Centre for Reforms, Development and Justice (CRDJ) in collaboration with Forum for International Management Networks 0n 21 March 2014 organised a day-long workshop on ‘Emerging Paradigms of Engagement between Japan and India: Bridging the Gap between East and South East Asian Nations’ at India International Centre New Delhi.
A well-attended conclave of academicians and representatives from the corporate sector, the workshop through its various sessions examined the potential of trade between India and East and South East Asian Nations. The theme was introduced by Ms Kalpana Narain of Full Spectrum Consulting.
Thereafter, President of CRDJ Sh Sidharth Mishra introduced the vision of his organisation and the role which academia could play in government policy making in various fields. He also welcomed keynote speaker Sh Anuj Dayal, executive director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Prof. Yasushi Suzuki and Prof Munim Barai of Ritsumeikan, Asia Pacific University, Japan, the international panellists.
The inaugural address was delivered by Dr Parmod K Khurana, Principal, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, delineating the trade relations between the two nations since ages. Sh Anuj Dayal in his address made an exposition of India-Japan relationship by way of a case study of the partnership between the two countries in the execution of the Delhi Metro project. He underlined how the project was successfully executed despite constraints brought on it due to the strain in relationship between the two nations after the Pokhran nuclear test conducted by India in 1998.
The rich deliberations in the inaugural session set the ball rolling for the technical session with the lead speakers from academia and industry. Prof Yasushi Suzuki in his address, focussed on Japan’s ‘Financial Slump & its Implications for India and South East Asia’. Prof Munim Barai in his presentation, stressed upon ‘Trade Strategies of Japan and China and its implications for India’. Other panellist from industry, Mr Rajeev Saxena from Mazars gave a highly illuminating note on ‘Human Rights in Business.’ Dr Niti Bhasin from Delhi University moderated the session.
Post lunch saw a very invigorating discussion in the round table format, which was moderated by Professor SK Singh of Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. The papers were presented by Dr RN Kar, Dr Sumati Verma, Dr Savita Gautam and Dr Amrita Kaur with effective interventions by Mr Amit Soni from Shaheed Bhagat Singh College.
The valedictory address in keeping with the invigorating deliberations throughout the day was equally enlightening and delivered by Prof JP Sharma, Dean Business and Commerce, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. In his masterly delineation, Prof Sharma left behind a thought to mull, what was bigger issue in business – corporate governance or corporate social responsibility.
The successful workshop ended with a special mention of the efforts made by Dr RN Kar and his colleagues and students from Shaheed Bhagat Singh (Evening) College from Delhi University. The deliberations of the workshop would be published in the next issue of The Discussant.