Catalyst alumnus Souma Sekhar Gangopadhyay (Senior Associate, PwC) along with Devna Joshi and Abhiir Bhalla co-authored a significant report called “The India Opportunity: Developing Resilient Electronics Supply Chain” with contributions from Srividya Krishnan and Khyati Bhatnagar that was released by Mr. Piyush Goyal, the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industries of the Government of India and Sanjeev Krishnan, Chairman, PwC India at Raisina Dialogue of 2024 in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Jhanvi Tripathi, Amoha Basrur, Aditya Bhan and Soumya Bhowmick were the authors from ORF.
Souma was mentored at Catalyst for a career in the social sector while he was pursuing Bachelors in English Literature at Scottish Church Kolkata. He was selected for Masters in Public Policy at Tata Institute of Social Sciences.
Here’s a summary and analysis of the report :
Overview:
Global Uncertainty: Geopolitical realignments and supply chain disruptions have created global economic uncertainty, revealing vulnerabilities due to overreliance on a few countries for critical materials and products.
India’s ESDM Sector: India’s ESDM sector has grown significantly, particularly in mobile phone production, due to competitive advantages like competitive wages, a skilled workforce, and favorable geopolitical positioning.
Challenges and Opportunities: Dependence on foreign materials emphasizes the need for reliable sourcing. The text suggests a multi-faceted approach involving collaborations, resource security measures, IP protection, and policy interventions.
Key Findings:
Attractiveness of India: Competitive wages, skilled workforce, and geopolitical factors make India an attractive manufacturing destination, especially for ESDM.
Strategic Collaborations: Collaboration with other countries can help relocate sub-component value chains, allowing India to develop niche advantages and achieve self-reliance.
Resource Security: Securing critical mineral resources is crucial for achieving value chain localization in electronics. Leveraging India’s mineral reserves and building partnerships with friendly countries is essential.
Multi-pronged Approach: A comprehensive strategy is needed, focusing on technology, talent, infrastructure, and trade to strengthen India’s position in the ESDM sector.
Way Forward:
Diversification Strategies: On-shoring, near-shoring, and friend-shoring are emphasized for value chain security. The text suggests that India is moving towards these strategies due to the criticality of the ESDM sector for economic growth and employment.
Strategic Partnerships: Given India’s vulnerability, strategic international partnerships are crucial, especially for securing mineral resources. Careful selection of dependable partners for the next decade is highlighted.
Investment in Partners: In addition to building domestic capabilities, India needs to invest in its international partners. The text emphasizes the importance of choosing partners who are dependable and can contribute to cohesive regional development.
Consideration of Geopolitical Risks: Geopolitical risks and external shocks will continue to influence trade policy. India must choose partners with a focus on long-term growth and stability.
Conclusion:
The next decade is crucial for India’s ESDM sector, and a proactive and diversified approach is recommended to navigate global uncertainties. Strategic partnerships, resource security, and a focus on building domestic capabilities are key components of the suggested roadmap. The text underscores the need for careful decision-making in choosing dependable partners for a cohesive development journey.
The Master of Arts in Public Policy and Governance program at the School of Public Policy and Governance, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective global policymakers. Here’s an overview of the program:
Program Highlights:
Duration: The program spans two years, providing a comprehensive understanding of policy frameworks and their application in socio-political and economic contexts.
Objective: The primary objective is to develop students’ abilities to analyze, design, and evaluate policies. This involves studying policy institutions and processes, assessing policy impacts through data analysis and qualitative insights, and engaging with diverse policy settings to formulate effective solutions.
Key Focus Areas:
Policy Architecture: Understanding and designing policy frameworks and processes.
Policy Evaluation: Assessing policy impact using both micro and big data, along with qualitative field insights.
Policy Design: Acquiring the acumen to design policies and solutions tailored to diverse contexts.
Principled Policy Recommendations: The program emphasizes making informed policy recommendations grounded in principles of equity, justice, and sustainability.
Real-World Experience: The second year of the program is dedicated to acquiring real-world experience. Students undertake capstone projects in their chosen Policy Area Concentration, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills to practical policy research and interventions.
Program Structure:
First Year: Focuses on building foundational knowledge in policy analysis, frameworks, and evaluation techniques.
Second Year: Emphasizes hands-on experience through capstone projects in students’ chosen Policy Area Concentrations.
Unique Features:
Global Perspective: The program prepares students to engage with policy institutions at both global and local levels, fostering a global perspective on policymaking.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrates micro and big data analysis with qualitative field insights, providing a holistic understanding of policy dynamics.
Ethical and Sustainable Policy: Highlights the importance of embedding policy recommendations in principles of equity, justice, and sustainability.
Catalyst have been an excellent experience for me. Saurveswear Sen sir is an excellent mentor as he believes in interaction between teacher and student. Sir is very supportive and always available for all the support and help required.
I joined Catalyst in the month of November, 2021. I was keen to pursue my career in the field of social sector and Catalyst has been the perfect platform for me where I got guidance extensively by both Sauraveshwar Sir and Team. They have a well articulated plan for the aspirants to balance between all the subjects required to focus on for the competitive examinations. Along with Mathematics, Reasoning and Vocabulary, we had a separate website where we could go through the entire General Knowledge and General Studies which will be useful for the exams. There are separate one - to - one sessions as well by Sauraveshwar sir himself along with doubt clearing classes. We also attended various seminars and workshops on the prevailing social issues and on the solutions so as to curb it down. It has been a wonderful experience with Catalyst!
