Crossfire

Why aren't we I.D.I.O.T.S? - An interactive panel discussion

In the Mahabharatha, Krishna discourses Arjuna on the importance of fulfilling his duty, and putting faith in his ability to complete his duty. This sense of duty-bound steadfastness seems to have sunk, and passed on through generations of Indian youth. Too many a career decision is based on pressure from some source, or the invisible walls of society. It seems increasingly difficult to make alternative career choices during our formative years, when society has built a glowing throne for an engineering or medical degree. However, there are several examples of strong-willed and passionate individuals who've found it in themselves to chase the rabbit that they desire. In this day and age, is that decision easier to make? Is there anything that can be done to encourage such bold moves? Or indeed, do we have to? Does India only provide for the stereotyped dreams, or is it slowly but surely changing itself?

I.D.I.O.T: I Do It On my own Terms

Last year’s Panel Discussion saw big-wigs from various disciplines putting their heads together to dissect the topic “India as a Global Knowledge Economy Leader”. Eminent personalities such as Padma Shri Prof. Anil Gupta (chairman of National Innovation Foundation), Dr. P.V. Indiresan (former Director of IIT Madras and member of Planning Commission), Dr Sujatha Ramdorai (distinguished member of National Knowledge Commission), Dr. Prabhakar Marur (R&D staff researcher at General Motors, Bengaluru) and Rashmi Bansal (writer, entrepreneur and youth expert) discussed and formulated plans to rejuvenate the knowledge economy in the country that includes the higher education system along with other relevant issues that would catapult India into a global knowledge economy in the future.

This year, Pragyan will continue in its endeavour to instill the sense of technical and social consciousness in the hearts of the youth through a bigger and better edition of ‘Crossfire’. The list of panelists will be updated soon!