Delhi, 15th July 2025: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu commenced its five-day Holistic Orientation Programme with a grand inaugural ceremony on 14th July 2025 at its picturesque Jagti campus. The event marked the formal induction of the 6th Batch of Ph.D., 4th Batch of Ph.D. (Working Professionals), 10th Batch of MBA, 4th Batch of MBA in Healthcare Management, and the 5th Batch of Executive MBA (EMBA) into the vibrant academic community of IIM Jammu.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Government of India, who attended as the Chief Guest. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director of IIM Jammu, presided over the event and extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and the incoming cohorts. A special message from Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, was read by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research.
Other distinguished guests included Shri Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K, Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Director, AIIMS Jammu; Bank; Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu; Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu; and Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Chairperson Admissions, IIM Jammu. Their presence added great value and perspective to the inaugural proceedings.
A major highlight of the day was the inauguration of the newly constructed hostel complex by the Chief Guest. The complex includes four modern hostels—Krishna, Sindhu, Narmada, and Yamuna—each equipped with 172 rooms, collectively offering 688 rooms in total. This development underscores IIM Jammu’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and a nurturing environment for its students. In line with the institute’s sustainability goals, Chief Guest, Dr. Jitendra Singh also planted a Rudraksh sapling near the hostel premises as part of a symbolic plantation ceremony.
The day’s proceedings continued with the formal inauguration of the Orientation Programme, which commenced with a symbolic lamp lighting ceremony and Saraswati Vandana, invoking the spirit of knowledge and learning.
The inaugural programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana, invoking the blessings of knowledge and wisdom.
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In his address, Chief Guest, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Govt of India congratulated Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu the faculty and staff for IIM Jammu’s impressive evolution into one of the fastest-growing IIMs in the country. He praised the institute’s inclusive and innovation-driven approach, calling it a model of national importance. Emphasizing the significance of youth in shaping a knowledge-driven India, he encouraged the students to actively contribute to the nation’s transformation under the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 as put forward by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. “This time is yours,” he remarked, inspiring students to stay rooted in values while embracing vision, versatility, and purpose. He also engaged directly with the students through an interactive Q&A session, addressing their queries, sharing insights from his experience, and encouraging them to think critically and make the most of their academic journey at IIM Jammu.
A message from Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, read by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu positioned the Orientation Programme as a pivotal beginning—an opportunity for students to engage with the institute’s ethos, connect with mentors and peers, and chart a meaningful academic journey. Dr. Kamble praised IIM Jammu’s swift ascent, including its attainment of dual international accreditations (BGA and EFMD) within a year, making it one of only five IIMs nationwide to achieve this unique distinction. He urged students to lead with curiosity, integrity, and compassion, stating, “Leadership is not just about leading—it is about learning, contributing to society, and growing with others.”He concluded with a call to action, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, extended a heartfelt welcome to all dignitaries and students. He shared the institute’s vision for inclusive growth and highlighted key initiatives such as the Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Skill Development (CEISD), Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG), the Centre for Small Business Development Units, and the Centre of Happiness. He also spoke about India’s growing global footprint, noting the country’s projected rise as the third-largest economy, and encouraged students to take advantage of the world-class opportunities available at IIM Jammu. He also highlighted IIM Jammu’s exceptional achievement of securing two prestigious international accreditations—BGA Institutional Accreditation and EFMD Programme Accreditation for its MBA programme within a single year. This places IIM Jammu among the top five IIMs nationwide, and the only second- and third-generation IIM to attain both, marking a significant milestone in the Institute’s rapid ascent on the global higher education map.
Shri Amitava Chatterjee, MD and CEO, J&K Bank, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the incoming batch, applauding their decision to join one of India’s youngest yet fastest-growing IIMs — IIM Jammu. In his address, he emphasized the essence of adaptive leadership, urging students to know when to pause, when to step in, and when to move forward. He shared that true leadership lies in taking calculated risks, especially during challenging times, and that success is driven not just by competence and hard work, but by unwavering passion.
Guest of Honor, Shri Amitava Chatterjee, MD and CEO, J&K Bank, congratulated the incoming cohort and commended their decision to join one of India’s youngest yet most dynamic IIMs. He emphasized the importance of adaptive leadership and risk-taking in times of change, stressing that success stems not only from competence but from unwavering passion and the courage to act.
Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Director, AIIMS Jammu, spoke about the unique MBA (Healthcare) program offered in collaboration with IIM Jammu and IIT Jammu. He highlighted the rapid digitization of healthcare under the Digital India Mission and noted that AIIMS Jammu is on track to become a fully paperless institution. He also spoke about the introduction of a robotic laboratory, demonstrating AIIMS Jammu’s commitment to integrating technology and innovation into medical education and services.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, emphasized the importance of co-creating knowledge, adopting diverse teaching methodologies, and fostering an environment that prepares students to become innovative and responsible leaders of tomorrow.
Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, described the journey ahead as transformative and exciting. He encouraged students to embrace academic rigor, stay curious, and fully immerse themselves in the opportunities available to them.
Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Chairperson Admissions, IIM Jammu presented an overview of the incoming student profiles and urged students to make the most of their time at IIM Jammu.
The inaugural ceremony culminated with the national anthem and vote of thanks by Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson, Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Skill Development and Chairperson, Srinagar Campus, IIM Jammu. Dr. Parvathy B., faculty at IIM Jammu, served as the Master of the Ceremony, seamlessly anchoring the inaugural event with grace and professionalism.
Shri Venkatadri R. Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Chemicals Ltd highlighted India’s rapid transformation across sectors such as green energy, digital infrastructure, fintech, and tourism, noting how emerging disruptions are reshaping the business landscape. He emphasized the importance of case studies in sharpening strategic thinking and encouraged students to challenge assumptions as they prepare to become future leaders.
Shri Piyush Jain, CMO and CDO, Agilus Diagnostic emphasized that curiosity, adaptability, and the willingness to explore unconventional paths are key to sustained professional growth. He encouraged students to embrace diverse experiences, noting that some of the most rewarding journeys begin outside traditional boundaries.
The day began with an energizing session titled Maximize Happiness and Mindfulness, conducted by renowned yoga guru Shri Sahil Mehra under the aegis of Anandam – The Center of Happiness. The session focused on cultivating inner peace and emotional well- being among students. Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam and Media & Publication Division, along with Brigadier Neeraj Soni (Retd.), Co-Chairperson, welcomed participants and set the tone for the day’s engagements.
A self-introduction session followed, allowing faculty members and new students to connect in an open and welcoming environment. Prof. Nitin Upadhyay introduced the academic ethos of IIM Jammu with a session on “Academic Rigor and Code of Conduct,” followed by an overview of academic regulations and the student handbook presented by Shri Arup Bhattacharya, Administrative Officer – Academics.
In the evening, students attended a session on the 4-Tier Mentor-Mentee Program conducted by Brig. Neeraj Soni and Dr. Kamakshi Sharma, followed by refreshments, a cultural performance by artists from JKAACL, and the Director’s Dinner hosted by Prof. B.S. Sahay.
Day One of the Orientation Programme concluded on a vibrant note, blending tradition with innovation, introspection with celebration. The programme will continue until 18th July 2025, featuring leadership talks, academic briefings, industry sessions, alumni interactions, and immersive learning experiences designed to prepare students for a fulfilling academic journey ahead
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