“Last-mile connectivity through buses and longer distance travel with metro mass rapid transport only way to solve Bengaluru’s traffic congestion”, says Tejasvi Surya at IIMB’s Annual Leadership Summit ‘Drishti’
Bengaluru, 19 January 2024: IIM Bangalore’s Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) cohort kicked off “Dristhi”, a two-day flagship Annual Leadership Summit, at the IIMB campus today. Centred around the theme of ‘Fostering Innovation for Growth & Sustainability’, Drishti gave a platform for industry leaders, visionaries, professionals, and business school students to come together for a collaborative deliberation on innovations for a sustainable future.
The summit had Shri Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament, and Shri Gaur Gopal Das, renowned wellness coach and motivational speaker, as the keynote speakers. Both spoke extensively on the pertinent issues in India in terms of sustainability. Organised by the PGPEM batch, Drishti is a fusion of business, technology, art, culture and academia, offering a glimpse into the future of an inclusive society.
Welcoming the gathering at the Annual Leadership Summit, Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore, said in his inaugural speech, "The digital revolution has profoundly transformed business models across multiple dimensions, fostering innovation on an unprecedented scale. Technological breakthroughs including AI, IoT, Automation, and Virtual Reality, have not only expanded horizons but have paved entirely new pathways for innovation. Amidst this dynamic landscape, the challenge of sustainability looms large, especially in the context of environmental impact. To address this challenge effectively, we must adopt a holistic perspective, integrating sustainability into the broader framework of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Attaining sustainability demands a long-term commitment, often involving short-term strategies; companies need to navigate these challenges by strategising and executing effective ESG strategies.”
The two-day summit focused on highlighting sustainable industry practices and the critical role of innovation in business. It offered tactical and strategic business insights and fostered collaboration across communities. The summit featured a variety of activities, including panel discussions, workshops, case competitions, and quizzes, and saw participation from industry leaders, visionaries, 150+ colleges and 100+ companies. It delved deeper into innovation for a future where businesses not only prosper but also maintain ecological harmony.
Addressing the gathering on urban mobility and talking about the comprehensive solutions for the sustainable future in terms of commute and transportation, Shri Tejasvi Surya, Member of Parliament, said, “The surge in traffic congestion in Bengaluru is attributed to a staggering 6,000% spike in private vehicle numbers. Our current trajectory is inadvertently promoting increased private vehicle ownership, encouraging longer travel distances within the city. To address this issue comprehensively, we must pivot toward a holistic urban planning approach that incorporates land planning as a crucial element. The integration of Metro and buses emerges as a pivotal solution, playing a dual role in facilitating last-mile connectivity and addressing long-distance travel needs. As Bengaluru strives to assert itself as a burgeoning tech capital on the global stage, it is imperative to envision and implement sustainable solutions that enhance the efficiency of public transport and contribute to the overall development of the city."
The event featured various industry leaders including Dileep Mangsuli, Executive Director, Siemens; Phalgun Rudrapatna, E&Y Partner; Dr. Sanjeev Panchal (Country President & Managing Director, AstraZeneca); Sojwal Vora, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Manipal Hospitals;, Soumyanarayan Srinivasan, Principal ZS; Monica Gangwani, Eversena Executive Director; Anirban Chakraborty, Accenture Strategy, Global Network Lead for North America Automotive and Mobility Industry; Jai Gupta, Head of Product Engineering, Jaguar & Land Rover; RK Shenoy, Senior VP - Mobility Engineering at Bosch; Nirbhay Lumde, Head of ESG & Sustainability, CSR Leader-Asia Pacific, CGI; Pranjal Jyoti Goswami, Chief Sustainability Officer, Gokaldas Exports; Rajesh Mehta, Founder & MD, Sustainovation Ventures LLP; Shilpashree Muniswamappa, Director, ESG & Communications, Colgate-Palmolive and Thakuur Pherwani, Chief Sustainability Officer, TVS Motor.
The PGPEM is a two-year MBA at IIMB for working professionals. It is a globally ranked E-MBA programme, which also enjoys top ranking in India.