THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
- Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi
- Shri Shankara nand Ji, Akhil Bharatiya Sangathan Mantri, Bharatiya Shikshan Mandal, Nagpur
- Prof. W.K. Sarvade, President Indian Commerce Association
- Shri P. M. Prasad, CMD, Coal India Ltd.
- Prof. Ajay Kumar Singh, Conference Secretary of 74 AICC
- Distinguished Hon’ble Vice Chancellors of University
- Other Office Bearers of ICA and Past Presidents of ICA
- Distinguished delegates
- Ladies & Gentlemen
It is indeed a matter of satisfaction for me to be addressing this esteemed gathering at the 74thAll India Commerce Conference. It has been an event that has fostered intellectual discourse and helped shape the contours of Commerce and Management education in our great nation - Bharat.
02. Having dedicated several years to public service, my journey in administration has been shaped by a fervent belief in the transformative power of education and sustainable development. My association with Delhi and its diverse communities has only strengthened my conviction that commerce and management education play a pivotal role in shaping not just individual destinies but the collective future of our society.
03. As we gather here today, it's important to reflect on the rich history of the Indian Commerce Association, which traces its roots back to the eve of India's independence in 1947. Visionary intellectuals and industrialists came together to create a platform that would discuss and deliberate on the future course of our country's development. It is commendable to witness that a UGC CARE listed journal: The Indian Journal of Commerce is being published by Indian Commerce Association since 1947.
04. Speaking of recognition, I am happy to learn about the various awards instituted by the Indian Commerce Association to encourage and applaud excellence in research. The Best Business Academic of the Year Award, Prof. Manubhai M Shah Memorial Awards, Shourabh Shiware Memorial Young Researcher Award, and Prof. Samiuddin Memorial ICA Research Scholar Award showcases the association's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting ground breaking research in commerce and management. It is satisfying to know that more than 1700 research papers have been considered and more than 2500 people have registered for this Conference.
05. I congratulate the University of Delhi for hosting this mega event and also congratulate its knowledge partner the OP Jindal Global University, two stalwarts in the field of education having the status of Institution of Eminence by the Government of India. These Universities have played pivotal roles in shaping the minds of future leaders. The University of Delhi, with its venerable legacy and international acclaim, has been a premier institution shaping the minds of future leaders. From its humble beginnings with three colleges and 750 students in 1922, Delhi University has grown into one of the largest in India with 16 faculties, 86 academic departments, and over seven lakh students. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of education, Delhi University remains a key partner in shaping the minds of future leaders with a focus on sustainability and holistic development.
06. Similarly, OP Jindal Global University, founded in 2009, exemplifies a commitment to research-oriented education and global collaboration. Its global recognition and rankings signify its commitment to providing a world-class education experience to its students.
07. Before we delve into the heart of today's discussion, let me take a moment to reflect on the profound theme of this conference - "One Earth, One Family, One Future." The theme reminds me of the rich cultural heritage and inclusive ethos that define both our ancient philosophy and the contemporary spirit of Delhi. Just as the city is a microcosm of the nation, this conference serves as a microcosm of our shared commitment to fostering intellectual exchange and charting a sustainable course for our future. In a world marked by diversity and interconnectedness, this ancient Indian philosophy reminds us that our global community is, indeed, one large family. As we discuss the challenges and opportunities in commerce and management, let us bear in mind our shared responsibility to nurture and sustain this vast family that we call Earth.
08. In the wise words of Rabindranath Tagore, "The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence." As we explore the intricacies of commerce and management against the backdrop of this profound theme, let us embrace a holistic vision of education-one that fosters harmony, inclusivity, and a deep sense of responsibility towards our global family.
