Welcome to the Special Issue!

Raising the bar! Consistently ranked number one in the country, MMA is where intellectual vigour, engaging commitment to meet the aspirations of our members happen. As a result, participants at our programmes have transformational experience and become empowered, impactful management professionals. It is vital to remain psychologically strong and stay united in our shared sense of purpose.
On Friday, 03rd September 2021. We present to you for the first time in the history of MMA the hybrid 65th AGM (digital & physical). Execution strength, partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and a committed team are helping the transition to a more digitally evolved work environment at MMA. We are privileged to launch the special issue of Digital Business Mandate during the AGM.
Victory Torch
The soldiers of the Indian armed forces with their values of unity, honour and courage have time and again lived up to their tradition of heroism, sacrifice and fortitude. MMA is indeed blessed to honour the Victory Torch commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the 1971 War. An inspiring and engaging conversation with 1971 War Veterans, led by Lt Gen A Arun, YSM, SM, VSM, GOC, Dakshin Bharat Area on Leadership Lessons is published in this Special Issue. Click to view the video.
National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)
The Rs.6 trillion National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) unveiled by the Finance Minister recently has captured everybody’s attention. It is understood that NMP will help the authorities ease fiscal constraints during difficult times and free up the balance sheet for more greenfield infrastructure projects. It makes sense to extract value from underutilized public assets, which were allowed to idle for too long, but its success will depend on fine details of implementation. When considering long-term relationships, identifying good investors is more important than getting the highest price. Asset monetisation is a great initiative if executed properly–and that is always a big “if”. I personally believe, it has a better change now.
Tokyo Olympics
The shining performance of India’s sportspersons in Tokyo, many of whom overcame significant odds, shows that there is no dearth of talent in India. However, to identify, groom and nurture promising prospects for world-beating athletes will require a concerted effort, investment and cooperation among all key stakeholders. The sporting entities in India have a legacy of fiefdom, opaqueness and a lack of compliance which has even resulted in ban from the international agencies. India can draw lessons from the turnaround models of other nations. For instance, UK Sport, which spent as much as India’s, increased the UK’s medal count and finished overall fourth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Drone Rules
The Civil Aviation Ministry recently notified its liberalized Drone Rules 2021. We now have a lighter, touch regulatory regime that should encourage UAV usage for both commercial and state initiatives. For India to be a global drone hub, we would need policy stability. The liberalized rules suggest that the Indian airspace will be kept under close watch for any suspicious movement.
In this context, MMA in partnership with KAS and The Peninsula Foundation organised an interesting event on the theme “The Future of Drones in India: Threats, Operations and National Capabilities” on 10th August 2021. The article on the special event is published in this issue. Click to read.
On the China Front
China’s rise to economic super power surely ranks amongst the most extraordinary stories in history. Today, China is a land of superlatives. Lately, however, China has become as much a source of concern as it flexes its muscle in a bitter territorial dispute with India and among its neighbours.
In this context, MMA in partnership with KAS, C3S and CCCS organized a conclave on the theme “Dealing with China – Strategic, Political and Economic Dimensions” to analyse what has changed post-Galwan and examine the options for India and liberal democracies to deal with China’s expansionist agenda. A galaxy of outstanding leaders shared their thought-provoking perspectives. We are delighted to present an article on the event in this issue. Click to read.
Blue Economy
Blue Economy is considered a vital framework to address economic, social, environmental challenges and opportunities within one umbrella. KAS in partnership with TERI, FICCI and MMA organized a dialogue series on “Blue Economy – India’s Pathways to a Sustainable, Secure and Resilient Economy.” I am happy to share the video of recording of the interesting and thought provoking dialogue. Click to view.
CSR in India
The Company’s Act mandated 2% of profit to be contributed towards CSR by Corporates. CSR investment in India has evolved from being only compliance-focused to a more strategic impact-first approach, going beyond CSR regulations and standards. This form of strategic CSR leads to greater value creations for communities as well as greater buy–in from companies who now see the benefit of CSR on their businesses as well.
In this context, MMA in association with Sattva, KAS and Dhwani Foundation organized the “Tamilnadu CSR Summit- Forging Partnerships & Impact Pathways” on 30 August 2021. During the event, the Tamilnadu CSR Report was launched by the Hon. Finance Minister of Tamilnadu Dr Palanivel Thiaga Rajan. The data driven report has been put together by our partners and highlights the pattern of CSR and development indicators in Tamilnadu over the last six years.
The role of data is becoming increasingly critical in the social impact ecosystem to design and scale the most relevant and impactful initiatives. I am delighted to share with you the Tamilnadu CSR Report for your perusal. Click to read.
The summit was also addressed by some of the finest speakers from the corporate sector, who are investing in Tamilnadu, representatives from the government, academia and the social sector.
The Fall of Kabul
The fall of Kabul puts India at a severe disadvantage. Is India better prepared for Taliban 2.0? From a friendly government in Kabul in the 2001s to a regime that draws sustenance from Pakistan in 2021? India is suddenly looking at an uneasy relationship with Afghanistan again. Thus in many ways the changed reality in Kabul will leave behind ripples that will surface at international fora for many years to come. In this context an interesting panel discussion by eminent thought leaders was organised by MMA in partnership with KAS and ORF on 02 September 2021 on the theme “Afghanistan Under Taliban: What does it mean for India & the world.” Click to watch the video.
The Good Economy…
The good news is that despite rising oil prices and high inflation, India’s economic performance looks brighter than most emerging markets. But this can’t be taken for granted. Effective pandemic containment measures and speedy vaccination will be the key to ensure that the economic momentum for growth sustains.
Let me know what you think about everything that’s happening at MMA. You may contact me at ed@mmachennai.org.
Stay safe, stay healthy. Happy reading!