The Art Exhibition: A reflection

The Psychology Society of Krea organised an art exhibition on 11 September, 2024 in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day. This event aimed to foster open conversations about mental health using the transformative power of art. The exhibition showcased an array of powerful pieces created by the Krea community.

The artwork, which spanned various mediums, explored a wide range of themes, including hope, resilience, belonging, and solitude. Each piece told a unique story, allowing viewers to connect with the hidden emotional battles individuals face daily. The art was raw and authentic, bringing to light the silent struggles of mental health while offering messages of strength and recovery.

A particularly moving aspect of the exhibition was the interactive installations. Visitors were invited to engage with the exhibits in many ways, such as by sharing what they felt or an installation where they could pick up a card based on what they needed.

This ability to interact with the exhibition added a layer of support, reminding attendees that no one has to face their struggles alone. Through art, poetry, and interaction, the exhibition succeeded in both raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding suicide. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and the strength found in vulnerability.

Report by Pranvi Khare, Cohort of 2027, SIAS

A Display with a Purpose

A student collective organised a series of educational and awareness-raising events centered on some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian and political crises. As part of this initiative, on 24 August, 2024 they hosted an exhibition dedicated to highlighting the situations in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan on the Sri City campus.

The exhibition was thoughtfully designed, with three rooms dedicated to exploring the many facets of these three crises, including their impact on human life, education, the environment, and more. Each room offered perspective through art (music, visual art, poetry, etc), photography and facts on one crisis (Sudan, Congo and Palestine), encouraging visitors to delve deeper into the complexities of these issues.

As someone who interacted with the exhibit, I was deeply moved. The exhibition forced me to question how we prioritise certain global issues over others, and what drives those decisions. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of staying connected to the world beyond our immediate surroundings, as we often live in a bubble that can obscure our understanding of global realities. Staying in a bubble makes it all the more crucial to stay informed and engaged with the world around us.

The exhibit did an exceptional job of breaking through that bubble, sparking conversations that were both meaningful and necessary. The student collective hopes that the student body continues to engage with humanitarian crises both in our country and globally, and hopes that students keep having discussions and find ways to help

Here are some links that they would like the student body to engage with regarding these three particular crises. 

(Reported by Pranvi Khare, Cohort of 2027, SIAS)

Dr V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, Delivered a Lecture on India’s Development Paradigm till 2047: Opportunities and Challenges

On 13 August, 2024, we had the privilege of listening to Dr V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, deliver a lecture on the topic India’s Development Paradigm till 2047: Opportunities and Challenges. Dr Nageswaran discussed key aspects of the economic survey that were reflected in the budget, highlighting the opportunities ahead and the challenges we may encounter. He also elaborated on the direction of India’s economic path and the factors shaping it.

A central theme of the discussion was the importance of considering India’s economic events within a global context. Dr Nageswaran emphasised this point, stating, “So, for example, when you hear complaints about India’s trade policies, you must place them in the context of the global numbers of protective measures taken by different countries over the years.” Dr Nageswaran also addressed other critical topics such as geopolitics, climate change, and the energy transition, both in Indian and international contexts, as essential factors in shaping India’s growth over the next few decades.

The talk delved into the current state of the Indian economy, the reasoning behind recent decisions, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, along with possible solutions. Dr Nageswaran also explained the rationale behind budgetary choices, noting, for instance, “So there is much more to be done in terms of skilling, and that is why this year’s budget created incentives for skilling.” The talk provided valuable insights into India’s development path and was an immensely enlightening experience.

(Reported by Pranvi Khare, Cohort of 2027, SIAS)

Krea University Hosts Book Launch and Talk by Former Chief Economic Adviser on India’s Economic Future

Krea University Hosts Book Launch and Talk by Former Chief Economic Adviser on India’s Economic Future

Krea University presented India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse – a book launch and talk by Professor Krishnamurthy V Subramanian, Executive Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Professor of Finance (on leave), Indian School of Business (ISB) on 9 August, 2024 at Krea University, Sri City campus.

The event featured the launch of the book India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow’s Economic Powerhouse by Professor Krishnamurthy V Subramanian.

Carolynn Kurien, a second-year BBA student at IFMR GSB (Graduate School of Business) and Sneha Sucharita Palei, a third-year BA student (Economics major) at SIAS (School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences) welcomed Professor Subramanian. The event commenced with an address by Professor S Sivakumar, Dean, Research and Professor of Physics, SIAS, Krea University. Professor Subramanian presented copies of his book to distinguished guests, including Dr Suchika Chopra, Assistant Professor of Economics, SIAS, Krea University; Dr Rohan Gudibande, Assistant Professor, SIAS, Krea University; Dr Soumya Pal, Assistant Professor, IFMR GSB, Krea University; Satish Kamat, President, Sri City Operations and to the Krea University library. 

