Business Barons, Bollywood Royalty and Political Pundits to Grace the Annual LSE SU India Forum 2017

MUMBAI and LONDON, March 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Bollywood Stalwarts - Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar, Anupama Chopra; Corporate Heads - Deepak Parekh (HDFC), Neeraj Kanwar (Apollo Tyres) and Political Pundits - Ajay Maken (President, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee), Shazia Ilmi (National Spokesperson, BJP) and Lord Meghnad Desai (UK Economist and Labour Politician), Among Speaker Panel   

The India Forum part of the Students Union at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) will host the prestigious annual 'LSE India Forum 2017' (LIF) on 11th March, 2017 at the world-renowned LSE in London. The theme of this year's LIF is 'India - A superpower in the making?'

LIF is a leading forum in the UK involving keynote speeches and panel discussions on major economic, political and cultural issues facing contemporary India. The conference serves as a platform for students and young professionals alike to engage with some of India's leading industrialists, politicians, economists and popular culture icons.

The LIF pre-event held on Saturday, 4th March, saw the multi-award winning Indian film director and producer Karan Johar exclusively interviewed by the popular author, journalist and film critic, Anupama Chopra. The panel session focussed on some of India's key cultural synopses including 'Bollywood and its omnipotence', 'Decoding the 'unsuitable boy' of the industry', and 'Censorship and freedom of artistic expression: a balancing act'.

LIF - Saturday, 11th March: India - A superpower in the making?    

The theme of this year's main LIF is 'India - A superpower in the making?' and will shine a spotlight on the pertinent topics affecting India in relation to its place on the global stage, particularly with reference to some of its recent developments across politics, economy, finance, business, entrepreneurship and entertainment.

Some of the key speakers at this year's event include:

• Deepak Parekh (Chairman, HDFC. Ltd)
• Farhan Akhtar (Acclaimed Film Director, Producer and Actor)
• Ajay Maken (President, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee)
• Shazia Ilmi (National Spokesperson, BJP)
• Lord Meghnad Desai (UK Economist and Labour Politician)
• Neeraj Kanwar (Vice-Chairman and MD, Apollo Tyres)

The forum will be structured into five thought-provoking panels and topics will include:

• The Economics panel discusses the hot topic of the year 2016 - Demonetisation and Digitisation, India's Readiness for a Cashless Economy - the steps required, impact on inflation and economic growth, and the sectors that reap the benefits and which near the brunt. Participants: Lord Meghnad Desai, Dr. Surjit Bhalla, moderated by Prof. Maitreesh Ghatak.
• The Business and Entrepreneurship panel discusses 'Paradigm Shifts for Business in India', Driving Innovation; Shifting gears in the automobile landscape; the role of 'Make in India': has it been able to transform red tape into a red carpet?; and David and Goliath: Can our home-grown brands challenge international players? Participants: Neeraj Kanwar, Sudhir Mehta, Shiv Khemka, moderated by Prof Alnoor Bhimani.
• The Politics panel will debate the topic 'Modi'fied India: The Way Ahead', a constructive analysis on the question of 'India, the lone bright spot in today's global economy', 'Weaving India's social fabric - are we strengthening our democratic ideals', 'India's Foreign Policy push: Progressive, or Volatile?' and 'Decoding the 2017 state election results'. Participants: Ajay Maken, Shazia Ilmi.
• The Finance keynote address will be given by Deepak Parekh, Chairman of HDFC. Ltd, who will discuss 'Financial Reforms in India: Challenges and Opportunities' . 
• The conference will close with the Entertainment panel led by acclaimed film director and producer Farhan Akhtar alongside author, journalist and film writer, Naman Ramachandran on the topics of 'Bollywood and its Omnipotence' - 'Indian film stars going beyond the realms of Bollywood', 'Influence of Bollywood's soft power on Indian viewers', and 'Censorship and freedom of artistic expression: A balancing act'.

Speaking about LIF 2017, Ushma Shah, President LSE India Society and LSE India Forum 2017 said, "For the first time ever, LIF has adopted a twofold structure, thus expanding the scope of the conference to a great extent. The idea is to introduce novel concepts, invite industry stalwarts and enhance the quality of debate each year so that the aim of inspiring and motivating students and young leaders is fulfilled."

Speaking about the event, Sanam Arora, President, National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK, said, "At the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK, we aim to develop future leaders for India, the UK and those to empower the Indo-British relationship. Through this forum, we hope to bring together the young Indian community in Britain with change-makers and inspirational personalities that can enable knowledge transfer and motivate diaspora Indian youth to take a more active role in the India growth story."

LSE Forum Schedule:  http://www.lsesuindiaforum.com/agenda.html

Saturday, 11th March 2017    

LIF Event: LSE India Forum: India - A Superpower in the Making?    

Event Time: 9 AM - 6:30 PM (including registration, panels begin at 10:30 AM)

Venue: London School of Economics

Ticket Price:  

LSE Students - £12
LSE Alumni/Non LSE Students - £15
Professionals and Others - £18

Buy here: https://fixr-app.com/event/13023

About LSE SU India Forum    

The LSE SU India Forum aims to promote vibrant discussions on issues facing contemporary India throughout keynote speeches and action-oriented panel discussions by renowned experts across various fields. The forum aims to serve as a platform to educate young Indians and provide opportunities for their engagement with inspirational personalities. The forum is organised by the LSE SU India Society, which is the oldest affiliate society of the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK. It is supported by The LSE South Asia Centre and the LSE India Observatory. The 2017 LSE SU India Forum is presented by LSE SU India Society, sponsored by IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd (Platinum Sponsor), Sterling Media (Media Partner) and is supported by LSE South Asia Centre, LSE India Observatory, National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK. For further information, please contact: http://www.lsesuindiaforum.com/  

Social Media:    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lsesuindiaforum/

Twitter: @lsesuindiaforum

Hashtag: #LIF2017

Media Contact: 
Neha Agarwal Haria
Communications Specialist
Taksha Events & Exhibitions
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