The Corporate Connect - Mr. Anil Kamath

The success story of ‘The Corporate Connect’ continued its unstoppable run with Mr. Anil Kamath gracing the campus on 10th October 2013 for a personal interaction with our students. The batch of 2013-15 consisted of a mix of students from marketing, finance & operations background.

Mr Kamath is the Ex Executive Vice President of Blue Star Ltd and Ex Managing Director of Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd. Mr. Kamath is also an entrepreneur in his own right as the founder Chairman of Esemcee Advisors which covers domains like Strategic Management, Finance, Training and Organizational Development.

The interactive session began on a lighter note with Mr. Kamath quoting ‘I call Healthcare Management as an inflation proof business’ and citing examples about how the volatility of the economy will never affect this line of business. According to him healthcare management is an indispensable part in lives of people in modern times.

Sir spoke about the nuances of healthcare management in India and the dynamics associated with it, without hesitating to leave the floor open for questions from the batch right through the presentation. He extensively discussed with the students about the rural scenario of healthcare management in India. Mr. Kamath, who is credited for setting up numerous hospitals all over India, explained the importance of tier II cities and towns and their impact on the healthcare sector and vice-versa. Sir also recollected his experiences of setting up new hospitals in India. He credited extensive market research and a good network of qualified doctors and surgeons along with raising awareness in the minds of people by conducting roadshows as the pillars of success for the new hospitals. Mr. Kamath also talked briefly about the ways of raising funds for new ventures. According to him, healthcare sector has the potential to reach $400 billion in revenues by the year 2025. When asked about the role of the Government of India in the healthcare sector, Sir answered in detail explaining about various government schemes and their benefits for the common man.

Mr. Kamath believed that ’Preventive care should be the basis of healthcare’ and went on to explain the adage ‘Prevention is better than cure’. Soon the session started revolving around the challenges faced by the healthcare sector, which was explained diligently by Mr. Kamath. He was of the opinion that ‘ethics’ play an important role in this sector. Sir spoke about the challenges of getting senior doctors and surgeons on board along with the necessity of innovation and R&D in the sector. He also gave an overview about the concept of ‘Gene Mapping’ and how it has the potential to revolutionize the contemporary way of treating diseases once it is completely developed and accepted into mainstream treatment procedures. Sir also made a comparative study of healthcare management between India and China and explained how India at 0.7 beds per 1000 people lags behind China which has about 2.5-3 beds per 1000 people. With this he highlighted the growth potential of Healthcare Management in India

The presentation was followed by a Q&A session with questions ranging from future scope, challenges, government policies and medical tourism. Sir patiently explained each and every thing in detail so as to give a crystal clear picture of the healthcare sector to the batch. The session concluded with a photo-op with Mr Kamath. We at SIMSREE are obliged to Mr. Kamath for giving students an opportunity to interact with him and look forward for more such sessions by Mr. Kamath.

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Fiscus 2013: India and China – The New Torch Bearers of World Economy

5^th October 2013 is a date that all SIMSREE students will remember for a long time. Through FISCUS ’13 – the annual financial summit of the institute - it was an honor and a privilege to have with us the stalwarts of finance in the corporate world. The theme for this year was ‘India and China: The new Torch Bearers of World Economy’.

Mr. Seshagiri Rao – the joint Managing Director and group CFO for JSW Steel – was the Chief Guest. Mr. Atul Joshi – the Managing Director and CEO at India Rating and Research (a Fitch Group Company) – was the Key Note speaker for the event. The eminent panelists for the discussing the topic were Mr. Pramod Kasat – head of investment banking team at Investacorp and an alumnus of SIMSREE (batch of 1993); Mr. Tarun Sharma – Assistant General Manager at EXIM Bank of India and Mr. Nilay Rathi – General Manager (Commercial) at Century Textiles and Industries Limited.  The moderator for the discussion was Mr. Prashant Shetty – Director IDFC Capital and an alumnus of the Institute (batch of 1988).

The event, organized by the SIMSREE Finance Forum, was inaugurated by the traditional lighting of the lamp and the national anthem following which the Director of the Institute, Dr. Sandhya Dhabe, welcomed the esteemed guests to the Institute.

