IIM Bangalore takes Public Policy Conference on ‘Inclusion & Exclusion: Policy & Practice’ to the national capital and energizes networks that can bring about change
Bangalore: The three-day XIII Annual Public Policy Conference, organized by IIM Bangalore’s Centre for Public Policy (CPP), at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi from August 23-25, provided increased visibility for the CPP in Delhi and among policy makers. For many individuals and agencies, this conference provided an exposure to the range of complex issues that the IIMB faculty at the Centre for Public Policy are working and researching on. The event being held in Delhi was appreciated and there was an expectation of continuing this tradition.
The conference successfully provided a forum for discussions and deliberations along with new perspectives on issues. For example, Amita Baviskar made the suggestion of linking consumption of a brand of noodles with a perception of social inclusion. Dr. KP Krishnan, in his closing address, mentioned that skilling initiatives had to address aspirations. Jeyasree Ravi, founder of Palam Silks, talked about taking kanjeevaram to the young and modern Indian woman. All of these and other sessions provoked one’s curiosity and brought forth interaction. Another important session was the Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education session that highlighted IIMB’s pioneering efforts in access and inclusion of marginalized groups, including caste, PwD, and so on. The panelists reinforced the need for continuous and open dialogues on contentious issues.
The conference also helped forge new connections and potential collaborations. For example, EnAble India, that provides services for persons with disability, was specifically requested to help out a student in the University of Calcutta by a faculty member of the school. This could lead to institutional changes. EnAble India was also able to connect with Dr. KP Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, to think about skilling for persons with disability.