All About Economy
The session that followed delved into the pivotal themes of the book, highlighting the transformative opportunities that await India and the essential reforms needed to realise the vision of a $55 trillion economy by 2047.

The book, underpinned by thorough research and insightful analysis, identified four critical pillars for India’s growth: the macroeconomic emphasis on growth, strategies to sustain and accelerate economic growth; the microeconomic focus on social and economic inclusion, policies to ensure equitable growth; the vision of ethical wealth creation, encouraging wealth creation that aligns with ethical principles; and the strategy of a virtuous cycle triggered by investment, leveraging investments to create a self-sustaining growth cycle.

Of Inputs and Insights
The author presented a once-in-several-centuries opportunity for India to emerge as a global economic powerhouse. His talk provided students with a broader understanding of the Indian economy by offering key analyses comparing India with other global economic powerhouses, and highlighting how India could become one of the top destinations for career growth in the future.

Professor Subramanian remarked, “India is the place to be in the next two and a half decades,” explaining how India’s GDP is doubling every six years and how this growth can significantly impact the nation’s economy and the financial prospects of every Indian citizen aspiring to achieve their goals.

The session concluded with a Q&A segment moderated by Dr Soumya Pal, Assistant Professor of Economics, IFMR GSB, Krea University, which provided students the opportunity to engage directly with Professor Subramanian, followed by a book signing.

About the Speaker
Professor Krishnamurthy V Subramanian served as the 17th Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021. Appointed as the youngest CEA, Professor Subramanian’s foresight and strategic vision helped the Indian economy achieve significant growth and robust macroeconomic fundamentals despite global challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine War. His remarkable contributions were acknowledged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who praised his “academic brilliance, unique perspectives on economic and policy matters, and reformatory zeal.”

An alumnus of IIT Kanpur and IIM Calcutta, Professor Subramanian has been honoured with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from both institutions. He holds a PhD from the University of Chicago, and his research in banking, law and finance, innovation and economic growth, and corporate governance has been published in leading global journals.

IFMR GSB at Krea University welcomes incoming MBA cohort at Prarambh 2024

IFMR GSB at Krea University welcomes incoming MBA cohort at Prarambh 2024

03 July, 2024, Sri City

IFMR Graduate School of Business (GSB), Krea University welcomed the new cohort of MBA students with Prarambh – the orientation programme slated from 3 – 7 July. The session is packed with engaging sessions from leadership, faculty, staff, and students.

Prarambh 2024 witnessed the Krea community extending a warm welcome to the incoming cohort, both academically and socially. The incoming class comprises 250+ students from 22 states across the country who have been through a holistic admission process which evaluates applicants with tailor made rounds catering to diverse aspirants.

Speaking to the students at the inaugural ceremony, Chief Guest Divakar Jain; Leader, Risk & Financial Advisory at Deloitte, US-India Office shared insights from his two decades long journey across the professional spectrum and the lessons he gathered along the way. He emphasised how important agility is in today’s world and the need to constantly unlearn and learn something new.

He imparted the mantra of three Cs to the eager students, “Courage, creativity and communication – have the courage to speak up and say the right thing, be creative enough amid the advancement of technology and communicate truthfully and directly.”

In her welcome address, Professor Lakshmi Kumar, Dean, IFMR GSB, Krea University said, “You may think you prefer a core area but may find something more interesting and relevant. Rethink your choices in the first year, and our competent faculty will guide you through the process. We aren’t shy to say, we are a professional programme where we teach you knowledge and skills which make you employable.”

Image Courtesy : Shutterbugs

In her address, Professor Madhuri Saripalle, Chairperson, MBA Programme, IFMR GSB, Krea University added, “Welcome to the beginning of a remarkable journey. We are going to give you the hard wiring, and you have to ultimately connect them. We will provide you the interdisciplinary curriculum to equip you with a wide range of skills and knowledge.”

Remembering Shri N Vaghul: A Visionary Leader in Indian Banking, Education, and Philanthropy

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of N Vaghul, the former Chairman of ICICI Bank Limited, a revered figure in Indian banking, and a beacon of philanthropy. Mr Vaghul passed away on 18 May 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of innovation, leadership, and compassion.

