Samvaad 2026: India Inc on the Move — Navigating Law, Tax & Strategy in a Disrupted World

The Faculty of Management and Commerce at PES University, Electronic City Campus, hosted an insightful and dynamic panel interaction titled “India Inc on the Move: Law, Tax & Strategy in a Disrupted World” as part of SAMVAAD 2026 on February 9, 2026. Held at the Medical College Seminar Hall, the session aimed to expose students to the rapidly evolving landscape of law, taxation, regulatory compliance, and corporate strategy in an interconnected and technology‑driven business environment.

A Power-Packed Expert Panel
The discussion brought together a distinguished lineup of professionals from diverse domains, including:

• CS Adithya Sri Hari
• CA Chandan Sadananda
• CA Vinod Raj
• Mr. Kushal Kumar – Practicing Lawyer
• Mr. Rohan Babu Joseph – Practicing Lawyer

The conversation was moderated by Prof. Deanjones Jende and Prof. Karishma Birthare, who guided the flow of the session and ensured a rich exchange of perspectives.

Understanding the Skills That Matter Today
The panelists highlighted the changing expectations of the corporate world, where academic knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Students were encouraged to cultivate:

• Practical skills
• Ethical awareness
• Adaptability
• A solid understanding of regulatory frameworks
• The ability to interpret dynamic market, legal, and tax environments

They emphasized that these skills form the foundation for success in contemporary professional roles.

Compliance & Governance: More Than a Legal Obligation
One of the central themes of the discussion was regulatory compliance and its growing importance in Indian and global business ecosystems.
The speakers explained how increasing domestic regulations and rising global standards have transformed compliance into a strategic function—critical for:

• Building organizational trust
• Ensuring sustainability
• Strengthening market competitiveness

Sound governance, they noted, is no longer optional; it is integral to business stability and reputation.

AI in Law, Tax & Corporate Strategy
The panel explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping multiple business functions, including:

• Legal research
• Tax planning
• Compliance management
• Strategic decision‑making

While acknowledging the efficiency and accuracy that AI brings, the panelists stressed the continuing need for human judgment, ethical consideration, and domain expertise. Technology, they noted, is a powerful enabler—not a replacement for informed, responsible professionals.

India in a Shifting Global Economy
Broadening the discussion, the panel addressed the effects of:

• Tariffs
• Trade policies
• Global regulatory changes

They explored how geopolitical shifts and international trade barriers impact Indian businesses. At the same time, they noted India’s rising global relevance powered by policy reforms and rapid digital transformation, which position the country as a key player in the new world economy.

Engaging Interaction & Lively Debates
The session concluded with two energetic segments:

Rapid-Fire Round
Panelists shared concise, high‑impact insights and career advice, offering students clear takeaways in a fast-paced format.

Debate Segment
Students witnessed diverse viewpoints on topics such as:

• Regulation vs. innovation
• AI adoption challenges
• Global trade implications

These discussions kept the audience actively engaged and made the entire session intellectually stimulating and enjoyable.

A Thought‑Provoking Learning Experience
“India Inc on the Move” provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping modern business. The blend of expert insights, interactive discussions, and real‑world perspectives ensured that students walked away with a deeper appreciation of the evolving corporate landscape and the skills they must develop to thrive within it.