STRATOMANIA X – NitiManthan Strategizing the Great Indian Transformation

Unleashing Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

The vibrant campus of Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD) once again witnessed an inspiring confluence of ideas, strategy, and innovation as it hosted Stratomania X – NitiManthan: Strategizing the Great Indian Transformation on 24th and 25th February 2026, along with exciting competitions conducted during the same period. Organized by the Entrepreneurship and Consulting Cell (E-CON Cell), the event brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, consultants, and students for an enriching series of panel discussions, masterclasses, competitions, and experiential learning opportunities.

Rooted in the philosophy of NitiManthan – the churning of ideas and strategies to create meaningful impact, Stratomania X served as a dynamic platform for students to engage with industry experts, gain practical insights, and showcase their entrepreneurial and strategic capabilities.

Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive masterclasses, and competitive events, Stratomania X created an ecosystem that encouraged strategic thinking, innovation, and collaboration, empowering students to explore the evolving worlds of consulting, entrepreneurship, and business leadership.

SCMHRD – Stratomania X Event Inauguration

Day 1: Consulting Insights and Strategic Thinking

24 February 2026

The first day of Stratomania X focused on the world of management consulting, offering students valuable exposure to industry perspectives, strategic frameworks, and analytical approaches used in solving complex business challenges.

• Consulting Panel Discussion

The day commenced with an engaging Consulting Panel Discussion titled “Strategy in Action: Driving Transformation in a Rapidly Changing India.” The panel featured distinguished industry leaders including Mayank Sharma (Director – ZS), Suraj Soman (Director – Grant Thornton Bharat LLP), and Dhanraj Labba (Independent Consultant – Cyber Security & API), moderated by Prof. Dipasha Sharma from SCMHRD.

The discussion explored how organizations navigate disruption, adapt to changing market dynamics, and drive large-scale transformation initiatives. The panelists emphasized that strategy today must be treated as a continuous and adaptive process, supported by real-time data, technological innovation, and effective execution.

They also highlighted the growing importance of digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and structured change management in enabling organizations to remain competitive in rapidly evolving markets. The session was highly interactive, with students actively engaging with the speakers and gaining valuable insights into careers in consulting.

Launch of Casebook 4.0 by Consulting Panel

Glimpse of Panel Discussion organized by the E-CON Cell, SCMHRD Pune

• Consulting Masterclass

Following the panel discussion, participants attended an insightful Consulting Masterclass titled “Auto Industry’s Evolution Toward Alternate Powertrains,” delivered by Preetesh Singh, Principal at Nomura Research Institute Consulting.

The masterclass explored the transformation of the automotive industry from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, hybrid systems, and hydrogen fuel cells. Participants were introduced to consulting frameworks and analytical tools used to evaluate industry transitions, competitive dynamics, and investment strategies.

The session also highlighted India’s evolving position in the global mobility ecosystem, discussing factors such as policy initiatives, infrastructure development, and sustainability goals that are shaping the future of transportation. The masterclass equipped students with a structured perspective on analysing complex industry transformations.

Glimpse of Masterclass organized by the E-CON Cell, SCMHRD Pune

Day 2: Entrepreneurship and Innovation 25 February 2026

The second day of Stratomania X focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, providing participants with insights into building ventures and driving impact through strategic leadership and innovation.

Launch of AARAMBH book by Entrepreneurship Panel

• Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion

The day began with the Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion titled “From Niti to Nation Building: Entrepreneurship in India’s Great Transformation.”

The panel featured prominent leaders including Dr. Sapptarishi Ghosh (CEO – SCEI), Dr. Sachindanand R. Kulkarni (Founder – SACHK Consultings LLP), and Kirit Mandavgane (CSO – NSquare Xperts), moderated by Sudha K, HRBP Manager at Rockwell Automation.

The discussion highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in shaping India’s economic transformation. Panelists emphasized that successful ventures require visionary leadership, strong governance structures, and long-term strategic clarity. They also discussed the importance of leveraging technology, talent development, and advisory support to scale businesses sustainably.

