Shillong, Sept 13: IIM Shillong recently organized the Thought Leaders Conclave on the theme “Experiences in Building World-Class Indian Organizations and Lessons for Entrepreneurship.”
The event featured prominent speakers Mr. N. Lakshmi Narayanan, Co-Founder of Cognizant and Director at CMI, ICT Academy, and Shriram Capital Pvt. Ltd., Mr. K. Venugopal, Director of Kasturi & Sons Limited, and Mr. Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman & MD of TVS Capital Funds Pvt. Ltd.
The discussion emphasized the growing need for entrepreneurial thinking in India, underscoring the role Indian organizations can play in solving complex global challenges. Companies such as ONDC, UPI, Nykaa, and Zomato were highlighted as examples of how innovation has enabled Indian businesses to outperform global giants.
Mr. N. Lakshmi Narayanan stressed the importance of technological and data literacy in today’s business landscape. In a recent discussion, Narayanan emphasized the rising need for humans to collaborate with machines in this tech-driven world.
As automation reshapes industries, he highlighted the importance of three core skills: technological literacy, data literacy, and human-centric abilities like communication and creativity.
He emphasized that continuous learning, especially in areas like AI and short-term courses, is crucial for staying relevant. According to him, success in this evolving landscape is not merely tied to advanced degrees but to mastering technology, data, and social skills.
Mr. Gopal Srinivasan discussed India’s potential to become a $35 trillion economy by 2047, with technology forming the foundation of future business growth. He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to gain real-world experience before launching ventures, emphasizing that attracting, retaining, and motivating talent are key to building successful businesses.
He also noted that innovation is no longer optional but essential, driven by collaboration between startups, corporations, and the government to reimagine traditional industries and propel India’s growth.
Mr. K. Venugopal focused on the distinction between managers and entrepreneurs, stating that while managers sustain and improve, entrepreneurs create new opportunities that drive growth and transform industries.
Addressing IIM Shillong’s talented student body, he encouraged them to focus on becoming job creators rather than job seekers. Citing former President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he reminded the audience that entrepreneurs are the true engines of national progress.
The conclave also reflected on the broader mission of IIMs to shift from producing managers to cultivating entrepreneurs. With the evolving economic landscape, IIMs are poised to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
By integrating entrepreneurial curriculum, offering mentorship and funding support, and encouraging risk-taking, IIMs can produce the next generation of business leaders who not only manage existing systems but also create new ventures and drive India’s economy forward.
The event fostered an intergenerational dialogue between experienced industry leaders and the students of IIM Shillong, encouraging a vibrant exchange of ideas on building world-class Indian organizations rooted in core social values, while underscoring the institute’s vital role in nurturing entrepreneurs over managers.
