On A Growth Track

Updated on: Tuesday, May 03, 2011

The International School of Business (ISB), Kolkata in association with The Times of India, presented a panel discussion on ‘Strategy for Inclusive Growth’ at Science City auditorium on April 29. The event was part of the ISB Kolkata Signature seminar series.

The topic for the evening was ‘Strategy for Inclusive Growth’. Panelists included Dr Indrajit Roy, sheriff of Kolkata and a neurosurgeon, Paul Walsh, director, Indismart Group, Bob Roy, editor, Times Response, Gaurav Pandey, filmmaker, Dr Sukhendu Samajdar, pro-vice chancellor, Kaziranga University, Ganesan Natarajan, president and CEO, Ennore Coke and Sudhansu Shekhar Misra, HR Leader, Kolkata & East, IBM. The moderator for the evening was Debashish Biswas, VP, Macmillan Publishers India Ltd.

The event started with the lighting of the lamps by the panelists. Soon after Paul Walsh took to the dias and using a powerpoint presentation underlined the importance of innovation, leadership and governance for inclusive growth.

Ganesan Natarajan stressed on the importance of proper handling of the coal and power sector, in particular. He emphasized on long-term strategies to ensure that India is on its growth path.

Indrajit Roy felt that health and economy had a vital role in inclusive growth. He went on to add that though India’s growth is cancerous, according to the Gini Index, the disparity of income in India is increasing at the same time. “Nationalization of the health sector is important for inclusive growth”, he felt.

Gaurav Pandey tried to demystify the concept of inclusive growth. He said that growth is an aspect of every civilization but today the country is divided into two halves. One half can afford a good lifestyle while the other half cannot even afford two square meals a day.

Bob Roy felt that in today’s world, consumer is the king and information is the kingmaker. He said, “More local media, hyperlocal newspapers and community radio should be given higher preference to better inform and educate people of all classes.”

For Dr Samajdar, faith in the future and in human potential is necessary for growth. He enunciated the 5P’s for holistic inclusivity-Peace, Participation, Prosperity, Permanence and People.

Sudhanshu Misra dwelt on the impact of growth on the people. The floor was then left open for questions from the audience.

On A Growth Track

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