The session provided students with practical insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Glimpse of Panel Discussion organized by the E-CON Cell, SCMHRD Pune

• Entrepreneurship Masterclass

Following the panel discussion, participants attended the Entrepreneurship Masterclass titled “Grassroots Innovation to Scalable Ventures: Unlocking Tier-2 & Tier-3 India,” delivered by Dr. Ketan Deshpande, Chairman – FUEL Group of Institutions.

The masterclass highlighted how entrepreneurs from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities can identify local opportunity gaps and convert grassroots innovations into scalable ventures through structured planning, market validation, and financial discipline.

The session emphasized the importance of building supportive ecosystems that nurture entrepreneurial talent across emerging regions, contributing to inclusive economic development and innovation-led growth.

Glimpse of Masterclass organized by the E-CON Cell, SCMHRD Pune

Competitions and Experiential Learning

In addition to insightful discussions and masterclasses, Stratomania X featured a series of competitions designed to encourage practical learning, innovation, and strategic thinking among students.

• Stock Market Simulation – Investor’s Arena

One of the most exciting competitions organized during Stratomania X was the Stock Market Simulation – Investors Arena, an online trading competition where participants stepped into the role of traders and managed virtual investment portfolios.

The competition began with a Market Intelligence Quiz, testing participants’ knowledge of financial markets and trading concepts. Top-performing teams progressed to the Live Trading Simulation, where they actively managed their portfolios in a real-time virtual trading environment.

The simulation ran from 23rd to 27th February, during which teams executed trading strategies based on market trends, asset allocation decisions, and risk management techniques. Performance was tracked through a single unified leaderboard throughout the competition.

Teams were evaluated based on portfolio returns, risk-adjusted performance, diversification strategies, and trading consistency. The top three teams were awarded ₹15,000, ₹10,000, and

₹5,000 respectively, recognizing their analytical thinking and financial market expertise.

• Startup Consult – 25th February

Another engaging competition during Stratomania X was Startup Consult, conducted on 25th February 2026 in collaboration with MyJobFactory. The competition provided participants with an opportunity to apply strategic thinking and entrepreneurial problem-solving to a real-world startup case challenge.

Glimpse of Startup consult Presentations organized by the E-CON Cell, SCMHRD Pune

Participating teams presented innovative solutions and strategic recommendations for the case provided. Each team was allotted 8 minutes to present their solution, followed by a 7- minute question-and-answer session, where they interacted with the judge and defended their approach.

The competition was judged by Mr. Ajay Alandkar, who evaluated the teams on parameters such as innovation, feasibility, clarity of presentation, problem-solving approach, and strategic thinking. The session was highly interactive and engaging, providing students with valuable exposure to real-world startup evaluation, industry feedback, and practical consulting-style problem solving.

• Golden Pitch – 28th February

Another exciting competition organized as part of Stratomania X was Golden Pitch x SCMHRD AI – Startup Track, designed to provide a platform for early-stage startups and aspiring entrepreneurs to present their innovative business ideas.

The competition invited startup teams in the ideation or validation stage to pitch their ventures through a structured presentation. Participants initially submitted a 3–5 slide presentation outlining their business objective, problem statement, market opportunity, and strategic approach. Shortlisted teams advanced to the final presentation round, where they pitched their startup concepts on campus at SCMHRD, Pune, followed by an interactive question-and- answer session.

The competition aimed to encourage innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and practical venture development, while also offering participants mentorship opportunities and industry exposure. The winning team was awarded a prize of ₹20,000, along with potential mentorship and incubation support opportunities.

fGlimpse of Golden Pitch Presentations to AI organized by the E-CON Cell, SCMHRD Pune

A Celebration of Innovation and Strategic Leadership

Stratomania X – NitiManthan successfully created a vibrant ecosystem of learning, collaboration, and innovation. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students who actively engaged in panel discussions, masterclasses, competitions, and interactive sessions.

By bringing together industry expertise, entrepreneurial insights, and student-driven innovation, Stratomania X reinforced its mission of nurturing future leaders capable of thinking strategically and building impactful ventures.

As the event concluded, it left participants inspired with new ideas, valuable connections, and deeper insights into the evolving worlds of consulting, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership.