed since long, have to meet high overhead expenses and bear the burden of maintaining loyal employees who have served them for 40 years or more. Several of these stores are looking for other ways to get out of their core businesses and investing in other areas of business where online retail is unable to make any impact. These could be the niche areas such as designer clothing, expensive jewellery and watches outlets or even food joints. In the event of all such brick and mortar stores divert their attention, how would a customer ever get to physically see, touch, have a feel and view performances of items before buying, especially when the product is not a commodity? Will it be like having a shower with a shower cap on? Or what happens when a customer who wishes to replace an old refrigerator? Does he first sell the old one on OLX and then order a new one on Fliipkart? Perhaps that is the way today.

The concept of e-commerce or retail commerce is a new business model. It creates customers for the future, keeping in mind the sale and profit of distant future- and their reason to exist is the valuation enhancement model for the business. They are driving the retail commerce to an unimaginable level and serving a wide array of manufacturers as well as offline distributors across a host of categories. Foreign investors are looking more for the profit of exposure in the market place than immediate financial gain as they see a huge potential in the e-commerce industry. Surely a time will come when the e-commerce industry will transcend from the introduction to growth stage when a major equity stake will be backed by venture capital firms. Its measure of performance is GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) – a term used in online retailing to indicate total sales dollar value for merchandise sold in a particular market place over a certain time frame. Over the past one year Wall Street hedge funds and big internet investors have pumped in billions of dollars into India’s consumer internet story. Flipkart and Snapdeal raised about $3 bn. Indian consumers are being subsidized by investors.

They could end up spending close to a billion dollar (Rs.6,000 crore) on offering discounted pricing. The success of e-commerce will continue uninhibited as long as investors chip in money. Consider this: a one page advertisement of popular online portals in the mainstream newspaper that one gets to see today almost at regular intervals costs between Rs.60 lakh to Rs.1 crore. Add to that a sum of $1mn (Rs.6.2 crore) salary with stock options of $3- $6 millon paid to the top software engineers of these portals which are amongst the highest paid to any non board executives. Few Indian companies pay their division heads so much. Only the pay packets of CEOs of other IT industries are comparable to this salary. Even the most famous Amazon.com that maximised the internet’s ability to provide a superior selection of products as compared to those of traditional retail stores had lost hundreds of million dollars in the beginning. Their first profit was registered 10 years after start of operation in 1995 with operating margins averaging 3% to 4%. So the question remains, will the e-commerce story be a sustainable model?

The best strategy for the brick and mortar retailers to sustain their market share is to break away from their established business models, fight back through strategic alliances and try to survive for a longer period of time. When you do not know your competitor, it is difficult to perform and win the race. In this transition phase it is better to reinvent the value proposition for customers by offering a charter of exceptional customer service. They will need to innovate. Take the example of the Kirana stores. One can order groceries from the comforts of one’s home online. Yet these stores continue to thrive. It is because of their ability to provide customized and personalized services with unmatched flexibility.

If the brick and mortar retailers are early adopters then they cannot be ignored by the e-commerce players in the market place. Conventional stores are not easily replaceable. They can re-emerge in some other form. In the US, top 20 retailers who also sell on-line have developed omni-channel capabilities. Walmart survives despite Amazon. 24 hours news channels have not moved out the newspaper. T20 and Test cricket have co-existed, so will perhaps the brick n mortar and e-commerce. Only time will tell.