IIM Bodh Gaya welcomed the incoming batch of Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) on the 2nd and 3rd of September, 2022. The institute organized a grand Orientation Programme for its second batch of IPM students. The institute's mission is to expose the students to the world of business in a simulated environment and give them vast, exhilarating experiences and knowledge that will transform them into socially responsible and mindful future leaders.
The institute inducted 146 students, with 40 females and 106 males, for its second batch of IPM. It is a source of immense pride and pleasure for the institute to have a culturally and academically diverse batch of students. The event began with the auspicious lighting of the lamp by Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, and the guests present. It was followed by invoking Lord Ganesh with a dance performance of Ganesh Vandana and singing of the Saraswati Vandana by the students. Dr. Prabhat Ranjan, Chairperson, Admissions Committee, IIM Bodh Gaya, presented the profiles of the new batch of students. Prof. Raveesh Krishnankutty, Chairperson, IPM, IIM Bodh Gaya, took the stage to welcome the new students.
Dr. Sahay warmly welcomed the guests and other dignitaries present on the auspicious occasion. She congratulated the students for making it through JIPMAT and appreciated the efforts that resulted in them being a part of the prestigious institute. She inspired the students by saying, “If not today, then when? If not us, then who?” and advised them to delve into various activities, find their passion for different niches, and excel in them.
Mr. Ratul Mazumder, Vice President Sales, Godrej India, while addressing the students, said, “In a diverse country like India, the possibilities are infinite; that is where your role comes in to turn these possibilities into realities.” He emphasized the significance of entrepreneurship for the nation's development and encouraged the students to look beyond securing placements and to contribute to the nation's growth by exploring various domains.
The first half of the day was wrapped up by Lt. General P S Minhas, Commandant, OTA Gaya, addressing the students. He said, “The heart of leadership is motivation,” and gave the students valuable insights about leadership. He further encouraged them to take pride in themselves and their own country.
The afternoon session hosted Brig. Jayant J Rajguru, General Staff & Training, OTA Gaya. He explained the reality of life in the armed forces and cleared the misconceptions of students regarding the armed forces.
Shri. Keshvendra Kumar, I.A.S, Additional Executive Director, State Health Society, Bihar, while addressing the students, mentioned that maternal health in Bihar had improved overall. He briefly described the services offered by health and wellness centers of Bihar and the major impact they had on maternal health improvement in the state.
Mr. Sukhdeep Singh Pannu, VP- Business Analytics and Insights, BNY Mellon; Mr. Kaleeswaran Arunachalam, CFO, Eicher Motors; Dr. Sarita, State Programme Officer, State Health Society, Bihar; and Dr. Pramod, Maternal Health expert, Care India, were the other eminent guests who addressed the new batch and shared their valuable experiences and insights.
The induction ended with a cultural programme which showcased the talents of the new batch as well as the older batches of students. The programme helped the participants get acquainted with the IPM curriculum, campus infrastructure, interact with the guests and gain valuable knowledge from their insights.
As an extension of the Orientation Programme, IIM Bodh Gaya conducted various outbound activities in collaboration with OTA Gaya on 3rd September, 2022. On the same day, the students paid a visit to the Mahabodhi Temple and got to learn about the life of Lord Buddha. Later, continuing the mutually beneficial outreach programme between the two prestigious institutes of Bihar, OTA Gaya graciously hosted the new batch of IPM students of IIM Bodh Gaya, to conduct activities that were targeted to enhance skills such as team building, group activity planning, strategizing, creativity and leadership. The students also got a chance to interact with the military leaders.