Tata Confluence 2001 inaugurated

"The word Confluence means ‘bringing everything together’ and this is the essence of a good manager," began guest of Honour I G Patel, a finance veteran and long associated with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) at the opening ceremony of ‘Tata Confluence 2001, the annual marketing fair of IIMA on Thursday.

The chief guest at the inaugural ceremony was French Ambassador to India. Bernard de Montferrand and accompanying on the dais were Satish Pradhan, Executive Vice-President, HR of Tata Group who are the main sponsors of the event, Dr Sirish Sakhe from McKinsey and company and director of IIMA Prof. Jahar Saha.

Patel further said IIMA is called a management institute and not a business management institute because students here are not only taught how to make profits but other dimensions to a person are also explored here, adding that this would only be possible when one brings everything together or a confluence.

French Ambassador spoke at length about the post September 11 situation and how France and India have a role to play. "After the terrorist attacks, there is a movement of solidarity and a general mobilisatlon against terrorism," began Montferrand adding the positive angle to the tragedy was that there is a better chance for dialogue In other countries. "Some things have changed for better like Pakistan of today is not the Pakistan of yesterday and the Afghanistan of tomorrow is going to be very different."

The Ambassador also said the event has had a major impact on the world economy and although indicators may seem pessimistic, there are all reasons for optimism. Dr Sirish Sankhe made a presentation on ‘India: The Growth Imperative-Understanding the Barriers of Rapid Growth and Employment Creation’. The presentation, which was handed over to the Prime Minister in September, points out that India can make a 10 percent economic growth in the next 10 years.

The Confluence will begin from Friday with a panel discussion on ‘Life After Dot Coms-The Future of Indian IT Industry’ which will be followed by an Advertising Workshop by ETA. The evening will witness a play by IIM-ACTS titled 10 Little Niggers. On Saturday, various speakers will deliver lectures related to Finance and Marketing Strategies while games and other programmes go on through the day.

Republished from The Indian Express