An International Conference on Inspiring Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship for Poverty Eradication and Climate Change Mitigation was organized by Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP), UoH and India development Coalition of America (IDCA), USA on 6th – 7thFebruary at C.V. Raman Auditorium, University of Hyderabad (UoH).
The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. G Sudarshanam, Head, Department of Political Science, UoH and Dr. Ajailiu Niumai, Coordinator of the conference & Associate Professor, CSSEIP & Raman Post-doctoral Fellow welcomed the dignitaries on the dais, guests and introduced the conference.
Dr. Sreepati Ramudu, Director of CSSEIP gave an introduction to the activities of the centre. Dr. Mohan Jain, founder President of IDCA briefly spoke about IDCA. The Chief Guest Shri. Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Honourable Member of Parliament pointed out some current issues in connection with the theme of the conference. He expressed the necessity for connecting the urban and rural India in nation building. He highlighted the traditional apprenticeship model that can be used with the latest technologies to enhance better development goals. He asserts that empowerment of rural youth can be through promotion of social entrepreneurship and that connecting with these ‘dots’ would be helpful in achieving India’s development goals.
Dr. David Bergvinson, Director General of ICRISAT, Hyderabad delivered a lecture on ‘demand driven-agricultural innovation to improve the livelihood today and ensure sustainable agriculture to the future.’ He emphasized the vision of ICRISAT in poverty eradication and climate change mitigation.
The keynote speaker Prof. Arun Tiwari, Scientist, Author and Adjunct Professor of Management Studies, UoH delivered insightful and thought-provocative lecture on “to make our planet more livable.’ He elucidated specific issues concerning poverty and climate change mitigation based on his two books, ‘feeding the forgotten poor’ and ‘greening the grey’. He said, the vulnerable conditions of the poor people and animals are the outcomes of the climate change. He provided some solutions to tackle the problem of poverty and climate change.
Dr.V Srinivasa Rao, Assistant Professor, CSSEIP, UoH delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the Centre. The delegates came from various Universities in India, USA, Japan, and Philippines including some practitioners (NGOs).
The Honourable Vice-Chancellor, UoH Prof. E. Haribabu was the Chief Guest at the valedictory session on 7th February 2015 and Dr. S. Ramudu chaired. The Coordinators of the conference Dr. Ajailiu Niumai and Dr. Mohan Jain summarized the report of the conference, followed by a discussion on its outcome and way forward.
Dr. Rani Ratna Prabha, CSSEIP, UoH delivered the vote of thanks.
-By Dr. Ajailiu Niumai