The annual GRGSMS Industry Day 2023 was organized on the theme ‘Fostering Sustainable Businesses: A Path to Environmental and Economic Prosperity’ on Thursday, 28 December, 2023 from 2.30 to 5.30pm on the PSGR Krishnammal for women.

In the face of global environmental challenges and an increasing awareness of the need for responsible business practices, fostering sustainable businesses is not just an ethical choice but a strategic requirement for long-term success. Implementing sustainable business practices is beneficial not only for the planet and society but also for the organizations that adopt them. From cost savings to improved brand reputation and long-term viability, sustainability is a strategic imperative for organizations in the modern business landscape thus, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient global economy.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr S Vaidhyasubramaniam, Vice-Chanceller & TATA Sons Chair Professor of Management, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur. He selivered the inaugural address and spoke on how adopting an Indian lifestyle or Indian way of living was more sustainable. Supported with impressive statistics, he spoke on the need for people to make life style changes and adopt a more sustainable way of life which will lead to both social and economic prosperity.

Dr Nandini Rangaswamy, Chairperson, GRG Institutions presided over the inaugural session and welcomed the gathering. Dr P Sadhasivam, Director, GRG School of Management Studies briefed the audience on the theme of Industry Day. Dr Vandana Madhavkumar, Associate Professor and Coordinator-Industry Relations delivered the vote of thanks.

The inauguration was followed by hackathon for one hour. The hackathon had students and industry representatives working together to identify and find solutions to the challenges of adopting sustainable business practices. Students in groups of four with five members each associated with industry mentors and identified challenges, gathered insights and offered solutions on the theme ‘Clean and Green Energy’. They presented their solutions to a panel of industry and academic representatives and a broader audience. Dr Y E Sridhar, Associate Director at Cognizant Technology Solutions and Dr Savitha Nair, Dean, GRG School of Management Studies, presided over the hackathon and shared their insights and gave suggestions.

After the hackathon the debate was held for an hour on the topic ‘The Impact of Technology on Sustainable Business Practices: Advantage or Challenge?’. Students in three groups of two members each, spoke on the impact of technology, including automation and artificial intelligence, on sustainable business practices, considering both positive and negative effects. Mr Shrikumaravelu Santanakisna, Managing Partner, Tekmak Industrials presided over the debate.
The programme concluded with closing remarks and feedback by industry representatives