09. We have gathered here today to discuss the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. What do we understand by these words and what is the philosophy behind them? To my mind, these are concepts, which put together, should form the Triple foundation stones of future development and economic growth not only in India but the world. We are talking about this today because the aim of any Government, any enterprise or any developmental or economic activity in today’s times cannot, and should not, be limited only to profiteering or immediate gains. All such endeavours have to be focussed on people and have to take into consideration, the concerns of Mother Nature and Mother Earth. In times of globally rising inequality and the existential challenge of climate change, sustainability has become the cornerstone of the future of the global family. Governments and Businesses can no longer aim at immediate developmental goals and profits alone.
10. Having said that, I would like to underline that, growth and development, inclusivity and public welfare and environmental sustainability are not mutually antagonistic.
Dear Friends,
11. Mother Earth has given us ample resources to sustain the material wellbeing and aspirations of human kind and at the same time, replenish her of what we take from her. It is only when wanton destruction of nature takes place due to unbridled greed for wealth and mindless development, that degradation exceeds sustainable regeneration. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji has been championing the cause of addressing the challenges posed by inequity as well as climate change. We will do ourselves well if we were to stop getting into fixing responsibility upon the Global North or the Global South for the prevalent state-of-affairs and end any further inequity and degradation without resorting to self-serving blame games.
12. The Triple Foundation Stones of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ should become the measure of the performance of Governments and Corporations in the future. Since the eminent gathering here is an association of academics and industry, focussing on commerce and management, mainly of corporations, I would like to address my concerns to them.
13. In today's scenario, sustainability has ceased to be an optional topic in the strategy harvesting process, and has become a medium to filter risks and optimize opportunities for growth. A clear sustainability strategy helps to provide confidence and reassurance to stakeholders that a company has a solid foundation for future success. It therefore, becomes imperative for Businesses to strike a balance between profitability, people’s aspirations and sustainability.
14. A Business or Organization that achieves this balance will not only ensure its sustainability in the fast-changing global world but also create a healthier and happier environment within and around itself. Moreover, this contributes significantly to nation-building as firstly the company thrives and contributes back to the society by generating employment and meeting societal needs. Secondly, it will keep a healthy environment for its employees as well as beneficiaries who would enthusiastically engage in the furtherance of the objectives of the Company. Lastly, the Company’s environmental footprint would be exemplary for the other companies to follow thus creating a harmonious society.
15. To my mind, the key to achieving this balance is to approach development and growth in terms of holistic wellbeing rather than hollow numbers. It is here that your role in devising strategies for the future becomes critical.
16. Under the dynamic leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, we are on the cusp of becoming the third largest economy in the world. In his vision of India@ 2047, it is envisaged that we evolve, by then, as a nation where every Indian is healthy, happy, content, prosperous and enabled.
17. We are in the days to come, going to be achieving the landmark of becoming a 5-trillion dollar economy. Even amidst a global slowdown, our GDP figures remain robust. However, these impressive numbers apart, we have to ensure that the goals set out by the Prime Minister of happiness and contentment are met. For this, we will require a holistic approach towards development. The quest for happiness is closely tied to the quest for sustainable development which is the combination of human well-being, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
18. I would like you to deliberate upon these cornerstones of our national future ahead.
19. To my mind, our quest for contentment, happiness and wellbeing should not be guided solely by the western principles of materialism. We will have to, in my opinion, focus on the Indian ethos of contentment that emanate out of “Santosham Param Sukham” along with according divine status to Mother Nature – our rivers, forests and natural resources. We will have to do this without being fatalistic and in line with scientific temper and rationality. It was this philosophy that the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi had so rightly encapsulated when he said, and I quote, “The Earth has enough for every man’s needs, but not for one man’s greed.”
20. Towards the end, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and satisfaction towards the Indian Commerce Association for its unwavering commitment to advancing commerce and management education in our country. To the participants, I encourage you to actively engage in the sessions, exchange ideas, and contribute to the collective knowledge that will shape the future of your discipline. Together, let us embrace the ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and work towards a shared vision of inclusive and sustainable development.
Thank you.
Jai Hindi
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