The first international conference organised by Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu got underway at the University of Jammu here today. The three-day conference on the theme “Sustainable Business Practices for Rural Development” is witnessing congregation of over 100 delegates from all over the country and abroad.

The conference was inaugurated by Prof. R.D Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu and Prof. Keshav Sharma, Dean Academic Affairs, university of Jammu who were the Chief Guests at the inaugural function in the presence of Prof. Vijay Edward Pereira, from University of Wollongong, Australia Dubai Campus, Dr R. B. Tiwari, Principal Scientist,Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Prof. KodatiViyannaRao,former Vice -Chancellor, Acharya Nagarjuna University and President- Southern Regional Chapter and Chief Editor-ICBE Journal and Prof. Yama Temouri, Aston University, UK as the keynote speakers. Prof Hardeep Chahal, Rector,Udhampur Campus and conference director and Dr. Jeevan Jyoti, Conference secretary,Prof.DeshBandhu Gupta, Former Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu,Prof. M. Muninarayanappa, general secretary ICBE and Dr. Santosh J.V, Treasurer, ICBE and Prof.Sulochana, Former head and Dean, Department of Commerce, Osmania University were also present.  

In his inaugural address, Prof R. D Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu said that it is a proud moment for the University of Jammu that Udhampur Campus, one of the offsite campuses is hosting its first international conference on a very important and relevant theme in today’s scenario.

Vice Chancellor appreciated the contributions made by Udhampur campus. He said was it was equally prestigious for the University of Jammu that such eminent subject related experts from India and abroad have converged here for this three-day international conference. He said that inaugural session in fact is the business session. He also remarked that in this fast-changing global scenario, the role of sustainable development is very important and its implementation in rural areas continues to be one of the most crucial aspects of any developing country. He congratulated Udhampur Campus and various resource persons for participating in the conference and adding value to it. 

Prof. Keshav Sharma in his address discussed the relevance of the sustainable business practices. He also discussed the various issues relating to the farmers. He expressed that deliberations on the varied themes would enrich the knowledge base of the participants and the delegates would be enriched by their deliberations. He also expressed that the key findings of the conference will go a long way in understanding all important issues in the field of sustainable development.

Prof. Vijay Periera in his keynote addressed the gathering on how to sustain the sustainable agenda. He talked about a critical overall multi-layered agenda and also shared the need of sustainable rural development and how education plays a critical role in achieving sustainability. Prof. R.B Tiwari, the second key note speaker talked on the role of agro-industry in sustainable development. He explained various steps that can help how agro based industries can contribute to sustainable rural development. He discussed about the osmo dehydrated fruits and how these are useful in the development of business model for the farmers.

Prof. K.V Rao, shared his visionary ideas about reshaping the world economy in order to adapt to the present system and rapidly changing society with the help of two case studies based on ITC and E-NAM.

Dr. Yama Temouri elaborated the concept of sustainable business practices at various micro, meso and macro levels. He said we must prepare our young minds towards sustainable development and shared his views as to how sustainable development in business practices can impact the rural development.

Prof. Hardeep Chahal, welcomed all the dignitaries. In her welcome address, she discussed about the collaboration partner ICBE (Indian Council for Business Education). She informed the present conference is the first international conference organized by Udhampur campus. She appreciated the contribution of ICBE for their support and collaboration and seeks help from them in the upcoming events also.  She also extended warm welcome to all the presenters, participants, colleagues and guests. She also appreciated the work and collaboration of all the students, scholars, faculty and non-teaching staff of the Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu. 

Dr. Jeevan Jyoti, organising secretary of the conference shared the theme of the conference.

Ms. Jhanvi Khanna, lecturer, Department of Economics, Udhampur Campus conducted the proceedings of the inaugural function.

Concluding the conference, Dr. Neetu Kumari, Incharge department of Commerce, Udhampur Campus extended vote of thanks.

The inaugural session was followed by second plenary session on Structural Challenges for Rural Development. The key speakers were Dr R. B. Tiwari, Principal Scientist (Hort), UNU-Kirin Fellow Japan, IIHR, Bengaluru and Prof Deshbandhu Gupta.

In the next session, out of nine parallel technical sessions, five technical sessions were held in the evening session in which 37 papers were presented.  The sessions were held on Human and Relational Capital with session chair Prof. K.V. Rao, Contemporary Development in Financial Management with session chair C.A. Rakesh Gupta, Entrepreneurship Capital with session chair Prof.DeshBandhu Gupta, Contemporary Marketing Initiativesand Structural Capital with session chair as Prof.D.Mukhopadhya and Dr.Eshwarappa.M as session chairs respectively .All the technical sessions were very interactive where all the delegates got an opportunity to discuss all the emerging issues related to the different sub-themes under Sustainable Business Practices for Rural Development.