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The induction programme of the 20th Batch of Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP 2017-19) commenced at IIM Indore on July 1, 2017. The two day event aims to motivate and inspire the PGP participants to outshine in their career choices and become acquainted with the Institute. The inauguration was graced by Mr. Rajeev Chopra, CEO, iBahn Illumination Private Limited; Professor Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director, IIM Indore and Professor Shubhamoy Dey, Chair, PGP.
Professor Krishnan in his welcome address mentioned about the student achievers of the Institute who won various national and international level competitions. ‘Our students have been performing extremely well not only in academics; but also in various extra-curricular activities—as we have one of the most relevant and contemporary PGP programme, taught by 99 excellent faculty members. The curriculum not only is been revised on a regular basis, but also includes various courses like Industry Interface Programme, Rural Immersion Programme and Himalaya Outbound Programme to enhance the students’ skills and develop him/her as a managerial leader as well’, he said.
This was followed by the Commencement Address by Mr. Rajeev Chopra. Mr. Chopra spoke on the topic—‘Succeeding in the Corporate World’. He began his talk congratulating the participants for making it to IIM Indore; and advised them that this is just 25 percent while climbing the ladder of success. ‘Getting admission into a top-notch business school makes just 25 percent of the hard-work required to achieve success. The rest depends on how much you learn from the Institute and how well you perform in the industry’, he said. Discussing about how success may have different meanings for different individuals, Mr. Chopra advised the students to discover ‘their kind of success’ and create their own definition of what success is. ‘While choosing your career, the best option is the mix of head and heart—doing what you are good at and doing what you actually want to do. Learn to be functionally proficient, develop teamwork spirit, acquire interpersonal skills, try to listen to what your sub-ordinates say and learn negotiation. This would help you be a successful person’, he noted.
Mr. Chopra concluded his talk encouraging the participants to develop precise communication skills and indulge in strong networking as well, as all the successful executives are good networkers and this strengthens their bonding with their employees too.
The second half of the day witnessed an interactive and inspirational talk by Mr. Rahul Jagannathan ( who is an IIM Indore alum—PGP 2011-13), Senior Manager (Sales and Marketing), Urban Ladder. His talk revolved around the tips to be successful, what he learnt from IIM Indore and how it influenced his life and decisions. He advised the participants to remain curious and ask questions—question the conventional methods, traditional ideas and ask why a particular thing is been done a particular way and why not a new way can be adopted. ‘Successful people like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs and Henry Ford always questioned the traditional methods, had innovative approach and worked for bringing change in the society’, he said.
Encouraging the participants to leave the past baggage and ego behind and face every problem with the curiosity of a child, Mr. Jagannathan advised the students to learn valuing and making genuine relationships. ‘Management is all around you, focus on your passion, apply your learnings to every situation and build a platform to make this world a better place’, he concluded.
The day came to an end with briefing by the PGP Chair, Hostel Chair and Faculty-Student interaction.
The second day began with the special commencement address by Mr. Neelkanth Mishra, Managing Director and India Credit Analyst, Credit Suisse. He gave an enlightening presentation on the topic—‘India Marketing Strategy—House Under Renovation’. Mr. Mishra began his presentation discussing about India—a home for 1/6th of the humanity. He then discussed various topics like significant diversity with respect to demographics which included fertility rates, education, childcare, infant/maternal mortality rates, etc. Discussing about the employment rate, Mr. Mishra also mentioned the various sectors where the state and the central government have their expenditures. Mr. Mishra then discussed about the issues like low wages and employability rates in various sectors like education, agriculture and construction. ‘Rural wage growth is languishing and real wage growth has been negative since the year 2014. If a decline in real estate prices slows down construction, as appears likely, nearly 80% of construction jobs could be affected’, he noted. He also discussed about Formal Banking System, Rising Land Prices, etc. The talk concluded with a Q&A session.
The next address was by Ms. Meera Shenoy, Founder, Youth4Jobs. She discussed about various challenges faced by especially-abled youth and how her organization works for the welfare of the latter. She began her talk discussing about the challenges faced by especially-abled youth and how it affects their life. ‘Less than 1% companies hire persons with disabilities today and are not aware of this untapped talent pool yet’, she said. She then discussed about her company and its initiatives. The talk concluded with a Q&A session.
The day also witnessed briefings on Plagiarism, Gender Sensitivity and Government of India directive on ‘Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging’. The students were also given details about the facilities and systems of the Institute including Library, IT, Safety, Security and Hostel.
The two day Induction Programme, apart from helping the new batch get accustomed to the Institute, course curriculum and the faculty, provided them encouragement and motivation to focus on their studies, learn as much as possible both practically and theoretically and enhance their talents and skills for a successful future, to help them emerge as young efficient leaders.