Parul University Economics Tour: Leadership Lessons, Student Insights, and Human-Centered Growth

The Economics Tour for Parul University students was far more than a series of academic lectures; it was a journey through leadership, strategy, and human values. From the moment students entered each session, they were not passive observers but active participants in conversations that bridged markets, management, and meaning. Each speaker’s insights seamlessly connected, creating a rich tapestry of experience and reflection.

Establishing Trust in Uncertain Markets

The seminar began with Shri Ananth Narayan G, Whole Time Member of SEBI, who immediately set a thoughtful tone:

“The more you trade, the less you make.”

He wasn’t speaking of profit margins but of discipline, confidentiality, and trust — the invisible foundations of financial markets. Students quickly realized that knowledge alone isn’t enough; patience, integrity, and discretion are essential for long-term success.

Growth Beyond Comfort Zones

P. Ramakrishnan, EVP of Larsen & Toubro, expanded the discussion to corporate vision:

“Don’t make your seat warm; it makes you cozy.”

Risk and reward were presented not as abstract ideas but as tools for growth. Through lessons on L&T’s history and commitment to green energy, students understood that real progress comes from pushing boundaries, not from remaining comfortable.

Relevance in a Changing Market

At The Souled Store, CFO Chirag Mavani emphasized practical adaptability. Serving price-conscious yet aspirational customers requires strategic relevance, not blind trend-following. Students began connecting lessons on regulation, corporate strategy, and retail dynamics, realizing that success depends on understanding the people and markets you serve.

Adapting to Change

At the Bombay Stock Exchange, leaders underscored adaptability. Shri Sunil Ramrakhiani spoke about identifying trends early, while Shri Deepak Goel reminded students that education opens doors, but purpose, attitude, and humility define how far one goes. The message was clear: knowledge is the key, but flexibility and openness are what allow continuous growth.

Depth Over Comfort

Mr. Banmali Agrawala, Chairman of Tata Advanced Systems, reflected on the difference between domain knowledge and depth. He encouraged students to create lasting bodies of work and contribute meaningfully to society. Stepping out of comfort zones, going deeper, and balancing ambition with responsibility were framed as the hallmarks of enduring impact.

Innovation, Versatility, and Interpersonal Skills

Nikesh Gupta, COO of Aditya Birla Finance, emphasized that systems alone aren’t sufficient. Human judgment, mentorship, and reputation differentiate lasting success. Students began to see a pattern: leaders weren’t just instructing on what to do, but on how to think, act, and relate. These subtle qualities connect expertise to meaningful outcomes.

Values in a Digital World

At NSE, Shri Shriram Krishnan highlighted that kindness, humility, and purpose matter as much as numbers. No matter how advanced technology becomes — AI, crypto, or automation — character remains irreplaceable. Students realized that discipline, relevance, adaptability, and depth find their true meaning only when guided by values.

Leadership with Purpose

Rajiv Anand, Deputy MD of Axis Bank, shared that leadership is not about hours worked or titles held, but about bringing people along and leading with heart. Growth, relevance, adaptability, and depth are meaningful only when paired with purpose and responsibility.

Enduring Relationships Beyond Technology

Finally, founders like Shashi Kiran Shetty and Arvind Agrawal reminded students that while tools and systems evolve, vision, relationships, and research create sustainable, long-term impact. Every session reinforced a central theme: strategy and tools are important, but character, resilience, and purpose leave a lasting legacy.

Conclusion: Building the Journey of Leadership

By the end of the Economics Tour, students gained far more than business knowledge. They acquired a framework of insight — a continuum of trust, growth, relevance, adaptability, depth, and values.

As the tour concluded, one truth stood out: knowledge builds the road, but character, resilience, and purpose build the journey. Through these lessons, students glimpsed not only the workings of markets and management but the essence of leadership itself: layered, human, and transformative.