Mr. Seshagiri Rao, then addressed the batch. He touched upon the challenges that the developed nations, namely USA and Europe, faced of late and what led to the various financial crises in these economies. In the backdrop of the current turbulent scenario, he also spoke about the opportunities that lie in emerging economies and outlined the path that could be followed. With a rich experience spanning three decades in the steel industry and in the corporate finance and banking sector, he also shared with the students the challenges that India faces with regards to Steel manufacturing and how the future is full of fruitful opportunities waiting to be tapped in to

Mr. Atul Joshi brought to the event an insight to the economies of India and China from a Rating Company’s perspective. He first explained the students the ratings models followed for banks, corporate and the local governments. He also cited the disparities in the national and international ratings awarded to the institutions in India and its effect. Finally, he requested the students to have an optimistic attitude towards the future of the nation

The stage was then open for the panel discussion moderated by Mr. Prashant Shetty. All the panelists first spoke briefly on the subject. Mr Nilay Rathi shared with the students the challenges and opportunities that the Indian and Chinese economies face sighting the example of the textile industry. Mr. Tarun Sharma enlightened the students regarding the importance of exports for the development of any economy. Mr. Pramod Kasat elaborated upon the importance of investment, the differences between the Indian and the Chinese growth models, and the growth strategies to be followed. Among the wide array of questions raised by the audience were the ever increasing population challenges faced by the two nations, and whether it is a challenge or an opportunity, the political unrest between India and China, and how it may impact the economic ties between the two nations, the importance of trade fairs and the merits and challenges of the democracy in India and autocracy in China

Mr. Seshagiri Rao concluded the discussion perfectly by saying “India and China need not confront and have conflict, but they need to collaborate and cooperate”. The event was concluded with a vote of thanks from the SIMSREE Finance Forum Coordinators.

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SIMSREE Foundation Day

It was another milestone for the Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE) as the institute observed its 30th Foundation Day, the venue being The Sydenham Management Excellence Centre (Auditorium).  Prof Dr. Madhuri V. Kagalkar, the principal of the mother institute i.e. Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics was the chief guest for the event.

The event was graced by the presence of Ex-Directors of the institution Prof. Dr. P.V. Dabli, Prof Dr. Lad, Prof Dr. M.A. Khan as well as the current Director, Dr. Sandhya Dhabe along with the faculty members and the staff. The atmosphere was filled with joy and exhilaration.

The celebrations began by lighting up the traditional Diya along with the prayer and followed by felicitation of the Ex-Directors by Mrs. Sandhya Dhabe. Coming back to college and seeing it achieve yet another mark in its glorious history made the Ex-Directors of the College nostalgic. They expressed their happiness and satisfaction of how well the college had performed and grown all over the years and further invigorated the students to take it to even greater heights. The new faculty members were then welcomed into the SIMSREE family. The new members introduced themselves and expressed their gratification on being part of such a glorious institution.

The mood of the auditorium was then set by the trio of the “Parindey” band with their melodious voice and the guitar adding to the rhythm. The crowd sang to the tune of the band and cheered them. The songs were followed by the cutting of the cake by the luminaries of the college to honor the special occasion. A small video was presented showcasing how the college had evolved from its humble beginning to now being one of the best B-schools in the country.

During the function, students who had won laurels in several B-school competitions across the country were felicitated. They were given accolades by the dignitaries present along with the “Token of Appreciation” for their hard work. The “Parindey” band once again brought the stage back to life with yet another thrilling performance. After it, the distribution of certificates to the members of various committees began. The members along with the coordinators who had toiled day and night to raise the standards of their committees were presented with “Certificates of Appreciation” by the dignitaries.

Finally, it was the time for Vote of Thanks given by Nishant Poojary, the General Secretary of the institute. However, this was not the end of the event. It was followed by “Minute to Win it” games which saw a huge participation. All the students present, cheered for their friends as they came on the stage to win the prize. The celebrations perfectly complimented the event which saw the institution achieve yet another landmark in its glorious history.

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The Corporate Connect - Mr. Bhaskar Bhattacharya

After the success of the first Corporate Connect, the Corporate Relations Committee invited Mr. Bhaskar Bhattacharya to our campus. Mr. Bhaskar Bhattacharya is currently the Associate Vice President-Hindalco Industries Limited. He has a work experience of around 15 years in which he has worked for prominent companies like ABG Cement Limited, MIRC Electronics Limited (ONIDA) and Grasim industries Limited. He specializes in Communication, Negotiation, Talent Acquisition, Leadership Management, Performance Management and Employee Engagement. ‘HR professional with a personal touch’ describes him the best.

Mr. Bhattacharya started with an introduction on what 'Talent Management' really is. He gave insights about various activities across different industries aimed at nourishing talent. He shared experiences of various activities which his present organization Hindalco Ltd. is into.

Mr. Bhattacharya shared insights on how 'Employer Branding' is important and also how it helps in establishing loyalty for the company. He also threw light upon the concept of creating a sense of ownership in the mind of every employee. While answering questions, Mr. Bhattacharya touched upon various other topics like effect of sacking of employees and how to create a win-win situation for both employees and employer. He also shared insights on how his organization went about inculcating their core values into its recently acquired subsidiary Novelis.

Mr. Bhattacharya enthusiastically shared thoughts about 'Balance Score Card' and explained different concepts used in HR to evaluate employees and nurture future leadership. He also explained 'Retail Penetration' - a concept on which he has written a research paper. The idea of a holistic perspective in management and how the absence of it can create problematic situations was also emphasized upon.

