The live session of Leadership talk by Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Persistent Systems Ltd. was conducted on 14^th April 2020, and the topic was “Opportunity youngsters/startup will have in post COVID-19 world”.

Dr. Anand Deshpande said students during this crisis should make the best utilization of their time by taking lots of training and learning new emerging technologies and enhance their marketability. Eventually economy will revive with support from Government. There will be instances of job loss, jobs going on hold and recruitment freeze for a temporary period similar to 2008 recession. In 2008 also, students learnt new technology during the recession period which helped them in getting good jobs when the economy revived. Students should convert lockdown period to opportunity and build problem solving skills. Students should work on solutions for COVID-19 challenges. VCs are ready with funds to invest in solutions for healthcare, education etc. domains to support startups. Student entrepreneurs should think about availing these opportunities. Post Covid crisis, business community needs to find innovative ways to manage cash flow, know their customers well so that their borrowings can be from customers.  Today, a lot of learning resources are available on line, lot of online learning platforms, online professional training courses are available. Even the educational institutions may think of conducting lab sessions remotely. Students and Professors can collaborate research work across the globe thereby, upgrading new generation research.