In Mumbai, interacted with young finance professionals at an Investors’ Conference. My sessions were on Infrastructure & Cities. Semiconductors and Defence attracted buzz and interest. Having started my career in capital markets & investment banking in Bombay, always a pleasure to return to my favourite city. Look forward to BKC’s metro and HSR connectivity.
In Delhi, good to talk to a group of bright mid-career corporate professionals on effective interaction with governments at various levels. Co-hosted by Indian School of Public Policy (ISPP) and Public Affairs Forum of India. Photo below. Participants shared examples of very good interactions in governments, and some not-so-good interactions. Examples of very positive interactions with Ministers & MLAs, Tehsildar, CDO, District Collector, other city, district, state and national officers Directors, Joint Secretaries and so on. Participants learnt from a quiz that media shapes our perceptions, and it is essential to keep a balance by listening to diverse media views.
Today, a pleasure to meet good friend over 35+ years Saroj Kumar Jha and Sumila Gulyani. They are doing excellent work in the water sector, globally as well as in India. Water security for large urban agglomerations in our country is an imperative, as is capacity building for better operations and urban planning. Did you know that over the last 3 decades, over half the growth in irrigated agricultural area across the world has come from India and our northern neighbour?
And I didn’t know that hydropower projects on one river in a Central African nation would generate power which is 10x their GDP. But governance institutions need to upscale before project execution.
Key takeaway: Non-indian investors have a more positive view of India’s future, since they can see beyond ‘breaking news’ and appreciate the ‘secular growth trends’ ✒ Shailesh K. PATHAK.