Catalyst has literally been the path of direction in leading me into my area of actual interests and especially fully utilize my potentials. It provides a vast source of resources in terms of networking, all the the necessary updates in the social sector. Saureshwar sir has been the most humble mentor, and has been supportive even beyond the course and been in touch continuously. Catalyst has been a great decision in my life for sure!
Catalyst has been a great experience for me. Sauraveswar sir is an incredible teacher. He teacher us each and every topic with ease and even repeats it for us. He has been available all the time over phone. Whenever I used to feel nervous for vivas or exams I used to call him up. All the topics that came in our exam was explained thoroughly by sir. It was really great journey with catalyst. I can't even imagine that I could enroll myself in Symbiosis. I always used to dream but sir helped me in turning my dream into a reality.
It has been a great learning experience and journey with Catalyst Learning Services. I had enrolled in Catalyst in the year 2014. I was aspiring to study Masters and I required preparations for the competitive examination. The structured academic planning helped me to prepare for the exam. The classes were informative and insightful, and my doubts would be cleared as well. I was given study materials and questionnaires on the concepts taught, that helped me to strengthen my analytical, quantitative and qualitative skills sets. Overall I had a learning experience studying in Catalyst. I was able to pass the competitive examination and the following rounds. I got admissions in the Masters Programme in 2015. I sincerely thank Catalyst Learning Services for helping me in preparations and guiding me in the journey.
I got to know about Catalyst via What's app group. Before joining, they will take an orientation where they will try to understand your requirement and help you to see how can they help you. Going forward it was a smooth journey. They were there on every step and always a call away.
It is a great learning space. It has given me the opportunity to push myself further to the edge at which I never thought I could have ever reach. Thorough learning and exercising has helped me overcome my many fears. Words would fall short to express the gratitude and gratefulness to this place.
I found about Catalyst through a random Google search. At that very time I was not very sure about which career path I should choose that will be best for me. After connecting with Sauraveshwar sir in catalyst. I could get a sense of what I should do next after my undergrad. As I joined catalyst during covid year, it really helped me a lot to get through a lot of entrance exams. The materials provided from catalyst helped me a lot in preparing better for the exams. Also, the guidance I received from sir was very useful not just for the exams but also for life ahead.
One of the best platform to learn and grow in such an amazing atmosphere. I thank the mentor as well as founder Sauraveswar Sen Sir for putting his effort and creating a holistic purview in every students mind who has been with catalyst as he has served the purpose and keeps on doing the same after we have finished our courses as well.
When I first joined Catalyst, I had little to no idea of what I was going to do after graduation. Sauraveshawar Sir guided me day in and day out to help me come to a conclusion about my plans for Masters. It has been a wonderful experience.
Are you interested in a rewarding career with the social sector – sustainability – climate action ? Register for a Career Mapping Session. Here are some ways Catalyst can help you:
Entrance Exam Preparation: Catalyst provides specialised coaching and guidance for various entrance exams related to social sciences, public policy, and development studies. This includes exams for admissions into top institutions like TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), IIT, IIPH (Indian Institutes of Public Health), Azim Premji University, and others. Comprehensive study materials, mock exams, and expert guidance are provided to ensure students are well-prepared.
Career Mapping: Catalyst offers career mapping services to help individuals identify their strengths, interests, and career goals within the social sector. This includes helping students understand the various career paths available, such as social work, public health, development studies, and more.
Skill Development: The social sector demands a unique skill set. Catalyst conducts skill development programs that focus on essential skills like research, data analysis, project management, and communication. These skills are vital for success in roles related to policy analysis, program management, and advocacy.
Internship and Project Support: Catalyst assists students in finding relevant internships and projects within the social sector. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building practical skills and understanding real-world challenges in areas like healthcare, education, and community development.
Interview Preparation: For students aiming to secure admissions to prestigious institutions or land jobs in the social sector, Catalyst conducts interview preparation sessions. This includes mock interviews, feedback, and guidance on how to present their skills and experiences effectively.
Networking Opportunities: Catalyst organises events, workshops, and seminars that provide networking opportunities with professionals and organisations in the social sector. Building a strong professional network is essential for career growth and finding job opportunities.
Mentorship: Experienced mentors from Catalyst provide one-on-one guidance and support to students and professionals. They offer insights into the industry, share their experiences, and help mentees navigate their career paths.
Customised Training: Catalyst understands that individuals come from diverse backgrounds and have different career aspirations. They offer customised training programs tailored to the unique needs and goals of each student or professional.
Continuous Learning: The social sector is dynamic, and professionals need to stay updated with the latest developments. Catalyst offers continuous learning opportunities through webinars, workshops, and access to relevant publications and resources.
Placement Support: Catalyst provides assistance in job placements and fellowships within the social sector. They connect students and professionals with organisations that align with their career goals.
About Catalyst: Since 2011, students and working professionals have been able to successfully craft a career with Bachelors and Masters programmes offered by TISS, Azim Premji University, TERI, XIM, IIT, Nirmala Niketan, NLSIU,Sciences Po, London School of Economics and Political Science, Symbiosis, IIMC, ACJ, XIC, JNU, Ambedkar University et al with capacity building training for development sector and climate action at Catalyst.
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