NOW'09

On the 18th and 19th of March, 2009, the students of FLAME School of Communication organised a seminar on the most gripping issues facing the world; NOW’09. The essence of NOW is to bring in awareness to the youth of today and to help initiate progressive work to bring about a productive change.

The seminar dealt with four topics namely Saving Planet Earth, Tackling Terror, World Financial Crisis and Media and Society. The two day seminar was graced by well known speakers in the four specific genres with the likes of film makers like Anand Patwardhan, Shekar Dattatri, Sudhir Kapadia, partner E&Y, activists like Ranjit Gadgil, one of the Lead India finalists and Lt. Gen Shekatkar (Retd.), a well known speaker on the Indian defence systems.

The speakers gave an overview along with their opinion about the pressing issues facing us today and ways in which they can be dealt. Mr. Sudhir Kapadia on the impact of the World Financial Crisis on India said, “The downturn will continue till 2011 and this year will be a tough year to make any possible comeback of sorts.” Mr Nandan Chakraborty, research head, ENAM added to this, saying, “India is no more shining but whining in the present government.”

The two day event was a joint student initiative between Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication and Foundation for Liberal and Management education (FLAME). Student members of AIESEC, an international student organization were also present.
Mr. Shekar Duttari, a wildlife film maker while addressing the students about Saving Planet Earth was of the opinion that the earth does not need to be saved, it has existed for billions of years and it will exist for many more; what really needs saving is Ourselves. On the issue of terrorism, Lt. Gen. Sheketkar said, “terrorists are not born, the situations they are put through makes them so. We must as global citizens be aware of this fact and attack this problem form the base.”

This series of seminars was the first event of its kind in Pune city and FLAME plans to take it up as an annual event to generate awareness and action among the youth.