IIM Jammu hosts inspiring distinguished lecture by Dr. M. Srinivas

JAMMU: Reaffirming its steadfast commitment towards academic excellence, innovation-driven governance, policy discourse, and nation-building, the Indian Institute of Management Jammu hosted a highly enriching Distinguished Lecture by Dr. M. Srinivas, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, on the contemporary theme “Digital Solutions for Good Governance and Transparency in Medical Institutions” at the Mandapam Auditorium, IIM Jammu on 11^th May 2026.The intellectually stimulating session was presided over by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.

The event was also graced by Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Prof. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Sunil Kant, SM, VSM, Chairperson, MBA (Healthcare) distinguished faculty members, officers, staff, scholars, and students.Theprogramme commenced with a warm and gracious reception by Dr. M. Srinivas, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, followed by an extensive campus tour that showcased IIM Jammu’s rapidly evolving academic ecosystem, state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovation-oriented initiatives, and future-centric institutional vision.

A symbolic plantation drive undertaken by Dr. M. Srinivas, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, reflected the institute’s unwavering dedication towards sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible institutional growth. The inaugural ceremony began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana, signifying the triumph of wisdom, enlightenment, and collective progress, followed by the felicitation of the distinguished guest with a traditional shawl and memento as a mark of profound respect and admiration.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. M. Srinivas shared valuable insights into the digital transformation journey of theAll-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi and its emergence as a model institution contributing towards the vision of Viksit Bharat. He highlighted that AIIMS Delhi caters to nearly one lakh people daily, creating immense opportunities for management interventions, digital governance, and healthcare innovation. He elaborated upon the institution’s expanded vision encompassing Medical Education, Research, Patient Care, and a fourth pillar focused on Good Governance, Transparency, Innovation, and digitalization.

He highlighted several transformative initiatives including “Santusht” for real-time patient feedback and grievance redressal, “TRED” for emergency patient management, “eD Consultations” for improved clinical coordination, “Vishram Sadan” for patient accommodation, and the implementation of a comprehensive paperless e-Office ecosystem. He also discussed AI-enabled systems such as “AIIMS Disha,” real-time public dashboards, online appointment systems, smart laboratories, telemedicine facilities, digital payment systems, and 24x7 patient support services that are redefining healthcare administration and service delivery.

Highlighting the role of technology in academic and research advancement, he spoke about initiatives such as the Skill E-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) Facility, “SARAL,” digital research portals, and the AI-CoE initiative between AIIMS Delhi and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, under which AIIMS Delhi has been designated as a Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Artificial Intelligence. He also elaborated upon “SAHAS” and various digital recruitment reforms aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in governance systems.

Emphasizing the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, digital governance, and real-time data systems in strengthening healthcare institutions, he appreciated the unique MBA (Healthcare) Programme at IIM Jammu in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Jammu and All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jammu for nurturing future-ready healthcare leaders equipped to address emerging healthcare challenges with innovation and strategic vision.In his address, he acknowledged Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu and referred to his earlier professional association with him through their involvement in the committee concerning reforms for AIIMS Delhiand appreciated the visionary leadership and academic excellence being fostered at IIM Jammu. He also acknowledged the contributions of Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Honorary Distinguished Professor, IIM Jammutowards healthcare innovation and institutional transformation.

Highlighting AIIMS Delhi’s pioneering initiatives, he noted that the institution has become the first in India to implement blockchain technology in recruitment processes, setting a benchmark for transparent and innovation-driven governance.He also advocated prospective collaborative initiatives between NITI Aayog and Indian Institute of Management Jammu. He emphasized the significant role IIM Jammu can play in facilitating policy formulation, process optimization, and enhancing patient experience across medical institutions.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu described the occasion as a landmark moment in the transformational journey of IIM Jammu and reflected upon his long-standing professional association with Dr. M. Srinivas through All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi. He lauded Dr. M. Srinivas as a visionary and transformational leader whose remarkable journey as one of the youngest Professors, Deans, Directors, and Members associated with NITI Aayog exemplifies excellence, innovation, and nation-centric leadership. He highlighted the extraordinary evolution of AIIMS Delhi into a globally admired institution through technology integration, transparent governance, and innovation-driven administrative reforms.

Stressing the importance of public-private partnership models and robust institutional support systems in strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem, he noted that the interaction offered valuable insights into the future of healthcare governance and technology-enabled public administration. He also mentionedDr. M. Srinivas’s pioneering efforts towards advancing paperless and citizen-centric governance through e-Office initiatives and underscored the growing significance of the MBA (Healthcare) Programme at IIM Jammu in nurturing future-ready healthcare leaders.

Highlighting IIM Jammu’s expanding role in policy innovation and governance transformation, he emphasized the visionary initiative of the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG), established by the Planning Development & Monitoring Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir through the integration of the State Institute of Transformation, NITI Aayog Government of India, PPP Cell funded by the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India, and Future Ready Governance,  an initiative of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He noted that IIM Jammu serves as the Nodal Knowledge Partner as well as the implementing body steering this transformative initiative aimed at fostering innovation-led governance, evidence-based policymaking, digital transformation, and sustainable development aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu reflected upon the impeccable growth trajectory of NITI Aayog and highlighted its transformative contributions towards education, development, and institutional advancement in India. He shared the remarkable journey of the Indian Institute of Management Jammu, which began with only 47 students and has now expanded to nearly 1300 students, consistently contributing meaningfully towards academic excellence and nation building. He remarked that education forms the strongest foundation for societal progress and noted that the institution is proudly completing a decade of its establishment, paralleling the transformative vision of NITI Aayog.

Addressing the gathering, Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Sunil Kant, Chairperson, MBA Healthcare, IIM Jammuemphasized the growing impact of digital transition in modern governance systems. He highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence integration in administrative functions, patient care digital infrastructure upgradation, and emerging domains operating under the umbrella of cybersecurity. He described Dr. M. Srinivas, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayogas an iconicvisionary leader whose initiatives have significantly transformed healthcare governance and administration.

The intellectually vibrant session included a Q & A session which faculty and students actively participated. The session culminated with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Chairperson, EMBA, IIM Jammu followed by the National Song and National Anthem, leaving the audience inspired with a renewed vision for digital governance, transparent administration, emerging and human centric transformative healthcare leadership in India.