Narayanan Vaghul, fondly known as N Vaghul, played a pivotal role in shaping Indian finance and business. Known as the Bhishma Pitamah of Indian banking, his contributions are unmatched, having founded ICICI Securities and CRISIL, revolutionising investment banking and credit rating in India.

Beyond finance, Mr Vaghul was deeply committed to education and social development. For nearly three decades, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of IFMR (Institute for Financial Management and Research), where he spearheaded initiatives aimed at advancing economic and social research. Mr Vaghul led IFMR through many major initiatives including setting up of Academy for Management Excellence (ACME), as a division of IFMR in collaboration with University of Michigan under the leadership of Dr C K Prahalad, the well-known management guru, bringing global management practices to the Indian landscape, right at the start of the era of liberalisation and globalisation in the Indian economy.

Another initiative at IFMR under Mr Vaghul’s direction, was the tie up with British Open University, the pioneer institution in distance learning which exposed middle and senior managers to obtaining management lessons while working, something novel to the Indian learning system then.

Under his leadership, IFMR  also set up an entry level business school that has grown to become one of the leading B-Schools in India, IFMR GSB (Graduate School of Business) right now in its 24th year of knowledge dissemination. Mr Vaghul also initiated the setting up of several research centers with the support of  ICICI Bank , and along with Dr Nachiket Mor, focused on inclusive growth-micro finance, development finance, small enterprise finance, insurance etc, with a number of internationally well-known academicians such as Dr Abhijit Banerjee as principal investigators. 

Mr Vaghul was instrumental in the establishment of Krea University, a pioneering institution dedicated to liberal arts and interdisciplinary education. In his role as the inaugural Chancellor, he laid the foundation for Krea’s distinctive approach to learning, which integrates multiple disciplines, perspectives, and methodologies to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped to address complex global challenges. He also served as a Governing Council Member since its very inception and, more recently as member of the Advisory Group of Krea University, providing invaluable guidance and strategic direction to the institution.

In the words of Mr Lakshmi Narayanan, Chancellor, Krea University, “N Vaghul’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to education have been instrumental in shaping the ethos of Krea University. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of students, faculty, and staff as we strive to uphold his values and principles. By giving is how we would like to celebrate his life.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr Vaghul garnered numerous accolades and honours, including the Padma Bhushan, Businessman of the Year by Business India, Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Economic Times, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Program, and the Bombay Management Association.

Mr Vaghul’s impact extended beyond boardrooms and financial markets. He served as a director on the boards of major Indian corporations, including Wipro, Mahindra & Mahindra, Apollo Hospitals, and Mittal Steel. His commitment to philanthropy was exemplary, evident through his chairmanship of Give India, an online platform dedicated to fostering charitable giving. In 2012, he was honoured with the Corporate Catalyst — Forbes Philanthropy Award for his tireless efforts in advancing philanthropic causes. In 2023, the banking veteran turned author, penning down his rich experiences spanning several decades in the industry into his book ‘Reflections’.

The Krea community deeply feels the loss of N Vaghul. His exceptional wisdom, unwavering integrity, and relentless dedication to societal advancement have left an enduring impact, resonating closely with the values cherished at Krea. As we honour his life and contributions, we draw comfort in knowing that his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire and guide present and future generations of Krea students and leaders.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Vaghul’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Book launch of The Great Flap of 1942: How the Raj Panicked over a Japanese Non-invasion authored by Professor Mukund Padmanabhan

Book launch of The Great Flap of 1942: How the Raj Panicked over a Japanese Non-invasion authored by Professor Mukund Padmanabhan

15 February, 2024, Sri City: Krea University hosted the book launch of The Great Flap of 1942: How the Raj Panicked over a Japanese Non-invasion authored by renowned journalist Professor Mukund Padmanabhan, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS), Krea University, and former editor of The Hindu and The Hindu BusinessLine, on the campus.

The launch unfolded with opening remarks by Professor Nirmala Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Krea University, as she spoke highly of the compelling storyline. This was followed by an engaging hour-long conversation between Professor Mukund Padmanabhan and Dr Aashique Ahmed Iqbal, Assistant Professor of History at SIAS, Krea University as they delved into the intricacies of the book, holding the audience in rapt attention. Attendees eagerly participated and posed insightful questions.

Dr Prithvi Datta Chandra Shobhi, Dean and Associate Professor of History at SIAS, Krea University provided closing remarks, offering valuable insights for history students gleaned from the book’s contents. The session culminated with a book signing session.

