Commerce Department along with Centre for Advanced Studies in Commerce and Management organised two days Ammembal Subbarao Pai memorial UGC Sponsored National Conference on “Digital India – Prospering India” in collaboration with Mangalore University Commerce Teachers Association (MUCTA) on March 2 and 3, 2017.
Inaugural Session:
Dr. M.R. Ravi KAS, CEO, Zilla Panchayath inaugurated the Conference on March 2, 2017.
In his Inaugural Address he gave the audience an insight into the challenges envisaged by the bureaucrats in implementing the initiatives of the Government. He also made the audience understand that being digitally empowered means not only the acquisition of computers, business and economic prosperity but also reaching rural people through internet, mobile and ATM cards. The major challenge lies when, of the total population 13% are illiterate and 70-80% of the people in India are unconnected with the internet. This acts as a major barrier in the government initiatives.
Also he pointed that there is psychological barrier in transforming to cashless and digital India. He appealed to the students and youth to take keen interest in academics as that shapes the future policies of India.
Key Note Speaker, Sri Achal Krishna, Co- Founder & CEO Smartcache networks Pvt. Ltd. , gave an elaboration on the Digital India drive initiated by the Government of India. He also explained the usefulness of each of the nine pillars of the Digital India initiative and said that there is a great scope and future for Digital India, provided the infrastructure issue is addressed.
Dr. Ashalatha S. Suvarna, President, MUCTA, in her address congratulated the college for organizing such an historic event.
Mr. M. Annappa Pai, the president of the inaugural function expressed his happiness and satisfaction on choosing the right theme for the conference.
Dr.Malini K.V., Principal of the college welcomed the delegates to the Canara College and introduced the eminent speakers of the session.
Prof. Seema Prabhu S., Convener of the conference, presented a brief overview on the theme of the conference, highlighting the role of college in contributing to the research orientation among the college teachers by conducting successful seminars in the past 6 years.
S.S.Kamath, President, CHS Association, Mr. M. Ranganath Bhat, Secretary of CHS Association, Mr. M. Sudhir Pai, Correspondent of the college were the other dignitaries on the dais.
Prof. Dejamma A. Convener of the conference proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural session was ably compeered by Prof. Sushma R. Shetty, Faculty, Department of Commerce.
First Technical Session: The first technical session was on “DEMONETISATION AND CASHLESS ECONOMY”. CA. S.S. Nayak, eminent Chartered Accountant, the resource person of the session, highlighted on major measures to curb black money and the importance of the concept “Each one, Teach One”. He shed light on whether demonetisation was a demon or an angel. He expressed his views on the shadow economy of various developing countries.
Second Technical Session: The Second Technical Session was on “HOW E-LEARNING IS EVOLVING TO MEET THE DIGITAL INDIA CHALLENGE?”. The resource person Mr. Pradeep Shenoy K. Director, i-POINT Interactive Solutions & Liga Edutech Pvt. Ltd. He spoke about E learning adoption in Indian scenario. He explained the current trends in E Learning such as Mobile learning, Gamification, Video based learning, Micro Learning, Blended Learning, Social Media Learning, Big Data Learner Analytics and Augmented reality. He opined that E learning solutions are evolving through continuous research and experiments; solutions need factor contextual realities; there is no one size fits all solution. He concluded the session by saying E learning is not an end to itself. But it is only the means to achieve better access to learning and its effectiveness.
Third Technical Session: The third Technical Session was on “STAND UP INDIA/ START UP INDIA INITIATIVES & ROLE OF BANKS”. Mr. Ravindra Ballal, Senior counsellor, Financial Literacy, Jnana Jyothi Trust (Sponsored by Syndicate Bank & Vijaya Bank) was the resource person. He gave insights on cashless banking, the various schemes initiated by the Government such as Lucky Grahak Yojana for consumers and Digi Dhan Yojana for merchants. He highlighted various digital banking methods such as mobile banking, internet banking, E – Passbook and E – Wallets and its procedures. He also spoke about Stand up India and Start up India initiatives.
We received an overwhelming response by the scholars and delegates. All in all 576 delegates registered for this conference. 7 speakers enlightened the participants with their thought provoking presentations. Total number of 302 research papers presented in 19 sessions in these two days.
This conference also provided an opportunity for the students to present their research papers on the topic “Impact of demonetisation on various sectors”. 61 teams from various Colleges participated in this competition.
Valedictory: The valedictory function was held on 3rd March, 2017 at 3.15 pm. Mr. K. Suresh Kamath, Correspondent, Canara English Higher Primary School & Nursery School, Mangaluru presided over the function.
Mr. Ganesh Kamath M., Administrative Officer, Canara Engineering College,Benjanpadavu gave the Valedictory address.
He said Technology has brought tremendous changes in the life style of Indians and digitalization is rapidly covering all areas of life today. This has caused a remarkable change & progress has been found in all these areas. In the process of digitalization India has certain serious issues which need to be attended on priority. India being a land of villages has over 80% people with digital illiteracy which is far ahead of Indian illiteracy rate. Use of computers is limited to only urban sector. In the process of changing ourselves to a life of digital this aspect will be critical. Co-operative banking sector need to be digitalized. This will surely contribute to increase in digital literacy as rural population is more connected with co-operative banking. Cyber crime today a serious threat of the day. India on the thresh hold of digital India now has the leading role to play. Internal challenges like digital illiteracy, connecting India to be taken care at the same time global issues like cyber security, challenges need to be addressed by Indians itself. No doubt Indians have the potentiality to meet this challenge. Now the time has come to put it into test. On a higher note we can see our youngsters keenly solving our cell phone problems within no time, is a live example for our talented youngsters.
He concluded by saying “I wish let the e-kranti begin to lead India towards digitalization, world recognition. Let this noble task with required skills and solutions emerge from the holy land of Dakshina kannada. Let this Conference remain as a motivation in this regard.”
Prof. Dejamma A., Convener of the Conference welcomed the guest and gathering. Prof. Seema Prabhu S, Convener, presented a brief note of findings of the conference. Prof. I.N.Nornha, Head of Commerce Departmet proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Malini K.V, Principal of the College, Dr.Herald Ivan Monis , General Secretary , MUCTA were the other dignitaries present on the dais. The valedictory session was anchored by Prof. Ashalatha, Faculty, Department of Commerce.
Acknowledgement:We are thankful to UGC and Canara Bank for extending sponsorship to this two day National Conference. We are also thankful to the Management of Canara College, the Mangalore University Commerce Teachers Association, the Media, the Principal, faculty members and students of the College, delegates from various colleges and universities, the Guests, Resource persons, Chairpersons, Judges, Paper presenters and the well-wishers for their contribution for the success of the conference.
Report by,
Mrs. Seema Prabhu S.
