The enthusiastic audience got rare insights about direct selling at the two-day national-level Direct Selling Conclave organised by Shoolini University and Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA).
The focus of the conclave that concluded at the campus on Wednesday was to add an academic vertical to the Direct Selling industry. The conclave involved all key stakeholders of the industry, like the distributors, companies, regulators, educationists, industry associations, and critics.
Chancellor Prof PK Khosla, Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla, President Innovation Ashish Khosla and Pro Chancellor Vishal Anand, along with key leaders across the direct selling industry were among the participants.
CEDSA Director Kamal Kant Vashisth set the context for the conclave on the first day. Three panel discussions with experts across the spectrum shed light on the direct selling industry. IDSA Chairman Rajat Banerjee highlighted the need to be genuine and refrain from unnecessary hype. Key industry leaders like Anil Narang, Surender Vats, Prof Vasupalaiah, Sajeev Nair and others shared their optimism surrounding the industry and its potential.
On this occasion, Golden Rudraksha Awards for exemplary work in their respective fields and their contributions to the industry were presented to Deepak Bajaj, Surender Vats, Rajat Banerjee, Hem Kumar Pandey and Samir Modi.
Samir Modi is the President of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI). He is also a member of the FICCI National Executive Committee, FICCI Steering Committee and Member, and the International Board of Directors of the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). He said he believed in nurturing success and empowering people to pursue and realise their dreams.
A detailed report on the discussions and actionable output will be initiated for all stakeholders. The report would make observations on the current situation, various challenges and the solutions recommended during the discussions and the way forward for the industry in this ever-changing and dynamic environment. Everyone recognised that the need of the hour was to enhance awareness and shun practices that bring disrepute to the industry.
There was a healthy debate on the success ratios for a distributor and complete consensus on isolating mis-selling by any individual or any entity. The conclave will be an annual event which will bring all stakeholders together and work towards making direct selling one of the prime career choices for youth.
Based out of the Shoolini University campus in Solan, CEDSA is a first-of-its-kind centre in South Asia and the third in the world.
The recommendations of the conclave will be documented and presented to the industry, regulators and associations for follow-up action.