ArthSamvaad-the third edition of the annual finance symposium of IIM Udaipur was organized on 24^th January, 2015 at the institute’s campus.

ArthSamvaad is a student driven initiative organized by Finomina- the finance club of IIM Udaipur. The event serves as a platform for future financial managers to learn and interact with industry stalwarts to discuss changing trends in the financial world and the micro and macro- economic factors that affect financial decision making.

The event began with a welcome address by Prof. Janat Shah, the director of IIM Udaipur. Prof. Shah elaborated on the key features of education at IIM Udaipur namely research, MBA as a transformational journey and making a difference to the region. Prof. Shah also spoke at length about IIM Udaipur’s focus on global and rural immersion and on encouraging entrepreneurship among students.

The welcome address was followed by a panel discussion on the theme ‘Rethink: Decades of Financial Folly-Will it be different this time?’ The speakers for the same were:

• Mr. Harsh Vardhan: Head of Bain India’s Financial Services practice
• Mr. NirajKaria: Senior VP, Kotak Mahindra Capital
• Mr. Sriram Krishnan: Director & Head – Market Specialists, Securities Services, India
• Mr. UmeshAgrawal: Executive Director of Investment Banking at Axis Capital, Mumbai, India

Mr. NirajKaria spoke on the changing scenario over the past decade as regards changes in leverage and derivatives, complexity of regulations and valuations. Mr. Vardhan then discussed the reasons for the global and Indian financial follies and how we could deal with the same. Mr. Krishnan emphasized on the need to first understand the framework and background for each historical folly while Mr. Agrawal discussed current economic trends and key indicators that will influence India’s future financial growth.

The panel discussion was followed by an intercollege debate competition on the topic: ‘Is Increasing Regulations on Financial Institutions Good?’The debate saw teams from IMT Ghaziabad, IIM Lucknow, NMIMS Bangalore and IIM Udaipur present their stance on the topic, while also challenging the views of other teams.

The event also saw a Mergers and Acquisition workshop conducted by Mr. V S Sundaresan, Chief General Manager, SEBI. The workshop saw the analysis of a case study, and an ensuing discussion on the finer and often controversial topics in Mergers and Acquisitions.

The final event for the evening was a faceoff between the students of IIM Udaipur and Mr. V S Sundaresan on the necessity of a regulatory body. The faceoff saw a very animated discussion on the topic with a number of key insights also contributed by the audience.

The conclave ended with the launch of Finomina’s magazine: Arthaarth and the felicitation of the speakers by the director. The winners of the great debate challenge were also announced with NMIMS Bangalore coming first and the team from IIM Lucknowbeing the first runners up.

The third edition of ArthSamvaad was indeed a success with the students and speakers alike, looking forward to next year’s edition.

 Press Note