On August 13, 2024, the Social & Governance Cell of SIBM, Pune played host to Aarohan: An Ethical Decision-Making Conference with the theme of “Governance in Age of Disruptions”, a premier event that brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and passionate participants to explore the intersections of innovation, governance, and ethical decision-making. This year’s conference stood out as the season’s biggest governance extravaganza, featuring a compelling mix of keynote addresses, dynamic discussions, and engaging national-level case competitions. Here’s a look back at the event's remarkable highlights and successes.Keynote Session: Balancing Innovation & RegulationThe conference commenced with an electrifying keynote session delivered by Mr. Himanshu Joshi sir, Director of Atal Innovation Mission on the theme of ‘Balancing Innovation & Regulation’‘. Mr. Joshi’s address set the tone for the day with his visionary insights on how India can strike a balance between innovation and regulation. His thought-provoking ideas emphasized the need for a harmonious blend of progressive thinking and regulatory frameworks to foster an environment conducive to both technological advancement and ethical governance. Mr. Joshi’s keynote was not just a presentation but an invitation to rethink and reshape the future of governance in India, making it one of the most impactful sessions of the conference.Fireside Chat: Digital Governance- Balancing Innovation, Security & RegulationFollowing the keynote, the stage was set for an engaging fireside chat featuring Mr. Chandrajit Pati, CHRO of Kontempore, and Ms. Sudiptaa Paul Choudhury, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Shorter Loop. This dynamic duo shared their invaluable strategies on navigating the realms of innovation and growth within governance. Their discussion offered fresh perspectives on how new ideas can be harnessed to drive progress while maintaining ethical standards. The conversation was lively, insightful, and full of practical advice that resonated with the audience, providing a roadmap for integrating innovation into governance practices effectively.Panel Discussion: Inclusive Governance: Ensuring Diversity and Equity in Disruptive ErasOne of the most anticipated segments of Aarohan 2024 was the panel discussion on “Inclusive Governance: Ensuring Diversity and Equity in Disruptive Eras.” This conversation brought together esteemed panel including Mr. Ali Khan, Global Head of Governance, Risk, compliance & Audit at ZS, Dr. Rakesh Varma, Ex-IAS & Co-Founder, ESG Tech Info Pvt Ltd, Mr. Shivanand Mohan, Global Head, L&D, Talent Management & Organizational Development, MSN Laboratories and Mr. Ramesh Chandran, Founder, Bio Basics. The discussion delved deep into the challenges and opportunities associated with fostering inclusivity in governance. The panel highlighted the critical importance of diversity and equity in crafting policies that address the needs of all stakeholders, particularly in times of rapid change and disruption. Their insights were both eye-opening and essential, sparking meaningful dialogue among attendees about the future of inclusive governance. In addition to the high-profile discussions, Aarohan 2024 featured three highly competitive national-level case competitions that drew significant attention and participation from across the country:
Niti-Shastra
Niti-Shastra, in collaboration with Roadbounce, provided a platform for participants to showcase their business acumen and problem-solving skills by tackling complex business challenges. A competitive, thought provoking case study was provided by Roadbounce. The competition garnered impressive engagement, with 44,000 impressions highlighting the widespread interest and enthusiasm for solving real-world business issues. Participants demonstrated their expertise and innovative thinking, contributing to a vibrant and competitive environment. Winners won exciting cash prizes worth Rs.30,000.
Chakravyuh: An Escape Room Challenge
Chakravyuh brought an element of excitement and fun to the conference with its escape room format, which included riddles, quizzes, and a unique role-play round called Potentate. This competition was designed to explore business concepts in an engaging and interactive manner. With 46,000 impressions, Chakravyuh was a standout attraction that combined intellectual challenge with playful entertainment, captivating participants and spectators alike. The competition provided the participants with an opportunity to win exciting cash prizes worth Rs. 25,000.
C-Suite: A Corporate Mock Boardroom
The C-Suite competition simulated a corporate boardroom environment where participants assumed executive roles and crafted solutions for various corporate scenarios. This competition saw 32,000 impressions and offered a valuable experience for those interested in understanding corporate governance and strategic decision-making. Participants engaged in thoughtful discussions, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex business landscapes and provide actionable solutions. Winners bagged cash prizes worth Rs. 30,000.The sheer scale of participation at Aarohan 2024 was a testament to the conference’s success. With a remarkable 3,300 team registrations from across the country, the event attracted a diverse and enthusiastic audience. The high level of engagement in both the discussions and the competitions underscored the conference’s significance in the realm of ethical decision-making and governance.Aarohan 2024 not only achieved its goal of fostering dialogue and innovation in ethical decision-making but also set a new benchmark for governance conferences. The event's success was driven by the exceptional calibre of speakers, the engaging format of the discussions, and the creativity and skill demonstrated in the national-level case competitions. As we reflect on this remarkable gathering, it is clear that Aarohan has made a substantial impact on the discourse around governance and ethical leadership.