CM seeks active participation from IIM-A for growth

As a run-up to the Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit, The Government of Gujarat in association with The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) alumni association today organized an IIM Conclave to celebrate the institute’s 50 years of incorporation. The event was attended by chief guest Shri. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat who addressed students, researchers, academicians and IIM-A alumni from different parts of country. Later the Chief Minister held an interactive session with the alumni members where he suggested avenues of collaboration between IIM A alumni and Government of Gujarat.

Addressing the audience of over 500 people, the Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “While the state has achieved ‘investor-friendly’ status, one of our main focuses in the next period will be to develop the education sector from primary level to professional level. Gujarat had 9 universities in 2000 and today we have 25 universities present across the state.”

He continued, “I congratulate IIM-A on its completion of 50 years. It’s a joyous moment for both Gujarat and the institute to celebrate golden anniversaries the same year. The contribution of the institute in putting Gujarat on the global map has been remarkable. The members of IIM-A, in recent past have actively participated in various developmental projects and we would like to foster this relationship going forward.”

Mr. Maheshwar Sahu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industry and Mines, Government of Gujarat explored the theme in more detail: “The state is keen to form a coordination committee jointly comprising of government and IIM-A officials. He said the committee would aim to create expert groups who would formulate developmental strategies in different sectors, in particular coastal and port related development, medical services, urban development, finance, tourism and education.

In the conclave, Professor Atanu Ghosh, Dean, IIM-A Alumni Affairs made a presentation on IIM Ahmedabad Alumni association. Mr. Dangayach, MD Sintex Industries and Mr. Amal Dhru of Amal Datt & Associates coordinated the event on behalf of IIM A alumni.