IIM Bodh Gaya Welcomes Its First IPM Batch Through A Virtual Inauguration Program

Situated in Bodh Gaya, internationally renowned for its immense religious and cultural significance, the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya is also known as The Enlightening IIM. In its journey of imparting quality education in the field of management, IIM Bodh Gaya has added another feather to its cap. The Institute has introduced a five-year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) for the Class XII pass outs. IIM Bodh Gaya has always valued and promoted diversity and inclusion in every aspect. Hence, unlike the other IIMs, the IPM programme offered at IIM Bodh Gaya is open to students from varied domains, including liberal arts. 

The Institute welcomed its inaugural IPM batch for the academic year 2021, on 5th October 2021. With an early induction to the programme and a rigorous curriculum, the institute aims to prepare the candidates from a foundation level to take up leadership positions in corporate & government organizations. The IPM programme is intended to give students a global perspective towards management practices. It offers a holistic curriculum of experiential learning and international immersion. It also enables the students to demonstrate problem-solving skills supported by appropriate analytical techniques and to use ethical and socially conscious judgement while analysing business situations. 

The institute inducted a total of 72 students, with 21 females and 51 males for its first batch of IPM. It is a matter of great pride and pleasure for the institution to have such a culturally and academically diverse batch of students and also a boon when the diverse mindsets grow and contribute to the alma mater and the society together. The induction programme aimed at familiarizing the students with the Institute, curriculum and the faculty and facilities. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Subhas Sarkar, Minister of State for Education, Govt. of India. Dr.Vinita Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya and Dr. Raveesh Krishnankutty, Chairperson, IPM, were also present during the occasion.

The event began with the auspicious lighting of the lamp ceremony and Saraswati Vandana. Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya extended a warm welcome to the Guest of Honour and other dignitaries present on the auspicious occasion. She went on to speak about the greater responsibility that the institute and students have towards each other and how as one of the stellar brands in the realm of higher education IIMs are living up to its name. The Director took up this opportunity to congratulate the students on clearing the JIPMAT test, India's only meritocracy based test across the length and breadth of the country. She also told the parents that the Institute takes great pride and joy to groom their most valuable possession, to become the future of this country. Later, Dr. Sahay addressed the Honourable Minister and assured him that as academicians the Institute and its staff take responsibility to transfer the young minds to a better workforce and live up to the trust that the ministry has bestowed upon them. Further, Mr. Sandeep Ghose, Ex-Director NISM, BOG member IIM Bodh Gaya addressed the gathering.  He said that learning is a constant process and asked the students to make every effort to acquire new skills and deliver to the expectations of the people. He also shared his concern about the inappropriate use of social media with the students. He wrapped up by marking the date as a Red-letter day for the faculty and institute.  

The stage was then taken over by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Subhas Sarkar, Minister of State for Education, Govt. of India. He enlightened the audience with his words of wisdom on the National Education Policy and how it is formulated to benefit students from different socio-economic cultures. He said, following the contemporary learning of the gurukul system through mental churning and experience, the education system today has taken up a more multifaceted and integrated approach towards learning. He praised the institute curriculum that takes into view the physical and mental needs of the students and how it empowers the future workforce without any separation between the different streams of education. He concluded by saying that people are shaped by their thoughts and they are the fruit of their thoughts. Later in the event, Prof. Prabhat Ranjan, Chairperson, Admissions Committee, showcased the batch profile followed by Dr. Raveesh Krishnankutty, Chairperson, IPM, who gave an overview of the curriculum and the structure of the programme. The first half of the day was wrapped up by Mr. Sai Prasad K, CFO Pan Apps Inc, Virginia & VP Finance Assyst International addressing the batch on the importance of life-long learning. He went on to talk about collectivity and synergy which leads to participation in management.

The afternoon session hosted Mr. Milind M Shahane, CEO TATA Class Edge. He explained how management training at its core is all about knowing the system and working out the solution. Mr. Shahane also highlighted how a solution can be derived from the combination of theoretical knowledge with practical science. Later, Dr. Shashi Kant, Associate Director Flipkart, spoke about the importance of good guidance in a person’s life. He asked the students to believe in themselves and to let go of all the self doubts. He concluded his session with an inspiring video on ‘Never stop trying, Never stop believing.’

The event was taken forward by Ms. Rachna D, Marketing Head, Sp Business; Channel Sales & Strategic Alliance, Cisco explained how marketing as a domain has changed how businesses are done and highlighted her major learnings throughout her career journey. She was followed by Ms. Naushaba Khan, Associate Vice President, HSBC who highlighted the importance of an open mindset when operating in diverse work environments. The first day of the induction came to an end with an inspiring session by Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Dy. Director General, Dept. of Telecom, Govt. of India. He emphasized on the practical application of the theory taught in classes and how a student can incorporate them in their daily lives.