IIM Bodh Gaya Organized Grand Orientation Programme With Diverse Student Cohort

IIM Bodh Gaya, a leading management institute in India, proudly commenced its grand Orientation Programme on July 15th, welcoming a diverse group of students. The event marked the induction of 300 students into the 9th batch of its flagship MBA programme, 99 students into its first MBA-DBM programme, 87 students into the first MBA-HHM programme, and 7 scholars into the Ph.D. programme. Esteemed guests, faculty members, and existing students graced the two-day gala event, which concludes on Sunday.

The MBA Programme witnessed the induction of 300 students, including 78 female students, with an average work experience of 24 months among 156 students. Notably, 52.7% of the batch represents a Non-Engineering background. Similarly, the MBA-DBM Programme welcomed 99 students, including 26 females, with an average work experience of 24 months among 54 students. The MBA-HHM Programme added 87 students to its inaugural batch, including 26 female students, with 19 students having an average work experience of 16 months. Noteworthy is the remarkable diversity beyond Engineering, with 42.7% of the MBA-DBM batch and an impressive 77% of the MBA-HHM batch bringing diverse academic backgrounds.

The student cohort comprises individuals from various disciplines, including Engineering, Geography, History, Political Science, Literature, Economics, Commerce, Accountancy, Public Finance, Management, Banking, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Hotel and Tourism Management, Agriculture, Horticulture, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Law, and Architecture. This diverse composition reflects IIM Bodh Gaya's commitment to academic and gender inclusivity and diversity.

In addition, IIM Bodh Gaya has admitted 7 new Ph.D. scholars, including 3 females, in areas such as Operations Management, Economics, Finance, Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, Strategy, Marketing, and IT.

The Orientation Programme commenced with a captivating performance of Vedic chanting and a Bharatanatyam recital of Ganesh Vandana, setting a vibrant tone for the event. Distinguished speakers took the stage, sharing valuable insights during interactive sessions with the students.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, warmly welcomed the new batch, underscoring the institute's commitment to fostering mindful and socially responsible business leaders. The enlightening sessions by distinguished speakers enriched students' understanding of their academic journey.

Chief guest Mr. Arindam Banerrji, a banking industry veteran and leader of Wells Fargo's operations in India and the Philippines, emphasised the importance of nation-building and future gains. Mr. Avnish Sabharwal, Managing Director of Accenture, highlighted essential qualities for corporate managers, while Mr. Vivek Rastogi, Chief Technology Officer of Fab India, encouraged students to share their best work humbly. Mr. Sameer Ahmed, Chief of the SAP Customer Experience Practice at Infosys, focused on the role of technology in business. Mr. Atul Singh, CEO of Fair Observer, inspired students to embark on a journey of self-discovery.

The afternoon session featured notable guests, including Shri G Asok Kumar, Director-General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti, who highlighted the global significance of water conservation. Mr. Ashish Bharti, IPS Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya, emphasised the role of management in addressing societal needs, while Mr. Thiyagrajan S.M., IAS, District Magistrate, Gaya, shed light on exceptional healthcare initiatives and invited students to study the administration's workings and contribute to their continuous efforts in process improvement.

The first day of the orientation culminated in a captivating cultural event, "Novicia 2.0," showcasing the talents of both existing and new students. Mesmerising dance performances, soul-stirring poetry recitations, and melodious singing left an indelible impression, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.

On the second day of the Orientation Ceremony, Mr. Satyajit Nath, Director of Capgemini, urged the students to take proactive steps in bridging the gap by leveraging new technologies and innovation. He was followed by Mr. Sandipan Sarkar, Distinguished Engineer, Hybrid Cloud Transformation, IBM Consulting, who delved into the pressing need for businesses to seamlessly integrate sustainability practices into their broader digital transformation goals, highlighting the profound impact it can have on long-term success and societal well-being. Mr. Ashish Bansal, Senior Partner at KPMG India, shared his insights on the multifaceted nature of consulting and its transformative impact on businesses and emphasized the invaluable aspect of collaborating with brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds in the consulting field.

Dr. I. P. Singh, Senior Consultant, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, shared with students his profound wisdom derived from a wealth of experience in providing medical services, including his notable contributions during the demanding circumstances of the 1971 war. He enlightened the enthusiastic audience with his invaluable strategies honed through years of expertise in navigating challenging situations and delivering exceptional healthcare outcomes. Mr. Amit Singh, Partner and Head of South and South East Asia Capital Markets at Linklaters LLP, encouraged the students to maintain a humble mindset, acknowledging that there is always room for improvement and growth, fostering the ability to adapt successfully to evolving circumstances. He was followed by Mr. Vibhu Gautam, a renowned International Art of Living teacher, wellness coach, and certified yoga instructor, who emphasized the importance of mindfulness and demonstrated some simple exercises and activities that help students in being present, focused, and attentive.

In the Afternoon session, Prof. Vidyanand Jha, Professor, OB, IIM Calcutta, conducted an engaging session on case study methodologies. With his extensive expertise in Organizational Behaviour, Prof. Jha guided students on various approaches to effectively analyse and solve real-world business cases.

The Orientation Programme moved towards a conclusion, with distinguished faculty members providing students with valuable information about MBA policies. Additionally, various committees presented their activities, offering students insights into the diverse opportunities available during their MBA journey. This informative session ensured that students were well-informed and equipped with the necessary knowledge to make the most of their time at IIM Bodh Gaya.

IIM Bodh Gaya's grand Orientation Programme sets the stage for an inspiring and transformative educational journey, nurturing the next generation of leaders who will shape the business landscape with diverse perspectives and unwavering commitment.