Kolkata, February 8th 2014: Known as the Father of Rural Marketing in India, Mr Pradeep Kashyap, addressed the fourth convocation of Calcutta Business School (CBS) today as the Chief Guest at a function at Calcutta Business School’s campus in Kolkata. Chairman of Calcutta Business School, Mr S K Birla, along with Mr Kashyap, inaugurated the convocation which was attended by a host of senior industry representatives and eminent guests. Mr Kashyap handed over diplomas and medals to the students of CBS.
Pradeep Kashyap, Founder & CEO – MART, who has never had a formal management degree in life, is known as the Father of Rural Marketing in India having pioneered the concept of ‘Inclusive Marketing’. He has in the past few years addressed 40 global events speaking on a wide range of topics. He is on many national-level committees and has addressed global investor meets in many countries and is an advisor to many multinationals.
“It is our endeavour to introduce our students to innovative practices, better managerial skills and initiatives, which, while providing excellent career opportunities, will also be helpful for them in building a better nation. Rural marketing is emerging out to be one such field. We at Calcutta Business School are drawing up plans to start a centre for research & excellence in rural marketing. This would greatly benefit the students and the corporates. Rural marketing is the next wave that all large corporate are gearing up to ride,” said Dr Gautam Sengupta, Director, Calcutta Business School.
Delivering his convocation speech, Chief Guest, Pradeep Kashyap said, “I consider it a special privilege to address Calcutta Business School since I myself do not have the benefit of MBA education.” Describing each graduating students as unique, Mr Kashyap, urged to students not to lose their originality by imitating others and that their single aim should be to find the purpose of their life and pursue it with heart and passion and follow your inner voice.
Addressing the students, Kashyap said, “For you to win nobody needs to lose. In real life cooperation not competition is the mantra of success. Share knowledge with everyone freely and you will get ten times back. You are fortunate to be starting your working life at a time when India is tipped to become the third largest global economy in the world by 2025. You will enjoy the benefits of a modern country.”
Mr Kashyap is recognized as a thought leader and is a regular speaker at CEO forums in India and abroad. He has been Marketing Advisor to Ministry of Rural Development and has served on Prime Minister Office and Chief Minister Committees on rural development. He is a World Bank and UN consultant.
The convocation ended on an exultant note with the vote of thanks, national anthem and the procession walking down the stage.
CALCUTTA BUSINESS SCHOOL: Calcutta Business School is an autonomous institute offering an AICTE approved two-year fully residential Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program and several Executive and Management Development Programs. The school, modelled on some of the top ranking Business Schools in the world, is located on a sprawling 15 acres fully residential, eco-friendly and ‘intelligent’ campus on the outskirts of Kolkata. The campus is rated among the largest dedicated Business School campuses in India. The infrastructure consists of various dedicated edifices like Management Academy, Management Development & Research Cell, Seminar Halls, Administrative Building and Student Residences.