Published : Thursday, 28 August, 2014 04:07 PM
The annual conclave of The Rural Managers’Association of Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar (RMAX) was held on 24th August 2014 on the theme “Emerging trends in theRural Sector”. It was chaired by eminent speakers across the industries from various domains ranging from research to corporate to CSR.
Mr.Muralidhar G, Lead, HR and Capacity building, NLRM, Mr.DebrajBehera, NLRM, Odisha, Mr.A.P.Prasad, Head of Supply Chain, AB&RI, Tata Steel Ltd, Jamshedpur, Ms.Isabella Cohen, Research Manager, Centre for Micro Finance IFMR and Mr. Sameer Pathak, Senior Manager, Coca Cola India were among the distinguished speakers present. The conclave covered various insights on the livelihood in rural India. The paradoxes, challenges, and techniques that the NLRM wishes to cover in the coming years were emphasized upon by Mr.Muralidhar G as he said “Poor cannot be served poor”. Mr.Behera, shared many of his personal experiences and stressed on the skills of a rural manager and the upcoming opportunities that hard work and dedication can open up.

Mr.A.P.Prasad threw light on the opportunities in the rural market and on how to tap it. He discussed at length the mediums of marketing, consumer behavior and logistics. The case studies by Tata Agrico, regarding three waves of business transformation and their subsequent challenges were also discussed. Ms.Isabella Cohen added research techniques, using impact evaluation and randomized evaluation to the discussion. The two case studies presented by her, were on the impact of Bandhan and the access of Finance. Her research work mainly delved into the rigorous cost benefit analysis.
Further diversity to the topic of discussion was added by Mr.Sameer Pathak who gave insights on sustainability and its relevance in the corporate world. To interact further with the audience he not only discussed about the various projects and initiatives by Coca-Cola like “Support My School”, “ThumsUp Being Human VEER”, “Unnati”, but also encouraged the individual participations. He talked at length about social well-being and relevance of women in Coca-Cola’s upcoming initiatives.
The discussion ended with an interactive question-answer round after each speaker, where the students got an opportunity to tete-a-tete with the dignitaries and to pacify their inquisitive minds.
ABOUT XIMB – The Flagship Institution of XUB
27 years ago, in the Temple City of Bhubaneswar, the Odisha Jesuit Society entered into a social contract with the Government of Odisha to set up Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB). XIMB strives to be a premier institute globally recognized for management education, training, research, and consulting that help build a just and humane society. The Institute today has become widely recognized for its excellence in imparting management education. It is counted among the leading management institutions in the country. XIMB is the proud recipient of A*** grading by CRISIL, and the ET Now National Education Leadership Award. XUB inherits from a rich culture and experience gained through the years by XIMB and promises to make greater inroads into higher education with diverse educational offerings.
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