By Smita Jesudasan

Mangalore, May 1 : The National Conference on ‘Economic Revival: Business Perspectives and Opportunities’ organized by the department of business administration, St Joseph Engineering college(SJEC) , here  winded  with the valedictory session at the Conference Hall of the college on  Friday April 30.

Dr M P Subramanian, former dean, faculty of commerce, Mangalore University in his valedictory address stressed that the underlying causes of economic crisis were the non creation of new wealth, abundance of money in the economy and the mere exchange of money in the economy without the backing of a valued product or service. He illustrated the concept with a practical demonstration well understood and appreciated by all. 

Chief guest, Dr Jacinta D’Souza, principal, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, enunciated that revival should not only occur in the economy but also in the lives of human beings. She stated that youth should have the inner strength and resilience to face what life has to offer specially the aftermaths of recession.

She commented on the effectiveness of the projects undertaken by the government for the welfare of the poor. She added that individuals should be empowered to sustain their livelihood, be assertive of their rights, boost their self esteem and build a society of solidarity.

Dr Joseph Gonsalvis, principal, St Joseph Engineering College, said that the conference evoked interest towards various issues of economic revival and reinforced the addresses of the chief guest and president of the valedictory session that the gap between the rich and the poor should be diminished to build a humane society.

Fr Valerian D’Souza, director, St Joseph Engineering College, affirmed that the conference was an eye-opener towards the individual and corporate social responsibilities to contribute to the personal and economic growth. 

Fr Victor Machado, rector, St Joseph’s inter-diocesan seminary, Jeppu, remarked on the ‘compact existence’ wherein the desire of the current culture is the need to create everything that fits in the palm of the hand and a minute memory chip in one’s brain. He recommended getting into the ‘stop and reflect’ mode to ignite a revival for better living and not of economy alone. He made a reference to letter of Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate Charity in Truth where in the Holy Father advocates a humane economy based on fraternity to sustain ‘integral human development’.

The delegate, Dr Mohammed Shah Alam, professor of business administration, American International University, Bangladesh, lauded the faculty of MBA for organizing the conference and said that the insights emanated from the discussions would lead to revival.

Professor K Sadashiva Rao, head of the department of commerce and management, Poorna Prajna College, Udupi, gave a feedback that the plenary and track sessions were excellent. He was impressed by the hospitality of the staff and students of the department of business administration, SJEC.

The SJEC MBA team choir invoked God’s blessings and graces. Dr Anjali Ganesh, conference organizing secretary and associate professor, welcomed the gathering. Dr Prakash Pinto, conference chairman and dean – MBA proposed the vote of thanks.  Smita Jesudasan, senior lecturer compered the valedictory session.