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- 11th Batch of EFPM and 1st Batch of EFPMG commence online
- 22 participants join the programme virtually
The inauguration of the first batch of Executive Fellow Programme in Management and Governance (EFPMG) and the 11th batch of the Executive Fellow Programme in Management (EFPM) was held at IIM Indore in online mode on July 23, 2021. The inauguration took place in the presence of Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore and Chief Guest Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Harvard University, Former Director, LBSNAA. Prof. Philip Zerillo, Ex-Kellogg Business School, Emory University, and Indian School of Business; and Dr. Alok Pande, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Government of India were the Guests of Honour for the event. Prof. Abhishek Mishra, Chair, FPM; Prof. Pritam Ranjan, Dean-Research; Prof. Sanjeev Tripathi, Faculty & Former Chair-FPM and Prof. Ajit Phadnis, Faculty, IIM Indore were also present during the occasion.
Prof. Rai in his welcome address shared the importance of vision, imagination, passion and perseverance. He noted that IIM Indore stands firm at its mission to remain contextually relevant and ensures providing world class academics. These two programmes help the participants boost their skills in a way that they are socially conscious and are able to contribute to the society with their research. ‘During these pandemic times, the amount of work that needs to be done by administrators is mind-boggling. Make sure you try to select a research topic by recognizing problems in the society; and resolve it in a way that your knowledge contributes to the welfare of the society and in nation building’, he advised the new batch. He encouraged the participants to be passionate about the research, add integrity to the study, enjoy the research and make sure that it creates a positive impact on others’ lives. ‘Its not just about hard work. You also need to have perseverance to attain success’, he concluded.
Dr. Sanjeev Chopra shared insights on the importance of a work-life balance. ‘Life is meant to be enjoyed and shouldn’t be a continual struggle. Make sure you relish your research as well. It’s all about structurization and building a connection between what you like and what you do’, he said. The work-culture in organizations is changing. One needs to not only have knowledge, but also have the skills to implement that knowledge which is contextually relevant for all the situations. ‘Research, art, science, theory and practical—all are connected. Try to merge them all together, and you will be able to learn and gain knowledge’, he said.
Prof. Philip Zerillo noted that its time everyone starts speaking the language of business—that’s what management institutions are for. ‘Follow your heart. Be passionate. Manage your time, for there’s no substitute for time if you lose some. Don’t take shortcuts and make sure your ideas are original. Make friends and make yourself useful and relevant to the groups you interact with’, he said. He encouraged the participants to be positive and understand that it’s not what knowledge does for a person, but what the knowledge gained by a person does for the society.
Dr. Alok Pandey encouraged the participants to pick a research topic by identifying the problems faced by the society, and then resolve the issue. ‘Your research should be useful to others. Make sure you don’t get lost and lose track of your research’, he said. He mentioned that PhD helps a person study what he or she is really interested in. ‘Remember, choose a topic which interests you and which encourages you to contribute to the betterment of the society’, he said.
The event was attended by 22 participants from the new batches of both the programmes.