Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research(Weschool), Bengaluru announced its foundation fortnight, Neev -2016 open on the 7th July 2016. The fortnight is a precursor to the new academic session.
Dr Uday Salunkhe, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Dr Anil Rao and Dr Githa Heggde
Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Bengaluru began its Foundation Fortnight – Neev 2016 on 7 July. The much celebrated fortnight serves as a curtain raiser to the new academic session. The fortnight is a well curated series of events that unfolds beautiful philosophies emanating from the thought process of many a stellar figure. It is an intensely immersive experience, wherein the two generations interact, share, learn inspire and aspire. The established show way to the aspiring. Leading luminaries from different domains share with the students, their take on life, their success mantras and much more. Thus boosting their morale and igniting their passion to excel in their chosen pursuits. Their presence gives the young minds right role models to emulate.The fortnight comes to an end on 21st July.
Padma Bhushan Dr Devi Prasad Shetty
The chief guest for the inaugural was Padma Bhushan Dr Devi Prasad Shetty. His is a name that needs no introduction. Dr Shetty has been the face of Bengaluru. Dr Shetty has touched thousands of hearts with his skill and passion. Dr Shetty in address prompted the students to have that unassailable faith in themselves, never to downgrade themselves yet not be arrogant. “Humility is an unparalleled virtue. Organization don’t hire for skills; they hire for attitude. Skills can always be developed and taught.” said the world renowned cardiologist.
He advised the students to be very clear about their purpose in life with unrelenting faith in themselves. “It is only your imagination that can limit you,” averred the famous doctor. He laid a strong emphasis on social responsibility and spirituality. He was emphatic about the sentiment that when one decides to venture upon a path that touches lives of millions, the entire cosmos comes to support.
Stressing the significance of spirituality, he said it was the belief that God would lead, guide and support us in all our actions. He shared how he had considered himself just an instrument in the hands of God while performing surgeries. This gave him the inner strength to do what he aimed for. He has been guided by that philosophy his entire life. Sharing anecdotes from his life, he said perseverance helps tremendously. There would be situations that would test one’s patience, but then one should never give up. Nothing should be able to waver your faith in yourself nor frustrate you off your set goals.
He spoke about the healthcare ecosystem in the rural areas and how policy decisions can ease the situation. Answering a question on unaffordability of the medical education by the poor he said it was surprising but true that a good number of world famous doctors come from humble backgrounds. Probably of the fire in the belly, the under-privileged have. By depriving the poor of the access to medical education, society, in a way, is losing out on good doctors.
Dr Uday Salunkhe with Dr Devi Prasad Shetty
Moving the focus on commercialization, he said it wasn’t bad in itself as long as it was guided by good business principles and ideology. Money should act as an enabler. Not everyone is blessed with the capability to create wealth but then those who are, should consider themselves as the custodian and not the masters of the same; using the same to help others who are not so privileged.
Dr (Prof) Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, Welingkar implored the new batches to explore the world of opportunities open before them. Living in the best of the times, they should use all their energy to soar high and shine bright in their chosen spaces. Modern day technology has made them privy to the latest developments across the globe. Clubbing it with their high energy levels, creativity, indomitable spirit of adventure and unassailable belief in self along with an underlying concern for the society at large, they could be the real agents of change.
Dr Anil Rao, Dean and Director -Welingkar Bengaluru welcomed the new batch telling them to make the best of the two years before them. The campus would offer them the best of everything, helping them realize their aspirations. It was for them to leverage the same optimally for themselves and the society at large. There have been many a beautiful success stories emanating from the campus in the past. And he said he would cherish the desire to see more of these being scripted there.
Smt Madhuri Misal and Shri SK Jain
Present on the occasion, Shri SK Jain, Chairman -SP Mandali Trust, congratulated the students for making it to the prestigious Institute as he shared his desire to see many more Narayan Murthys and Azim Premjis emerging from the batch sitting before him. Also he asked them to be adaptable to changing world and develop a global perspective. He appreciated management as a beautiful skill that would train them in managing their resources optimally. Also he advised them to remain focused on their goals and not to fritter away their energy and time on insignificant indulgences.
Smt Madhuri Misal, Member, SP Mandali Trust and MLA, Pune expresses similar sentiments when she reminded the students of their role in nation building and contribution towards society. She shared snippets from her journey as a leader and how her perseverance and conviction helped her tide over the challenges.
Padma Shri Arundhati Nag
Later in the day Padmashri Arundhati Nag, the famous film actress and theatre personality addressed the students. She talked about her intense passion in theatre. She started early, at an age of 16. She brought out the magic of theatre as it strengthened team spirit and knowledge of self. She took the students through the ups and downs of her life, bringing out the strength theatre gave her during her difficult moments. She shared how theatre gave her a fresh lease of life, when she was left shattered after losing her life partner in an accident.
And her session was followed by an interactive session by the well- known fitness expert Wanitha Ashok. She had some startling facts about health. And urged the students to be cautious about what they eat and their fitness regimen.
Ms Wanitha Ashok
The fortnight theme this year is “Wings of Wonder…Roots in Reality”. It progresses through a series of events including lectures, interactive sessions, discussions and group activities. Introspection, vision, innovation, excellence, passion and compassion are elements pervading the fortnight. The rationale is to give the batches stimuli to trigger introspection, give them right models to emulate and above all to whip up their appetite for success. Also the aim is to develop the steel in them preparing them to take up challenges, raze limitations and soar high in their aspired firmament. They learn that the value of ethics and responsible social behaviour.
And the Students
Other legends who would be interacting with the students include -Mr. Charu Sharma, Sports Editor & Commentator, Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Vasudev Kalkunte Aatre-Former Chief, DRDO , Mr. Ravi Gururaj Founder & CEO, Qikpod.com, Mr. Kamal Bali-Managing Director and Board Member, Volvo Group, India, Mr. Samar Singh Sheikhawat Sr. Vice President– Marketing at United Breweries Limited, Mr. Rajeev Chandrasekhar Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive officer, Jupiter Capital and Member of Parliament and many more.
