Harvard University hosts India Conference 2008

India has intrigued many for her history, her culture, and her untapped potential. Today, the country is on a path to prosperity, thanks to those who have believed in her. Faculty and students of the Harvard Business School have advocated the India story for a number of years.This year, the Harvard community celebrated recent success stories of this great nation at the India Conference 2008.

 The South Asian Business Association (SABA) at Harvard Business School organized a one day India Conference 2008 last month with a line up of keynote speakers to share their experiences and success stories in India. It also provided a platform for students to network with speakers. About 10 panels on variety of topics with top Indian Business leaders provided an insight into current state of India and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Alan Rosling, executive director of Tata Sons, delivered the opening keynote and emphasized on ‘change’. While dismissal, resistance and protection are common early reactions to a change acceptance and adoption at appropriate time are important for success. "With a dynamic private sector, India is well placed for a change," said Rosling. "Today, every American CEO needs to have an Indian strategy," he said.

  Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft India, talked about the role of Multinationals in India. He mentioned the shift in business in these companies from support centers to innovation centers. "We have chosen to innovate in India and develop products for the Indian market," he said. The talent, IT ecosystem and the people provide the right environment for building companies that innovate. He emphasized on societal development and the social aspects of entrepreneurship.

Ten well structured panel discussions with top Indian business leaders covered India’s global presence in fields like healthcare, private equity, media, entertainment and energy.

The following panels were offered during the India Conference: India’s Role in the Globalization of Healthcare and Life Sciences; The Macro Picture: Maintaining India’s Growth in a Changing World; Promoting Economic Development in Rural India; Trends in the Private Equity and Venture Capital Sectors in India; Securing India’s Energy Independence; Infrastructure: Paving the Way Forward ; New Paradigms in Indian Retail; Beyond IT: Exploring Opportunities in Indian Entrepreneurship; Media & Entertainment in India (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly); and Media & Entertainment in India (Local, Global or Glocal)

These panels were moderated by industry experts and provided insights into specific industries. There was ample opportunity for questions from audience and elaborate conversation with panelists on burning issues was a common sight in these panels. The final keynote address was delivered by, Vivek Paul, Partner, Texas Pacific Group, one of the leading investment firms.

The South Asian Business Association (SABA) aims to provide a cohesive forum through which members of the Harvard Business School community, and other constituents, can explore and lead initiatives related to South Asia. We define South Asia as the region comprising India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Burma, Bangladesh, Bhutan and other areas in close proximity. Most of our activities are focused on the cultural, social, or business aspects of South Asia and have in the past included: talks by distinguished speakers; India Conference; celebrations of South Asian Culture; India Trek;friendly matches; and some of the most talked about parties at HBS. Information about SABA and its other upcoming activities can be found at www.studentclubs.hbs.edu/saba/

-By Lavanya Garikina.