The School of Contemporary Knowledge Systems, Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, in collaboration with Kathmandu University School of Management, Nepal, hosted the National Conference on New Horizons in Commerce, Economics and Management on 16th March 2024, at the Warriam Road facility of CVV in Ernakulam. The presence of dignitaries, an impressive lineup of scholars from across India and abroad and an array of carefully selected, well-researched and well-presented papers on the subject, all came together seamlessly. The conference was applauded for the 5 online and 7 offline paper presentation sessions, two invited talks and two panel discussions. A total of 71 papers were received and all the papers were presented at the conference. The conference made the academic fraternity richer, with additional literature in the form of scholarly works on the subjects. The two-day event offered opportunities for the participants to interact with academicians, scholars and experts from various parts of India and abroad that stimulated ideas on developing a sustainable society and empowering stakeholders.

The two days comprised of incisive and insightful discussions on emerging topics in Commerce, Economics and Management. The views expressed and explored on this platform by the resource persons and paper presenters made the audience rethink ideas that they cling to unthinkingly in our day-to-day lives.

The main highlight of of the conference was the embracing of the rich heritage of Indian knowledge systems and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, to generate groundbreaking ideas and concepts that enrich the fields of economics, commerce, and management.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with a soulful prayer and Kulageetham presented by CVV students Soumya, Nayana, Gouri, and Swastika, with Swastika leading the Kulageetham.  Dr. Renju Chandran, the Conference Coordinator, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, including Prof. Ajay Kapoor ( Hon’ble Vice Chancellor), Prof. Binod Krishna Srestha (Chief Guest, Conference Chairman Professor, Kathmandu University School of Management),  Dr. Ambily A S ( Conference Chairperson and Head of CKS), Prof. T Ashokan (Dean of Academics), Prof. K. Gireesh Kumar (Dean of Research), Prof. Sunitha Grandhee (Dean of Life Long Learning and Wellness), and Prof. Manjula R. Iyer (Assistant  Dean,  CVV). The importance of pushing boundaries and striving for excellence was emphasized.

Dr. Ambily A. S., the Conference Chairperson and Head of the School of Contemporary Knowledge Systems, highlighted the relevance of the conference theme and expressed gratitude to all contributors.

The ceremonial lighting of the lamp was performed by all the dignitaries along with Conference faculty coordinators and student coordinators Advaith Sajith and Janet Elza.

Prof. Ajay Kapoor, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor joined in online and emphasized the importance of addressing current issues in the economic field, such as rapidly advancing AI, and encouraged participants to nudge towards emerging issues.

Prof. Binod Krishna Shrestha from KUSOM discussed inculcating philosophy in next-generation management professionals and policymakers, emphasizing the need to nurture natural resources while addressing environmental challenges.

An MOU between CVV and KUSOM was signed and exchanged by Prof. T. Ashokan (Registrar in charge and Dean of Academics) and  Prof. Binod Krishna Shrestha (Conference Chairperson and Professor Kathmandu University School of Management) respective dignitaries, in charge, highlighting cooperation between the universities.

Prof. K. Girish Kumar, Dean of Research at CVV, acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind the international conference and praised the collaboration with KUSOM.

Prof. T. Asokan, Dean of Academics at CVV, commended the efforts and congratulated all coordinators, while expressing interest in exploring financial inclusion and indigenous knowledge systems.

Prof. Manjula R Iyer, Assistant Dean of CVV introduced the book “ Beyond Boundaries: Exploring New Avenues in Commerce, Finance and Economics “ comprising 24 peer- revised papers from the previous year’s conference.  The book was officially released by Prof. Manjula R Iyer and gave 1st copy to the Dean of Research  Prof  K Girish Kumar.

Prof. Sunitha Grandhee, Dean of Life-Long Learning and Wellness, congratulated the integration of indigenous knowledge systems in the conference and facilitated Prof. Binod Krishna Shrestha.

Dr. Sanitha A.C, the Conference Coordinator, extended gratitude to all dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor,  Conference Chairman,  Conference Chairperson, Dean of Research,  Dean of Academics and Dean of Lifelong Learning and Wellness and others, as well as the Media team, IT team and University staff and all the students and participants.

The inaugural ceremony concluded at 11:13 AM, followed by a tea break.

The first panel discussion on the topic “RBI’s National Strategy fir Financial Inclusion” began at 11:50am after the tea break, Prof. S Santhosh Kumar, Professor School of Management Studies CUSAT, Ernakulam and Dr. Radhakrishnan Pillai ( Director at Chanakya International Institute of Leadership Studies)and Dr Abha Mohan (Assistant Dean CVV) were the panelists. Mr. Pratheep Kumar, Asst. Professor, CVV moderated the session. The panelists emphasised on National strategies for financial inclusions in the country.

The session concluded at 1pm and was dispersed for lunch break till 1.45pm.

The panel discussion 2 commenced after lunch break with a vedic invocation by Shri. Shrinath Mohandas . The panel included Prof. Binod Krishna Shrestha, Prof. Sunitha Grandhee, Prof. Keyur Thaker and Shri. Shrinath Mohandas as moderator. The topic for the panel discussion was “Dharma in Indian economic thought”. The   discussion spanned across various topics from understanding Dharma and how does it empower young people in business. The panel discussion concluded with a shanthi mantra by Shrinath Mohandas.

The technical session – 2 began by 2.00 pm after the lunch break. Papers were presented both in online and offline mode. The paper presentations finished by 3.30 pm.

Day 2: Began by 10:00 AM with the blessings of the God Almighty 

The first programme was an invited talk by Dr taramol K G (Associate Prof. of Economics, School of Business, Manipal University Dubai) on the topic “ESG A Gateway to sustainability” the session concluded 11 am and was dispersed for a short tea break.

The next session commenced at 11 30 am with an invited talk by Prof.. Binod Krishna Shreshta on the topic “meet the researchers”.

The technical session 1 started by 12:15 pm and it was chaired by Dr. Ambily ASThe session concluded by 1:15  pm and was dispersed for lunch break.

The technical session 2 commenced at 2  pm and the session was exclusively for Chinmaya students and was chaired by Prof. Binod Krishna Shrestha and Prof Manjula R Iyer.

The conference was highly applauded for bringing together great minds from Commerce, Management and Economics. The conference became a platform for expressing interest and cognitive thoughts among all the active participants of the conference. It provided an opportunity to enhance the knowledge and skills required to solve problems and meet the challenges of dynamic- decision making in the business environment. The conference provided an opportunity for participants to upgrade their knowledge in the context of global scenario.

The Valedictory function began with a prayer by CVV students  and the Certificates of Appreciation to Faculties,  Certificates of Presentation to Authors and Certificate of Appreciation to CKS students for their good efforts were distributed. During the valedictory session, Mr. Sushil Awale, Director, MBA Program, Tribhuvan University, talked about the topic “Bridging Academics to the Corporate World” and also distributed one copy of the latest edition of his book “Services Marketing” for CVV to Prof. Manjula R. Iyer, Assistant Dean of CVV.

Thanking you.

Dated: 16/03/24
Dr. Sanitha A C.
Conference Coordinator
Assistant Professor, CKS