The event started with a short film which truly exemplified the theme – ‘One can make a difference’ – followed by a welcome speech by the Director, SIIB, Dr.(Mrs) Rajani Gupte. Dr.S.B.Mujumdar, Chancellor, Symbiosis International University then delivered the key note address.

Mrs. Anu Aga, C.G. at the event, commenced her speech with a quote from her husband, Late Shri R.D.Aga – “Profit is not only a set of figures but of values.” She said that the rising Sensex cannot be a sign of the overall growth of India and asked the privileged section of the society to contribute towards the growth of the country.

The first speaker for the day was Mr. Rajendra Singh, who has been instrumental in the creation of Tarun Bharat Sangh. This 2001 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee said that it is nice to think in a confident manner that one can make a difference as an individual but he must move towards sowing the seeds of change within others. He said it should be done in coordination with nature and not by exploiting it. He gave an example of his village in Rajasthan where through community driven decentralized water management systems, they have managed to create water self-sufficiency.

The second speaker, Mrs. Zelma Lazarus, CEO Impact India Foundation, spoke about Impact India’s internationally acclaimed and replicated project ‘The Lifeline Express’ – A well equipped state of the art hospital train which has treated over 4 lakh disabled patients. “Get involved, believe in yourself but remember that it is hard to make a difference without partnering with people. Have fun in the process of creating social change with your business skills.” – were her thoughts for the day.

Other speakers for the day included Shri Milind Bharambe, District Commissioner of Police, Sangli, the creator of the `Bharambe Model’, who is credited with getting an ISO 9001 Certification for the Sangli Police Force in a police station by introducing procedural, infrastructural and attitudinal changes in the milieu.

The last speech of the day was by Shri Krishna Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Nawanshahr, Punjab, a one-man army who increased the sex ratio from a dismal 798 girls per thousand boys to close to the national average of 927 girls per thousand boys.
The final vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Deepa Sahastrabuddhe, Faculty, SIIB.