Garden City University (GCU), Bengaluru, hosted the inaugural day of the 76th Annual Conference of the Indian Commerce Association (ICA) on its campus, reaffirming its commitment to fostering national-level academic dialogue in the field of commerce and economics. The conference brought together over 2,500 academicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals from across India. The conference theme, “Emerging World Trade Order: Challenges and Opportunities,” addressed contemporary global transformations including artificial intelligence, digitalisation, sustainability, and shifting trade paradigms, providing a relevant framework for scholarly deliberation.
Addressing the gathering during the inaugural session, Dr. Joseph V. G., Chancellor of Garden City University and Chief Patron of the Conference, contextualised the conference within India’s historical and economic journey. He stated:
“The Indian Commerce Association was initiated in 1947, the same year India attained independence, marking the beginning of the nation’s agricultural, industrial, and educational revolutions. In the present era, while artificial intelligence increasingly influenced daily life and decision-making, economics continued to remain the foundation shaping public policy and national development. Indian economic thought required stronger emphasis, particularly in informing government schemes and development initiatives. At Garden City University, inclusive education remained central through initiatives such as Study First, Pay Next for underprivileged students, along with the development of a new Knowledge Park campus envisioned as a centre for future-focused learning and research.”
Speaking on the role of technology in economics, Shri Atul Bengeri, Chief Guest, highlighted the convergence of institutional legacy, academia, and innovation. He said:
“The Indian Commerce Association, since its inception in 1947, had played a key role in shaping economic thinking in the country. Hosting such a legacy conference at Garden City University reflected the institution’s growing contribution to commerce education and research. In today’s context, artificial intelligence had changed how economies were analysed and policies were framed, but strong economic fundamentals continued to matter. When institutions like ICA and universities like GCU came together, they created the right space to discuss how technology and economics could work together for inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The inaugural session was held in the presence of eminent academicians and industry leaders, with the dais comprising Prof. K. S. Thakur, President of the Indian Commerce Association, Shri Atul Bengeri, Chief Guest, CA Rudramurthy B. V.,Keynote Speaker, Dr. Joseph V. G., Chancellor of Garden City University, Prof. B. D. Kumbar, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Davangere University, Prof. M. Ramachandragowda, Past President, Patron and Former Vice-Chancellor of Rani Channamma University, Belagavi; Prof. Pankaj Choudhary, Principal of BMS College of Commerce and Management and Director of BMS Academy for Professional Courses, along with all office bearers of the Indian Commerce Association.
As the host institution, Garden City University provided a platform for extensive academic engagement through multiple parallel technical sessions. Over 1,500 research papers were presented on themes including digital trade, ethical accounting practices, artificial intelligence in business, data analytics, sustainability, and global value chains. The conference also recognised scholarly excellence through the presentation of several prestigious awards and research fellowships instituted by the Indian Commerce Association.
The inaugural day concluded with strong participation and meaningful academic exchange, reinforcing Garden City University’s role as a hub for higher education, research, and national-level intellectual collaboration.





