Dr S Somanath Inspires Graduates with Lessons on Passion, Innovation, and Integrity at IIMA Convo

IIMA 60th Convocation: IIM Ahmedabad Hosts its 60th Convocation Ceremony at Louis Kahn Plaza

Major Announcements:
IIMA to set up an international campus in Dubai, launching its first program in September 2025.

Establishment of ‘Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning’, backed by alumnus  Madan Mohanka.

Inspirational Quotes:
🔹 Dr S. Somanath (Chief Guest, former ISRO Chairman)

“You must have Passion, Commitment, Excellence, Determination, Focus, and Learnability. Above all, have Humility, Honesty, and Integrity.”

“Innovation requires curiosity, resilience, and hunger for answers. Failures should strengthen your resolve to achieve greater heights.”

“India is on the cusp of a technological revolution—your responsibility is to shape the future through innovation and problem-solving.”

🔹 Pankaj Patel (Chairperson, IIMA Board of Governors)

“Your ability to adapt, embrace change, and learn new skills will be your biggest strength in today’s evolving business world.”

“As business leaders, ensure your strategies are inclusive and create opportunities for those at the bottom of the pyramid.”

🔹 Professor Bharat Bhasker (Director, IIMA)

“The degree you receive today is just a foundation—lead with integrity, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in the world.”

BILKULONLINE

Ahmedabad, March 30: The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) celebrated its 60th Convocation ceremony at the prestigious Louis Kahn Plaza. The event was graced by Dr S Somanath, Dr Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Professor and former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), who attended as the Chief Guest.

The convocation was also attended by  Pankaj Patel, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMA; Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA; members of the Board of Governors; faculty members; graduating students; their family members; and esteemed alumni of the institution.

Procession and Formal Opening

The convocation procession was led by Professor Diptesh Ghosh, Dean (Programmes), along with Professor Sandip Chakrabarti, Chairperson of the Doctoral Programme in Management. The procession included the Chairpersons of all academic programmes, faculty members, and graduating students. The ceremony officially commenced with Mr Pankaj Patel, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMA, declaring the convocation open.

Degrees Conferred to 630 Graduates

This year’s convocation was a proud moment for 630 young leaders as they were formally awarded their degrees across four key programmes of IIMA. The graduating batch included:

• 22 scholars from the Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD)
• 405 students from the two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA-PGP)
• 45 students from the two-year Post Graduate Programme in Food and Agri-business Management (MBA-FABM)
• 158 students from the one-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (MBA-PGPX)

Friends, family members, and alumni of IIMA gathered to celebrate this significant achievement.

Recognition of Academic Excellence
Five outstanding students received gold medals from the Chief Guest, Dr S Somanath, in recognition of their exceptional academic performance. The awardees were:

• Abhi Bansal, Ishaan Jain, and Aanchal Chadha (MBA-PGP)
• Yogesh Kumar R (MBA-FABM)
• Aashruth Rangarajan (MBA-PGPX)

Address by Pankaj Patel, Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIMA

Delivering the welcome address, Pankaj Patel emphasised the importance of adaptability in the rapidly evolving business environment. He highlighted the need for professionals to embrace lifelong learning and technological advancements.

“With rapid technological advancements and data-driven decision-making, businesses are constantly evolving. There is an increased demand for business professionals who can keep up with the latest trends. Your ability to adapt to situations, embrace change, and learn new skills will be your biggest strength and will set you apart in the crowd,” he said.

He further encouraged students to contribute towards making Viksit Bharat 2047 a reality. “In just over two decades, India will enter its 100th year of independence. We will be making Viksit Bharat 2047 a reality. India needs your energy, optimism, and imagination. Each one of you who are stepping out today will be creators of this new India,” he remarked.

Convocation Address by Dr S Somanath, Chief Guest

Delivering an inspiring convocation address, Dr S Somanath highlighted the essential attributes that define success at both personal and professional levels. He urged students to cultivate the following qualities:

• Passion: Be completely dedicated to what you do.
• Commitment: Lead from the front, even in adverse conditions.
• Excellence: Set high standards of professional integrity and performance.
• Determination: Accept failures but never lose the spirit to persevere.
• Focus: See the big picture and avoid distractions.
• Learnability: Be a student throughout life.
• Humility, Honesty, and Integrity: These values will guide long-term success.

Dr Somanath also encouraged students to develop a spirit of innovation and take risks in their careers. He shared insights from ISRO’s journey, emphasizing how resilience and perseverance in the face of failures led to groundbreaking achievements. “India is now at the cusp of a technological and scientific revolution. The future holds immense possibilities in space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. The responsibility to shape that future lies in your hands,” he said.

Key Announcements by Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA

In his concluding address, Professor Bharat Bhasker shared the Institute’s major milestones over the past year. He made two significant announcements:

IIMA’s First International Campus in Dubai – IIMA will become the first Indian Institute of Management to establish an international presence. The Dubai campus is set to launch its first programme in September 2025.

Madan Mohanka Centre of Excellence in Case Method of Learning – The institute will establish a new Centre of Excellence, backed by IIMA alumnus and industrialist Mr Madan Mohanka (PGP 1967). The Centre aims to advance case-based learning methodologies.

Motivation for Graduating Students

Professor Bhasker encouraged the graduating students to uphold integrity and strive for excellence. “The degree you have received today is a foundation, built on knowledge, skills, and the invaluable connections you have forged here. The challenges ahead will be complex, the competition fierce, but within each of you lies the potential to innovate, to lead with integrity, and to make a meaningful impact,” he stated.

A Special Moment: Presence of First-Batch Alumni

Adding to the grandeur of the ceremony, alumni from IIMA’s very first graduating batch of 1966 attended the convocation, reflecting on the Institute’s remarkable legacy over the decades.

The 60th Convocation of IIMA was a momentous occasion celebrating academic excellence, visionary leadership, and the future of business and innovation. As the graduates embark on their new journeys, they carry with them the legacy of IIMA and the responsibility to shape a progressive and innovative future for India and beyond.

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