CEDSA Conclave Highlights Innovations in Direct Selling

The two-day CEDSA Conclave at Shoolini University concluded on a high note on July 12. It brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of the direct selling industry in India. 

Day One Highlights 

The Centre of Excellence for Direct Selling in Academics (CEDSA), in collaboration with Shoolini University, organised the 3rd CEDSA Direct Selling Conclave. The event saw participation from prominent direct selling professionals across the country. 

The conclave began with an address by Founder-Chancellor Prof PK Khosla, who highlighted the essence of direct selling, emphasising its unique characteristic of empowering consumers with business opportunities. Prof Khosla stressed the importance of research in Indian universities, asserting that quality and knowledge generation should precede teaching and learning. Prof Ashish Khosla, President and Chief Innovation and Marketing Officer, shared his life story, advocating for a learning mindset and the commitment to quality over quantity in education. 

Prof Kamal Kant Vashisth, Director of CEDSA at Shoolini University, highlighted the university’s pioneering role in introducing direct selling courses and stressed the need for empowering direct sellers to elevate the profession’s dignity. 

Panel Discussions 

The first panel discussion, ‘Key Stakeholders of Direct Selling Industry in India and Their Roles’, featured Kapil Sharma, Mohd. Zakir Hussain, KM Rafique, Kishore Varma, and Rahul Sharma. The panellists discussed government regulations and the roles of various stakeholders in the industry. 

In the second panel discussion, ‘Development of a Roadmap to Establish Direct Selling as a Dignified, Well-Perceived Profession’, Prof Kamal Kant Vashisth, Kailash Bhattad, Shiv Arora, Prof KN Vasupalaiah, Vinod Nimboodri, and Yamini Sharma shared insights on enhancing the profession’s perception and dignity. 

The third panel discussion, ‘Contemporary Challenges, Proposed Solutions, and the Way Forward’, included Surender Vats, Pranjal R Daniel, Narsi Grewal, Rajiv Gupta, Ved Prakash Ojha, and Sunil Sharma. They deliberated on the current challenges faced by the industry and proposed actionable solutions. The discussions emphasised the importance of ethical values in direct selling, outlining guidelines for maintaining integrity within the industry. 

Day Two Highlights 

The second day commenced with a panel discussion on ‘Financial Inclusion and Economic Impact of the Direct Selling Industry in India’. Panellists included Rahul Sudan, Editor-in-Chief of Direct Selling Today; Hem Pandey, Former Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, GOI; Gopalam Sultania, academician, author, and direct seller; Mahavir Kaintura, author and top title achiever at VLCC Wellscience; Harshvardhan Jain, top social media influencer and life coach; and Manish Marwaha, Chief Managing Director of Amulya Herbs Pvt. Ltd. 

The conclave also recognised the achievements in the direct selling business with the annual CEDSA Golden Rudraksha Awards. These were presented to Mohd. Zakir Hussain, Harshvardhan Jain, and Prof KN Vasupalaiah. The award honours leaders who rise beyond their selves and dedicate themselves to the service of the industry. All awardees thanked the university administration and highlighted the importance of education in propelling the industry to new heights. 

Valedictory Session 

Prof PK Khosla and Prof Ashish Khosla attended the valedictory session, presenting certificates of appreciation to Shoolini University’s dedicated volunteers and organising committee. In his concluding remarks, Prof Kamal Kant emphasised the transformative potential of direct selling in reshaping the Indian economy. He stated that direct selling was the most viable inclusive entrepreneurial model, providing every individual the opportunity to become a micro-entrepreneur. He confidently predicted that India is on track to becoming the biggest direct selling market in the world. 

The CEDSA Conclave at Shoolini University ended with delegates feeling motivated and enthusiastic about the future of the direct selling sector in India. 

July 12, 2024