More trouble as another speaker, 2 more sponsors pull out of event

The beleaguered Wharton India Economic Forum appears to have plunged into further trouble, with two more sponsors and another speaker disassociating themselves from the event, Bhavya Dore reports.

The beleaguered Wharton India Economic Forum appears to have plunged into further trouble, with two more sponsors and another speaker disassociating themselves from the event.

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The Forum’s website on Friday did not show the sponsorship logos of Hexaware group, nor did it feature group chairperson Atul Nishar, who had been billed as one of the speakers. The website also did not mention Colors Viacom 18 as a sponsor.

“Hexaware is not associated with the event and Nishar will not be able to attend the Forum owing to other business engagements,” said a statement from the company.

The annual student-run conference at the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania’s business school has been in trouble since last week, when keynote speaker Narendra Modi’s talk was cancelled. Subsequently, Gautam Adani pulled out as a speaker, as did the Adani group as sponsors. Former member of Parliament and Sena leader Suresh Prabhu also cancelled his attendance.

A statement from Wharton Communications, sent on March 3 had said, “The student organisers of the Wharton India Economic Forum have announced that they have cancelled the proposed keynote address by Narendra Modi. We appreciate the efforts our students have put forth in organising this event and regret any confusion that may have been caused by the change in programme.”