Mindmine Summit 2009

Every so often in the history of International Affairs, a great transactional turbulence shakes the foundations of the world and brings many of its older structures tumbling to the ground. In the confusion and babble that follow, it's difficult to see through the dust and recognise the shape of the altered strategic landscape.

In 2008, the world's developed economies took a heavy beating, whether measured by their collapsing industrial production, tumbling exports, surging unemployment, frozen credit markets or the near-paralysis of maritime trade. The impact is being felt in India, and across the corporate landscape in ways that were difficult to imagine even a year ago.

The Fourth Mindmine Summit was held against a tumultous background. The pain was evident. The mood was somber, and the near-term outlook was gloomy.

Nevertheless, the need for introspection was being felt acutely. Therefore, the Fourth edition of the Mindmine Summit held on February 12-13, 2009 at Hotel ITC Maurya, New Delhi, was specially structured around the theme: “Challenges of Troubled Times: Opportunities and Threats.” The objective over two days was primarily two-fold: to get a better grip on the realities that confront India, and to prepare better for the future.

Over the two days, the Summit addressed various challenges that Indian society, business and individuals were facing in a rapidly changing India, that was perhaps evolving at a pace too fast for comfort! While there were the usual plenary sessions and panel discussions, the attempt was to make the 2009 edition more interactive, given the passion, the angst and anxiety that was being felt around us.