Following the registration of the assembled delegates, the session began with the Welcome remarks by Mr. Rajeev Talwar, President, PHDCCI. Mr. Talwar spoke glowingly of the progress made by the Indian economy where a significant proportion of the population living below the poverty line now enjoy access to basic services. He referred to positive signs for the economy such as fast growth, rising IIP, inflation being under control and stability in the trade deficit. He also referred to the positive steps taken by government and how they were helping the country.

Dr. Sanjay Aggarwal, Vice President, PHDCCI, provided a brief introduction to Dr. Ajay Chhibber, who has worked as an economist with theWorld Bank, and authored several books on economics. In fact, Dr.Chhibber had brought along with him a book that he had authored for FICCI on the road ahead for the Indian economy in the next thirty years. The topic of the day, of course, would be The Economic Agenda for the Next Five Years.

Finally Dr.Chhibber came to the podium for the much awaited talk. He started by mentioning how India as a country was at major crossroads economically, politically and socially. He cautioned that while India is undoubtedly moving ahead, the rest of the world is not standing still. Global forces have become more challenging in the past twenty five years.

Considering India’s meteoric rise, he spoke of howback in first half of the 20th Century, India had a so called Hindu rate of growth at 3 to 4%, and how that very rate could rise to 25 to 30% by 2030. He referred to why India needed to find 6 to 6.5 million jobs per day for a burgeoning young population, and how labour force participation has to grow for women.

During the rest of the discourse Dr.Chhibber touched on a variety of topics like the need for better healthcare spending; the importation of sanitation; the trade wars between China and the United States, and how that opens up opportunities for India; the positive impact of a revolutionary step like the introduction of GST; environmental issues like air and water quality; and the issue of financial inclusion, including steps needed for better coverage of the same.

The lecture was followed by an interesting Q&A session where different sections of the audience had some very thought provoking questions for the dignitaries on the stage, leading to a more wholesome discussion of the topics on hand.

Finally the session drew to a close with the concluding remarks and vote of thanks by Dr.D.K.Aggarwal, Senior Vice President, PHDCCI.

It was a very enlightening session. The students of I.T.S were overwhelmed with the plethora of wide ranging discussions, and expressed deep satisfaction with the same. The organizers graciously provided certificates of participation for all the students.