On a concluding note, Mr. Bhattacharya advised students to read books, and follow the latest trends in management worldwide. He also advised them not to restrict themselves to their specialization, but rather have a holistic view of the organization. He elaborated on the importance of knowledge and emphasized on the fact that it is the content that one speaks that takes her/him to new heights in career.

It was a very insightful discussion and we hope to have more such opportunities to interact with him.

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MUNIJAN 2013

The University of Mumbai, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti had organized the event – Mumbai University New Initiative Joint Action Now (MUNIJAN) in Mumbai. The objective of this initiative is to bring about positive changes to society by involving students in a series of constructive and socially responsible activities. MUNIJAN rests on the belief that effective transformation in society can be achieved through collective efforts to inspire, support and serve consciously.

     Photo by: Vishesh Sehlot

    Photo by: Vishesh Sehlot

This initiative, which began in 2010, provides an avenue for future leaders from management institutes to innovate sustainable solutions for social issues that plague the nation. It will help in shaping the students not only as leaders of tomorrow but also as globally responsible citizens.
                                                  
SIMSREE SSR committee was part of the organizing committee which looks after everything ranging from inviting chief guest, judges to arranging food for all. SIMSREE SSR committee in association with other colleges worked really hard to make this event successful.

    Photo by: Vishesh Sehlot

    Photo by: Vishesh Sehlot 

MUNIJAN received an overwhelming response this year as students from universities across Maharashtra also participated. For the grand finale 8 teams were shortlisted out of which 2 teams were representing SIMSREE. All the teams came up with innovative idea and were deservedly applauded by judges and audience alike. The chief guest for the event was popular Indian film industry personality Mr. Jackie Shroff, who is closely associated with different social causes. All the students were overjoyed on his arrival. 

    Photo by: Vishesh Sehlot

     

    Photo by: Vishesh Sehlot

The event concluded with the speech of Honorable Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai, Dr. Rajan Welukar who appreciated innovation and creativity of all the teams. He also acknowledged the efforts put by organizing committee in carrying out the event successfully without any obstacles.

MUNIJAN will go a long way in shaping the future of the society by bringing innovative ideas which will positively change the society.

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Reminiscence 2013

All roads led to Sydenham Institute of Management on the 28th September.

Reminiscence 2013, organised by the Alumni Committee, was an evening of homecoming for graduates who had once passed the hallowed halls of Sydenham and spent the best years of their student life.

Sydenham looked all but new to the alumni. The classrooms have changed, the institute boasts of a new auditorium – The Sydenham Management Excellence Center and its open-air cafeteria has just had a swanky makeover. What hasn't changed though is the bond that the former students and teachers have with their institute.

The attendees had a gala time meeting old pals, enjoying a game of darts, getting photographs clicked and reveling in song and dance. Conversations flowed, old memories were fished out and new ones were made. Past friendships were renewed, and new bonds were forged. Indeed, as one of our alumni wrote in the Message Book, “Once a Sydenhamite, always a Sydenhamite !”

Great music, sumptuous food and an unspoken promise to keep in touch completed what turned out to be a magical evening.

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The Corporate Connect - Mr. Bhupen Dalal

The Corporate Connect, a new initiative by the Corporate Relations Committee, gave ten students from SIMSREE an opportunity to interact with Mr. Bhupen Dalal, Chairman and Mr Utsav Dhupelia, Managing Director at Foods and Inns Ltd. This meeting was conducted on 28^th September 2013, at the Food and Inns office located at Tardeo Circle, Mumbai.

The discussion gave the students insights of the food processing industry in India. The talk covered a spectrum of topics ranging from the history of the company, food processing industry in India compared to that in other countries, to what this industry can achieve for our country if it is given the support that it requires. While explaining the potential that the food processing industry possesses the speakers mentioned that India is blessed with a large percentage of cultivable land and most of it is underutilized, there is huge demand for processed fruits in other countries which can help our exports and value addition to the agricultural produce brought about by this industry is nowhere near to what it is in other Asian countries. They also mentioned the importance of team work by elucidating that team means that “Together Everyone Achieves More” -the ideology that their company firmly believes in.

The speakers explained various technologies explored and employed by Food and Inns Ltd to improve quality of their products, which is the USP of their company. They explained their efforts to bring about social and environmental improvements by making their plants eco-friendly by minimizing the dependence on fossil fuels, helping the farmers getting the right price for their produce and removing all the middle men and their commissions from the supply chain.

The speakers were very enthusiastic about sharing the know-hows of their industry. By sharing these valuable nuances they filled the same enthusiasm in the students too. It was a hearty discussion where students asked their doubts freely and were very promptly addressed by the speakers. There were many light moments throughout the discussion. The discussion taught the students to interpret the statistics and news and utilize them for their development and their organisation’s progress.

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