SDMIMD Hosted the 9th International Economics Conference

The two-day International Economics Conference on the theme “Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Emerging Trends” was held on November 21-22, 2024. Mr. CSV Ramana Kumar Vice president at Wipro Ltd inaugurated the conference and delivered a keynote address. The conference featured a special talk by Prof. Trilochan Sastry, Professor at IIM Bangalore who is a luminary in the field of governance and social impact. On November 22, a panel discussion was held on “Being Responsible and Sustainable in the New Age: Challenges and Opportunities”.  The experts in the panel were Mr. Suguru Kawashima, CFO-Findy, Japan, Dr. AKM Shahidullah, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, Dr. G S Ganesh Prasad, ANSSIRD, Government of Karnataka and Dr. Sunil Kapadia, Consultant- BFSI, Pune. The discussion was moderated by Dr (Lt Col) Prasad S.N, Director, SDMIMD Mysore.  Dr. Balu Kenchappa, Chief General Manager and Ombudsman at Reserve Bank of India delivered the valedictory address to the conference. Across two days 144 papers were presented and deliberated by research scholars, academics and practitioners on the various issues related to the theme of the conference. Dr (Lt Col) Prasad S.N, Director, SDMIMD Mysore delivered opening and closing remarks to the conference. Dr B Venkatraja, Conference Chairperson introduced the theme of the conference and delivered the vote of thanks. The discussions across two days emphasized that economic development is inevitable, while on the path of progress having a check on environmental degradation is of paramount significance. 

Ramana Kumar, VP-Wipro talks on the Economy and Environment 
The Indian economy has made significant strides in recent years, but climate change remains a critical challenge, stated Sri. Ramana Kumar CSV, Vice President at Wipro, during his keynote address at the 9th International Economics Conference titled Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Emerging Trends organised by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD)  on November 21, 2024. 
Ramana Kumar, a well-known macroeconomic analyst with over three decades of industry experience, emphasized the importance of economic growth while underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. He highlighted the devastating consequences of human-induced environmental degradation and the urgent need for systematic solutions. He also mentioned that India is the fastest-growing economy in the world and as of now it ranks 5th  in the world and by 2025 it is expected to be fourth in the world and by 2027 India is expected to be the third largest economy in the world. We are faced with a huge challenge, but we already have many of the solutions, Kumar said, referencing frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Convention on Climate Change, and the Paris Agreement. He stressed three key areas for action: reducing emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and securing financing for green initiatives. Kumar urged the adoption of the recycling, repurposing, and reusing model to contribute to sustainability.

Distinguished Speech by Prof. Trilochan Sastry 
Prof. Trilochan Sastry delivered an invited talk to the delegates of the 9th International Economics Conference on “ Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Emerging Trends” on November 21, 2024. His talk focused on inequality, social impact and sustainable development. He emphasized the need for addressing disparities in agriculture, and migrant labourers through targeted interventions like cooperatives and inclusive policies. Successful initiatives like Operation Flood were cited as models for sustainable development, concluding the session with a call for action against inequality. Prof. Girish Gopalrao chaired the session. Conference delegates, Faculty and students were present. 

Panel Discussion on Sustainability 
A panel discussion on “Being responsible and sustainable in the new age” was organised on November 22, 2024 as a part of the 9th International Economics Conference on “Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Emerging Trends”.  The panel speakers included  Mr. Suguru Kawashima-CFO Findy, Japan, Dr. AKM Shahidullah, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, Dr Sunil Kapadia, Consultant BFSI Pune, Dr. GS Ganesh Prasad, ANSIRD, Govt of Karnataka and the moderator for the panel discussion was Dr. (Lt.Col) SN Prasad, Director SDMIMD. The key insights from the panel discussion were that Suguru Kawashima emphasized the role of technology, AI innovation, and Japan-India collaboration in driving sustainable business practices. Dr. AKM Shahidullah highlighted ecological sustainability, work-life balance, gender empowerment, and resource conservation for future generations. Dr. Ganesh Prasad discussed data-driven insights on sustainable development goals, rural indicators, and agricultural implications in India. Dr. Sunil Kapadia focused on renewable energy expansion, green finance, and global sustainable practices. In conclusion, the moderator, Dr. SN Prasad highlighted the key takeaways of the discussion and touched upon sustainable growth, innovation, and its impacts on long-term goals.

Dr Balu Kenchappa, Senior Banker, RBI Spoke on Financial Sector Stability
Dr Balu Kenchappa Chief General Manager and Ombudsman at Reserve Bank of India delivering the valedictory address to the 9th International Economics Conference on “Economic Growth and Sustainable Development: Emerging Trends” on November 22, 2024. In his speech, Dr Balu Kenchappa narrated the significance of fixing the appropriate interest rate depending on the changing circumstances. He analysed how the interest rate, inflation, and economic growth are interlinked. His talk also emphasised the role of the central bank in managing the debt, exchange rate, reserve management and risk management. Dr. (Lt.Col) S N Prasad, Director SDMIMD delivered closing remarks to the conference and Dr. B Venkatraja, Conference Chairperson summed up two days of deliberations and presented vote of thanks. Conference delegates, Faculty and students were present.