University of Michigan hosted "Harnessing the Transformation" conference-By Sachin Murdeshwar

                                          University of Michigan conference

University of Michigan hosted "Harnessing the Transformation" conference

Mumbai The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, USA) hosted its 4th annual India Business Conference with the theme of "Harnessing the Transformation" in Mumbai on 11th August 2012. The conference explored the opportunities and challenges associated with the transformation taking place in India, and attempted to develop a road-map on how to harness this transformation.

The University of Michigan India Business Conference (UMIBC) is an annual gathering of members of the University of Michigan India Alumni Association (UMIAA) and guest dignitaries. This year eminent industry stalwarts like K V Kamath (Chairman, Infosys & ICICI Group), PRV Raja (MD & CEO Ramco Systems), Rama Bijapurkar (Market Strategy Consultant), Ridham Desai (MD, Strategist & Head of India Equity Research, Morgan Stanley), Nainesh Jaisingh (Global Co-Head, Standard Chartered Private Equity), amongst others along with renowned professors from The University of Michigan delivered their thoughts on the underlying factors and drivers behind the changes taking place today.

This Conference focused on Harnessing the Transformation in India in the following key areas

• Ongoing Transformation in Economy & Industry
• Investment Opportunities during the Downturn
• Harnessing Talent - People & Skills
• Socio-Political Drivers for the Transformation

On this occasion Mr. Bharat Govinda, Conference-Chair said, "India and the world are going through an unprecedented transformation in many spheres, driven by the forces of socio-political change, economic transformation and ever-evolving technology. These changes are inevitable and unavoidable. However, times of great change can also represent great opportunities, if understood and acted upon accurately."

He added, "We are very delighted to organize our 4th annual conference this year as it will address the critical aspects of the big challenges faced by India and the world in the current times. The Ross Business School at The University of Michigan has been a premier institution of higher learning and we are honored to dedicate this conference to the memory of our guru Late Prof. CK Prahalad whose birthday falls a few days earlier on August 8th"

Founded in 1817, University of Michigan is widely recognized as one of the greatest public universities globally. With 56,000 students, 3,000 faculty members and 28 schools and colleges, the University is a leader in multiple disciplines and is consistently ranked among the best in the world.

The University of Michigan India Alumni Association (UMIAA) was formed in 2000 to develop and nurture a network of U-M alumni in India and serves as a platform for social, professional and academic exchange amongst alumni, as well as to represent the University of Michigan brand in India. UMIAA hosts numerous annual activities including representation at academic fairs, alumni networking events, conferences and student mentoring.

Today, there are over 1,400 members in UMIAA from various disciplines: business, engineering, law, health services, science, arts, education and so on. UMIAA members represent the Ross School of Business, College of Engineering, Rackham Graduate School, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, The Law School, School of Education among other UM schools. The UMIAA welcomes new alumni to its network.

UMIAA has won the International Club of the Year award from the Ross School of Business two consecutive years in 2009 and 2010.