WFEB in partnership with the Art of Living host Corporate Culture and Spirituality conference in India
“It is smart to be ethical” coined as a global corporate call by world leaders
Impressions from the conference
Corporate culture spirituality conference sees action plans for business growth with a social philosophy
February 1, 2015, Bangalore: In the backdrop of shifting global landscapes, corporate heads, business leaders, Government heads and NGO’s, from India and across the world, convened at the two-day annual conference ‘Corporate Culture and Spirituality’ (CCS)m organized by The Art of Living and the World Forum for Ethics in Business (WFEB) from 31 January – 1 February 2015.
The annual conference, that concluded today at The Art of Living International Centre, Bangalore, witnessed a host of discussions on the changing relationships between government, public and private sector, NGO’s and the need to amalgamate larger societal good in business. For two days, this diverse group addressed concerns and engaged in a candid dialogue on global issues affecting business and economic outlook and ways to sharpen corporate philanthropic practices.
The conference was inaugurated by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar,Global Humanitarian, Peace Ambassador and Founder, Art of Living who said, “We need to drive a message into the budding entrepreneurs of society that it is smart to be ethical, it is smart to be service oriented, and it is smart to be sharing & serving. I hope this conference can bring up values like this to people around the world.” He also spoke about harnessing technology which connects the entire world to create actionable solutions globally and said, “Conferences are incomplete if they are not followed up with projects. Just talk will not suffice. Thought should follow an action plan.”
Day 1 of the conference featured keynote presentations and addresses by eminent leaders top and renowned experts including H.E. Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Governor, Government of Karnataka ; Mr. Juan Carlos Losada, Member of Parliament, Columbia; H.E. F K Morule, High Commissioner, South Africa; Mr. Daljit Singh, President, Fortis Group; Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya, Joint Managing Director, Bosch Ltd., India, among others.
Day 2 saw an exciting line-up of speakers from organizations such as Amazon, Snapdeal, Paypal, TVS, SBI, European Football Coach Christoph Daum and many others, who addressed a range of issues under business through non-linear thinking and ways to unleash human potential.
H.E Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Governor of Karnataka said, “The earning of wealth must be linked to the development of the country.”
Speakers also included renowned leaders from organizations such as NASSCOM, Linkedin, Kent RO, among others. Unicef and GMR also conducted break-away sessions on Day 1 of the event.
The conference launched the World’s first web based ethical leadership curriculum by WFEB. Another milestone achieved was the signing of an MOU between Sun Edison Solar Power India Private Limited and The Art of Living who will associate to provide sustainable energy solutions and reliable electricity to the various villages under the rural electrification.
Conference highlights included an innovative exhibition showcasing a model village (AdarshGram) displaying the service initiatives done by The Art of Living over the past 33 years. These included a variety of projects including rural electrification, reducing indoor air pollution, water, sanitation, hygiene, education for underprivileged, slum and tribal children, women empowerment, river rejuvenation, rural enterprise, ayurveda and numerous other social work projects.
From philanthropy to business, sustainability to growth, partnerships to employee engagement, a range of corporate and humanitarian representatives outlined their priorities and what they consider key drivers in forming sustainable partnerships.