Published by Penguin Random House, The Great Flap of 1942: How the Raj Panicked over a Japanese Non-invasion presents a narrative history of the Japanese attacks in Southeast Asia and their impact on India. The book sheds light on a neglected and scarcely known period of history ― between December 1941 and mid-1942 ― when India was gripped by panic, jostled between the rumours and misjudgements by the British and their mistaken belief that Japan was on the verge of launching a full-fledged invasion.

The book demonstrates, quite astonishingly, that the Raj cynically encouraged the exodus (of Indians and Europeans) from both sides of the coastline to ‘safer’ inland regions and contributed to the repeated cycles of rumour, panic and flight. It also reveals how the shadow of the Japanese threat influenced the course of nationalist politics, altered British attitudes towards India and charted the course towards Independence.

It has received many captivating reviews, including those by William Dalrymple and Gopalkrishna Gandhi. Dalrymple’s description of the book as a ‘superbly well researched, tightly constructed…..and pinned to the page in stylish, witty and evocative prose’, testifies to Professor Mukund Padmanabhan’s depth of scholarship and academic excellence.

View the complete event here

Krea University inaugurates Virtual Trading Floor and steps into a partnership with Zerodha Varsity

On 2 February, 2024, Krea University inaugurated its Virtual Trading Floor and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zerodha Broking Ltd. Jobosco Das, Senior Associate Vice President at Zerodha Broking, inaugurated the Virtual Trading Floor, and also conducted a seminar on the ‘Building Blocks of Personal Finance’ for the students.

Also present at the event were Professor Nirmala Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Krea University, Professor Lakshmi Kumar, Dean of IFMR Graduate School of Business (IFMR GSB), Krea University, Sundara Rajan, Registrar and Chief of Staff, Krea University, Professor Srinivasan Kalyasundaram, Professor of Practice in Finance, IFMR GSB, Krea University, along with other faculty members and students.

The state-of-the-art Virtual Trading Floor provides students of IFMR Graduate School of Business (IFMR GSB) and the School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS) at Krea University with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge of financial securities and derivatives in a real-world, simulated trading environment. The platform simulates a real-time market environment, allowing students to test investment strategies with virtual funds, gaining valuable insights into risk management and decision-making in a dynamic market.

The Virtual Trading Floor, equipped with the latest technology and market simulation software, including Bloomberg Terminal, serves as a platform for students to engage in mock trading sessions, portfolio management exercises, and real-time market analysis. IFMR GSB has scheduled several trading workshops for its MBA students in this facility, significantly enhancing their employability and market readiness.

The MOU signing between Krea University and Zerodha Varsity signifies a significant collaboration between academia and industry. The partnership enables Krea University students to have free access to all online training modules and, at a nominal fee, certifications offered by Zerodha Varsity. This includes courses on various aspects of investing, trading, and financial markets, all delivered by industry experts and practitioners. The partnership aims to integrate practical experience with academic learning, bridging the gap between theoretical financial knowledge and its practical application, and preparing students for successful careers in the world of finance.

Emphasising the importance of practical learning in finance, Professor Lakshmi Kumar, Dean of IFMR GSB, Krea University, stated, “The Virtual Trading Floor will provide our students with an invaluable opportunity to experiment and learn from their mistakes in a safe environment. Coupled with access to Zerodha Varsity’s comprehensive online training material and certifications, this initiative will equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the competitive financial landscape.”

View the highlights of the event here.

Dr Raghuram Rajan and Dr Rohit Lamba Launch Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future

Dr Raghuram Rajan and Dr Rohit Lamba Launch Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future

6 January, 2024, Chennai: Krea University hosted the book launch of Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future by Dr Raghuram Rajan, Member, Governing Council, Krea University and Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Dr Rohit Lamba, Assistant Professor of Economics, Pennsylvania State University. The event was held at Taj Club House in Chennai.

Eminent thought leaders from diverse fields were in attendance, including Lakshmi Narayanan, Chancellor, Krea University, Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Tamil Nadu and N Ram, Director, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited. 

In the welcome speech, Lakshmi Narayanan, emphasised how over the years, Dr Rajan has gifted ideas, experience, and time to build the foundation of Krea. How in the context of a world that no longer works in silos, Dr Rajan has been a firm believer in creating a space where wholesome education enables young open minds to embark on the journey of becoming thinkers, do-ers and changemakers. The closing remarks were delivered by N Ram and the event included a discussion between the authors and Jude Sannith, Assistant Editor, CNBC-TV18.

Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future sheds light on India’s economic future, the nation’s own distinct space in the global economy, the future of employment, and innovative ways forward.

Here is a glimpse into the event, that was :

View the complete event here