Talk by Mr. Ronnie Screwvala

The fourth speaker to visit DAIS was Mr. Ronnie Screwvala, the founder and CEO of UTV Group and the Managing Director of Disney- UTV India. He is an Indian entrepreneur and social philanthropist, producing several great movies over the last several years. He spoke to the students about his experience in the media, the advice he had for us and some of the key lessons he had learnt in life. He emphasized the importance of challenging the constant, and following one’s calling. He encouraged the students to do what their heart desired, what they were most passionate about, to acquire a deeper sense of learning. He strongly urged us to take advantage of the digital revolution that was creating opportunities left, right and center. The rapidly changing world requires disruptive innovation – something that worked 5 or 6 years ago may not work effectively today. He also highlighted the significance of humility in listening to the ideas of others, instead of simply voicing our own – when others fill the silence, a lot more can be learnt.

Mr. Screwvala spoke about the way in which innovation is required in India. In developed nations, innovation occurs at the top 10-15% of the pyramid, in terms of lifestyle. In India, the innovation occurs at a lower level in the pyramid, at the grassroots level. The developed world may be concerned with manufacturing the best car in the world, whereas India needs to produce the cheapest car in the world. Innovation that deals with water, health and sanitation are not headline grabbing, however it is these that are required in India, as they affect a greater proportion of the Indian people.

Mr. Screwvala mentioned four major ideas to the students:

• First was curiosity and constantly asking questions to yourself and others around you.
• Discipline and focus is vitally important, as it is far more gratifying to be the king of one trade rather than the Jack of all.
• Passion and joy in ones work is of tremendous importance as it provides the motivation to go to work every day.
• Lastly, ethics and trust are also critical issues, as the values for core ethics, credibility and trust is going to be increasingly rewarded in the world.

The students were able to ask Mr. Screwvala several deep and insightful questions, from his personal opinions to some of his work. These ranged from asking about the certainty to the survival of his startup to his motives for producing movies. The advice given to us by Mr. Screwvala will be of great significance – it didn’t deal with just the media and businesses later on in life, but also with how we should make the most of our time in university, and how we can make a difference at this stage in our lives.