Over the weekend that went by, Vile Parle, the hub of the educational institutions in Mumbai, saw the stars of corporate world descend for a tête-à-tête with the managers of tomorrow.
Three student bodies of School of Business Management, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) Mumbai — Not Just Marketing, the marketing committee; Finomenon, the finance committee; and the Student Council — orchestrated a two-day marketing and finance symposium called Illuminar 2.0.
Backed by sponsors such as Union Bank of India, Mahanagar Homes, Youth Connect and Financial Fitness, the event drew out an impressive turnout from the worlds of business and education.
Day one
The marketing conclave’s theme — ‘Riding the wave of innovation through marketing’ — saw Prasad Routray, COO, Mumbai Hub, Airtel, flag off the event with a passionate speech. He delved into the depths of how innovation stirred the telecommunication industry.
The CMO of Kokuyo Camlin, Saumitra Prasad proceeded to recount the tale of innovations in the FMCG industry, by citing examples that revolutionised selling: such as CavinKare selling shampoo in sachets. He also mentioned how Kokuyo Camlin was tackling the gradual shift in the interests of children, from colouring books to online entertainment.
Bani Saluja, Director of Acquisition at American Express, then expounded on how the company replicated its success on the tricky Indian terrain through constant innovation, while staying true to its beliefs.
And who better to talk about sustainable innovation than hospitality behemoth Taj? KA Bobby, Corporate Director, Taj Holidays & Mark comm. Taj Resorts and Palaces, showcased how quality and grace — two important attributes Taj prides itself in — are conveyed through their marketing communication.
Day 2
The second day of Illuminar 2.0 revolved around the theme of ‘A Local Bull for the Global Bear’.
India is continually touted as an economy full of realisable potential for growth while the global scenario is not that rosy. Ajay Bohra, CEO and Co-Founder of Credila Financial Services opened the day with his insights about the topic, followed by Ambareesh Baliga, an eminent independent market expert.
HSBC banking head , Sunil Sanghai pointed out why he thought the country is perfectly positioned for success, even though the world is facing testing times.
Lakshmi Iyer, CIO of Kotak AMC then explained how she thought the country could insulate itself from an economic downturn. Shirish Rane, MD and Co-Head of Research, IDFC, finally drew the event to a close with his unique take on the theme.
The two-day event served as a great platform for aspiring managers of NMIMS to interact with the corporate honchos, many of whom, just a few years ago, were in the shoes of the assiduous B-schoolers.