February 22, 2019 | 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. | College Avenue Student Center
Presented by the Consulate General of India and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Co-sponsored by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

The Consulate General of India, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and Rutgers University are co-sponsoring the conference, "Delivering Democracy: The Indian Experience." The conference will feature eminent scholars, diplomats, and business and think tank leaders who will discuss India’s democratic, economic, and social achievements. They will also analyze the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the world’s largest democracy.

India is preparing for the largest democratic exercise in human history when more than 800 million people will vote in the General Elections in 2019. Democracy is an inseparable part of the Indian culture. Strong public institutions, freedom to express wide-ranging political views, and the vibrant economy and society are underpinned by strong roots democratic traditions have taken in India. Democracy is now used as a tool for taking public services to the last mile. India is attempting the world’s largest exercise in inclusiveness--whether financial, digital, or social rights. India’s democracy in a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-linguistic society is an achievement to be celebrated and emulated. India’s success is important for the world. The conference will convene expert panels to discuss governance, society, the economy, and how these forces interact in India.

Please register at bit.ly/TheIndianExperience2019.

Attendees for the "Delivering Democracy: The Indian Experience" conference may park in Lots 26, 30 & College Avenue Deck without permits. All non-Rutgers guests must use the below link to register their vehicles for the conference. Unless guests complete the parking registration process, their vehicles are at risk of receiving a citation. Special event parking and special event permits are only for visitors to the University which does not include free metered parking. Faculty, Staff, and Students must park only in lots they are authorized to park in.

https://rudots.nupark.com/events/Events/Register/a3c6f24f-bd3e-4908-af52-5d4d57642174

9:30–10:00 a.m.              

Registration

10:00–10:15 a.m.            

Welcoming Remarks

• Mohini Mukherjee, Associate Director of International Student Services, Rutgers University

10:15–11:00 a.m.             

Panel I - Democracy and the Economy

• Syed Zafar Islam, Independent Director, Air India

• Hirsh Vardhan Singh, Senior Director, Hi-Tec Systems and Former Candidate for US Congress

• Ashwini Kumar Tewari, Country Head, State Bank of India USA

• Moderated by Nikhila Natarajan, Journalist, Firstpost

11:00– 11:15 a.m.              

Break

11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.            

Panel II - Democracy and Public Participation

• Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

• Marshall M. Bouton, Acting Director, Center for the Advanced Study of India, University of Pennsylvania

• Senator Vin Gopal, Senate Majority Conference Leader, New Jersey Legislature

• Moderated by Navnita Chadha Behera, Professor of Political Science, University of Delhi

12:00–12:15 p.m.              

Break

12:15–1:00 p.m.               

Panel III: Governance and Democracy in India

• Dhananjay Singh, Director General, National Human Resources Development Network

• Sandeep Chakravorty, Consul General of India

• Moderated by Richard M. Rossow, Senior Adviser and Wadhwani Chair in US-India Policy Studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

1:00–1:15 p.m.                 

Closing Remarks

• Shatrughna Sinha, Deputy Consul General of India

1:15–2:30 p.m.                  

Lunch

Contact: Rick Lee (rick.lee@global.rutgers.edu)