The Indian Commerce Association (ICA) has long been a key player in promoting commerce education and research in India. Among its various initiatives, the All India Commerce Conference (AICC) stands out as the main event, promoting academic discourse, innovation, and collaboration in the field of commerce. With a legacy rooted in the from the year of Indian independence, the AICC has continued to evolve and serve as a critical platform for thought leaders, scholars, and practitioners.

As we approach the 75th AICC, let’s take a closer look at the workings and significance of this annual gathering and its impact on the commerce community.

The Legacy of the All India Commerce Conference (AICC)

Held annually by the ICA, the AICC has hosted 74 successful conferences to date, cementing its reputation as a premier academic event. The conference’s origins can be traced back to a time when the nation was on the brink of independence, making it one of the oldest platforms for commerce education in the country.

The AICC continues to build on this rich legacy, offering a forum for educators, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders to come together, share insights, and discuss the future of commerce. The conference is designed not just as an academic gathering but as a crucible of ideas that influence both commerce education and practice.

What Happens at the AICC?

The AICC revolves around multiple technical and seminar sessions, where participants present research papers on various aspects of commerce, management, and economics. These sessions provide a structured yet dynamic environment where new ideas are debated, innovations are explored, and policy recommendations are formulated.

In addition to research presentations, the AICC features keynote speeches from eminent figures in the field, panel discussions, and workshops aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in commerce education and practice. Activities that help bridge the gap between academic research and its real-world applications, making the conference not only important for academia but also for the corporate world.

The conference also offers networking opportunities for participants, enabling them to collaborate on future research projects, share best practices, and build professional relationships that can last well beyond the event itself.

The Importance of the AICC in Commerce Education

• Firstly, it serves as a knowledge-sharing platform where new research and ideas can be critically assessed. The technical sessions and discussions encourage rigorous debate, which helps refine and sharpen the academic work presented at the conference.
• Secondly, the AICC enables collaboration between academia and industry. With a focus on real-world applications of research, the conference ensures that academic insights are aligned with the needs of the business world.
• Lastly, the AICC helps in shaping policy related to commerce education. Many of the discussions and recommendations that arise from the conference sessions influence the way commerce is taught and researched in India.

Awards and Recognition at the AICC

One of the highlights of the AICC is the series of prestigious awards presented during the event. These awards serve as an inspiration for young scholars and professionals to contribute to the field of commerce.

• Best Business Academic of the Year Award (BBAY Award)

Instituted in 2005, the BBAY Award is aimed at encouraging young researchers in commerce and management. The award includes a Gold Medal for the best overall paper presented at the conference and four Silver Medals for the best papers in individual technical sessions. It’s a coveted honour that inspires scholarly excellence.

• Prof. A.D. Shinde Research Fellowship Award

This award is designed to support young faculty members in their research endeavours. With a grant of ₹50,000, the fellowship enables recipients to conduct in-depth studies, advancing commerce research and contributing valuable insights to the field.

• Sourabh Shiware Memorial Young Researcher Award (SSMYRA)

Established to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of Mr. Saurabh Tukaram Shiware, this award recognises young professionals who have made innovative contributions to commerce research. The award includes a cash prize of ₹25,000, a certificate of appreciation, and a trophy.

• Prof. Manubhai M Shah Memorial Award for Excellence

This prestigious award is given for outstanding contributions to commerce and business management. With a cash prize of ₹2,00,000, a certificate, and a trophy, the award celebrates academic excellence and leadership in the field.

• Prof. Manubhai M Shah Memorial Research Award

This award focuses on research excellence, offering Gold Medals and Certificates of Honor for the best papers in designated technical sessions at the AICC. It encourages high-quality research and contributes to the growth of commerce knowledge.

• Prof. Samiuddin Memorial ICA Research Scholar Award

Dedicated to Ph.D. scholars, this award offers five prizes for research papers based on their doctoral work. It is an important recognition for young scholars looking to establish themselves in academia.

Nergy’s Role as the Silver Sponsor

This year marks the 75th edition of the All India Commerce Conference, a monumental milestone in its history. Nergy is honored to be the Silver Sponsor of this event, further solidifying its commitment to enhancing commerce education and supporting academic research.

In the next article, we’ll delve deeper into Nergy’s participation in the coming 75th AICC.