Bhubaneswar:  A Glocal (Global+Local) Social Impact summit, as a part of “Thinking Social”, a series of “Tata Social Enterprise Challenge” by Tata Trust and IIM, Calcutta, was organized by XSEED, The Entrepreneurship Cell of XIMB, GSIS, a PNV foundation, and eKutir initiative and MyCityLinks at Xavier Institute of Management, Xavier University Bhubaneswar on 18 February  2017.

This one-day event witnessed enlightening talks from successful and inspirational entrepreneurs from the state and beyond who spoke on social entrepreneurship and its impact on the society. Some of the esteemed speakers for the event were Mr. Subhrangshu Sanyal, CEO-IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, Dr. Biruprakshya Dixit, Practical Action, Mr. K.C. Mishra, Founder, eKutir, Mr. Jayanarayan Pujapanda, Founder, Paris Bakery & Sahaya Foundation, Mr. Joe Madiath, Gram Vikashand Mrs. Tanaya Patnaik. Executive Director Sambad Group.

The conference emphasized on various important aspects such as agriculture, climate change, financial inclusion, rural development, women empowerment and giving back to the society. Mr. Satyabrata Rath, Co-founder, PNV Foundation talked about what it really means to be social. He added that “Being social doesn’t just mean being on the social media but also being Social in the true sense of the word”. Mr. Subhrangshu Sanyal emphasized the need to move forward and accept changes. He added that “The first step for any innovation is to be ready for change”. Mrs  Tanaya Patnaik expressed her views on social entrepreneurship and interacted with the students of XIMB. The event also had a pitching session which saw many students come up and pitch innovative solutions to social issues.

The Tata Social Enterprise is the first such event in a series of planned events that shall culminate in a Global summit of social entrepreneurs, innovators and investors in Bhubaneswar.