By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) held its 9th edition of Ideate in partnership with FICCI-Aditya Birla CSR Centre for Excellence on 10th November 2020 over virtual platform, made live from New Delhi. The subject of deliberation was “Building Resilient Communities – Adopting to post Pandemic Challenges”.
The virtual event opened-up with welcome address by Shaifalika Panda, CEO, BIPF. Distinguished speakers on Ideate 2020 were Shouvik Mitra, Consultant, World Bank. Dr. Pragati Singh, National Professional Officer, WHO India Country Office. Pearl Tiwari, President (CSR & Sustainability), Ambuja Cements Limited. Ajeet Singh Chahal, Commercial Unit Lead – Central and Community Lead for Smallholder Initiatives, Bayer Crop Science Limited. Shri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa, President, Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Shaifalika Panda, CEO, BIPF opined “Building a resilient and healthy workforce cannot be done by individual segments of society; it calls for a cohesive strategy and collective effort. It is time to converge with likeminded partners and pool our resources across sectors”.
Souvik Mitra, Consultant, World Bank said how Covid-19 has highlighted the importance to bridge the gap between urban and rural section. Migration from rural areas mostly happens due to aspirations and lack of opportunities. These migrants have returned home with urban exposure; we should take steps to tap-up their potential.
Ajeet Singh Chahal, Commercial Unit Lead – Central and Community Lead for Smallholder Initiatives, Bayer Crop Science Limited spoke on Bayer’s three way approach to Agriculture based on “innovation, reaching out to farmers and partnership”. During Pandemic they have successfully launched “Better Farms, Better Lives”.
This is the 9th series of Ideate. Since its launch in 2012, this leadership platform by the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation has organised panel discussions on topics ranging from maternal & new-born health, water & sanitation and aspirations of rural youth. BIPF is the social arm of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd; (IMFA) working in the verticals of Health, Education, Water & Sanitation, Livelihood and Advocacy & Appreciation.
BIPF works in five core areas: Healthcare, Livelihood, Education, Water and Sanitation, and Advocacy and Appreciation and has built its reputation on high impact and performance. Currently, the foundation’s geographic focus spans five districts in Odisha, which covers more than 200 villages.
Established in 1927, FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India. A non-government, not-for-profit organisation, FICCI is the voice of India’s business and industry. FICCI engages with policymakers and civil society to articulate the views and concerns of the industry. It draws its strength from diverse regional chambers of commerce and industry across states, reaching out to over 2,50,000 companies. In Odisha, FICCI has five sectoral councils such as electricity, mining, tourism, manufacturing, and micro, small & medium enterprises (MSME).
