KIIT School of Rural Management (KSRM) hosted the 6th National Rural Management Conclave on 6th September 2025. The conclave aimed to create a dynamic platform bringing together leaders from development organizations, corporates, academia, and civil society to deliberate on the theme “Innovations, Technology Adaptations, Risk Management and Accountability in Sustainable Development Initiatives” and “Human Resources in CSR and Rural Transformation.”

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Saranjit Singh, in his inaugural address, emphasized the urgency of adopting inclusive and sustainable models of development. He reminded students that innovation is not merely about technology but also about responsibility and values, urging all stakeholders to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prof. Nishith Parida, Director of KIIT School of Rural Management shared the remarkable journey of KSRM and KIIT Deemed to be University, and set the context for the conclave. Prof. Damodar Jena, Dean of KSRM delivered the word of thanks.

The first panel discussion on “Innovations, Technology Adaptations, Risk Management and Accountability in Sustainable Development Initiatives” featured panelists including Mr. A. Ravindra (Executive Director, WASSAN), Ms. Kusum Mohapatra (Regional Director & CEO, Miracle Foundation India), Mr. Ronak Shah (Chief Executive, Seva Mandir), Mr. Navin Sellaraju Sukumar (CEO, Railway Children India), and Ms. Arpita Panda (Goonj). The programme was moderated by Ms. Sarita Pradhan, Head of Swabhiman at Smile Foundation. The discussion highlighted community-driven water governance, child welfare through family-based care, inclusive poverty reduction models, protection of street children, and dignity-driven rural development through surplus utilization.

The second panel on “Human Resources in CSR and Rural Transformation” includes the panelists Mr. Vijay Naugain (Country Head – HR & OD, HelpAge India), Ms. Aliva Das (Associate Director, TRIF), Mr. Shubhendu Dash (Senior Vice President, Ayekart), Mr. Biswaranjan Baraj (CSR & Lead – Government Advisory, Sambodhi), Mr. Suresh Motwani (General Manager, Solidaridad Network), and Mr. Ashis Mondal (Founder Trustee, ASA). The program was moderated by Mr. Vijay Naugain, highlighted the need for CSR to focus more on capacity building and human development at the grassroots. The discussion emphasized elderly care, women-led rural transformation, fintech for farmers, evidence-based CSR policy, sustainable supply chains, and strengthening agriculture through FPOs and resource management.