Manmohan, Modi share dais at IIM-A convocation

The occasion was the 46th convocation of IIM Ahmedabad which is celebrating its golden jubilee year. This was Singh’s second visit to the premier institute. Pleasantaries were exchanged between Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi who shared the dais after several recent events which brought differences between the Modi government and the Centre to the fore.

But at the IIM programme there were no critical remarks from Modi. Instead it was turned into a photo op.

State’s demands

However, a few hours before the event started, Modi did not waste an opportunity to score some points over the UPA government though it was off camera. Modi called on the prime minister at the Circuit House in Gandhinagar and handed over a list of demands for the state. The list included most of the pending issues of the state. However, Modi did not complain about the Income Tax notice served on his government on the “Vibrant Gujarat” business summit.

Later, addressing the students of the premier institute, the prime minister said the managers of this country have established themselves in several fields.  Many CEOs of India have also proved that they were second to none.

Singh exhorted management graduates that they should also strive for protecting the environment while pursuing their career in India, one of the world’s economic superpowers.

The prime minister said the founders of the IIM-A made their presence felt across the globe not only in the corporate sector but also in the voluntary sector. He said as future managers of the corporate sector or the voluntary sector they should even pay attention to issues which affect climate change and damage to the environment.