The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), one of India’s premier business schools, hosted several hundred business and academic delegates in London for their first ever international conclave on ‘Globalising Indian Thought,’ on 24-25 October at the prestigious Senate House, University of London. The two-day event brought together influential scholars, policymakers, and leaders from around the world to discuss the increasing global influence of Indian thought across various sectors, including education, economics, and research.
The inaugural day commenced with Lord Meghnad Desai, Emeritus Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, delivering a powerful opening message as the Chief Guest. Lord Desai highlighted the timeless relevance of Indian philosophical principles in today’s interconnected world.
This was followed by a keynote address by Kanishka Narayan, Member of Parliament for Vale of Glamorgan, who discussed the increasing visibility of Indian values and ethical frameworks in British society and their potential to shape the future. Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, delivered the presidential address, emphasising how India’s intellectual heritage can offer unique solutions to global challenges.
He said, “Our first visit to London was a resounding success. We were able to broaden our engagement with new stakeholders and deepen our relationship with alumni. We are happy to note the appetite to learn more of how India’s management principles, deeply rooted in philosophy, leadership, and governance, can offer valuable lessons for global business and policymaking.”
The day followed with opening remarks by Prof. Shaunaka Das, Director of the Oxford Centre of Hindu Studies. Prof. Das shared insights into the interplay between education and spirituality in Indian tradition, setting the stage for the ensuing panel discussion. He said, “You have to be educated about your own heritage to establish your identity in the world. There is a need to develop the education system in India so that it supports this. IIMK is doing an admirable job in leading the way.”
The discussion, themed “The Future of Higher Education and Its Role in Addressing Global Challenges,” featured distinguished panellists such as Prof. Kamran Razmdoost, Dean of ESCP Business School London, Prof. Kirstie Simpson, Dean of Chester Business School, and Prof. Catherine Robinson from the University of Brighton. Each panellist shared perspectives on integrating global challenges like sustainability and inclusivity into the higher education curriculum, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach inspired by Indian educational principles.
Dean of University of Brighton of School of Business and Law, Catherine Robinson, said, “It is a great event to be part of; the diversity in the room in terms of philosophy, economists and business school heads has been fascinating. It is a good way to bring together ideas on globalising Indian thoughts.”
Dean of the University of Chester’s Business School, Kirstie Simpson, said, “My research has been focused on Net Zero and enhancing employment opportunities within the industrial decarbonisation supply chain in the Northwest. The collaboration with IIMK is a wonderful example of how sustainability and Indian management thinking can help the world grow in the coming decades.
Following a networking lunch, the sessions resumed with three technical sessions, in parallel, focusing on diverse themes connected to globalising Indian thought. A highlight of the afternoon was a keynote delivered by Prof. Pawan Budhwar, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor International at Aston University, Birmingham, on “Doing Research for Impact.” Prof. Budhwar emphasised the importance of applying academic research to address societal needs, particularly through collaborations between Indian and international institutions.
The day concluded with a guided tour of the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, followed by a Conclave Dinner and networking event, which provided a relaxed setting for attendees to discuss ideas and build collaborations in a convivial atmosphere.
