He said that the industry has to look for opportunities in economic downturn. “The Indian Government and Reserve Bank of India have taken effective steps in time to arrest the downfall. However, the missing link is that of confidence. Indian economy has seen some early signs of revival in 2009 in sectors like steel and consumer goods,” Kalyani said.

Kalyani also stressed on the need to seek opportunities in climate change. He pointed out how the country can achieve global leadership in electric car manufacturing.

Suresh Kalmadi, MP, said that the forum has initiated a process to seek suggestions and opinions from eminent personalities, industry and student community to take the vision 2020 agenda forward. “After the successful conduct of Commonwealth Youth Games, we have plans to bid for holding Olympics in 2020,” said Kalmadi.

Dr. Vijay Bhatkar said the country is among the top five economies of the world in terms of Purchase Power Parity. “We need to work towards making India the top economy of the world by 2047. The economic meltdown has offered great opportunities to redefine the world. By using IT in ministries and municipal corporations, we need to bring government to the doorstep of the people,” he said.

Dr R A Mashelkar, eminent scientist, summed up the mood of the conference. He praised the power of Indian mind to create innovative products. He also lamented on the other side of the Indian mind not to accept changes and their attempts to oppose the innovations.