IIM Jammu concludes ten-year celebrations with call for greater excellence, innovation, and national impact

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu concluded its day-long IIM Jammu @ 10 celebrations with a grand Valedictory Ceremony, marking a decade of excellence, innovation, institution-building and meaningful societal impact. The valedictory session brought together distinguished dignitaries, members of the Board of Governors, faculty, officers and staff, alumni, students and institutional partners.

The programme commenced with the National Song and National Anthem, followed by the felicitation of distinguished guests. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Shri Kavinder Gupta, Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh in presence of Guest of Honor, Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman, Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), UTs of J&K and Ladakh. The valedictory was presided over by Padma Shri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu in presence of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. Prof. Vinita Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya also graced the valedictory ceremony.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Shakti Gupta, Honorary Distinguished Professor, IIM Jammu; Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, Shri Bhupinder Singh Kang, CAO, IIM Jammu along with faculty, officers, staff, students at the Institute.

Shri Kavinder Gupta, Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, in his valedictory address, congratulated IIM Jammu on completing ten years and commended its transformation from a modest beginning with 47 students into a growing institution with a permanent campus, diverse academic programmes, international partnerships, accreditations and a strong research ecosystem. He appreciated the leadership of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and the collective contribution of the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, students and alumni in shaping the Institute’s journey.

He highlighted initiatives such as Ānandam, the Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, CITaG and the Institute’s cultural engagements through Bandhan and Basohli and International painting, noting their contribution to responsible, inclusive and regionally connected management education. Looking ahead, he urged IIM Jammu to deepen its engagement with Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and the wider Himalayan region, strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship and governance, and prepare future leaders with technological competence, ethical judgement, empathy and social responsibility. Connecting the Institute’s next decade with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, he emphasised that IIM Jammu’s first decade has laid a strong foundation, while its second decade should focus on greater academic distinction, deeper societal impact and a distinctive global identity rooted in Indian values.

The Guest of Honour, Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, addressed the gathering at the Valedictory Ceremony of IIM Jammu @ 10 and appreciated the Institute’s significant contribution to education, youth development and the socio-economic progress of Jammu & Kashmir.Reflecting on IIM Jammu’s decade-long journey, Shri Sharma commended the Institute for emerging as an important centre of excellence in management education and for creating opportunities for the youth of the region to access quality education, develop professional capabilities and aspire for leadership roles across sectors.He emphasised that educational institutions have a responsibility that extends beyond imparting knowledge.

They play a vital role in shaping character, strengthening values, nurturing leadership and preparing young people to become capable, ethical and responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. He highlighted the importance of empowering the youth with contemporary knowledge, skills, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset so that they can become not only job seekers but also job creators and agents of socio-economic transformation. He underscored the need for institutions such as IIM Jammu to remain closely connected with the aspirations and developmental needs of Jammu & Kashmir and to contribute towards unlocking the region’s immense human and economic potential.He further appreciated IIM Jammu’s growing engagement with industry, academia and the wider community, observing that such collaborations can create stronger pathways for knowledge exchange, employment, entrepreneurship and inclusive development.

As IIM Jammu enters its second decade, he expressed confidence that the Institute would continue to strengthen its academic excellence, expand its societal impact and play an increasingly significant role in empowering youth, fostering innovation and contributing to the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.He congratulated the entire IIM Jammu community on completing ten years and extended his best wishes for an even more impactful journey in the years ahead.

At the IIM Jammu @ 10 Valedictory Ceremony, Shri Raj Kumar Chaudhary Ji, Chairman, JERC, UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, reflected on IIM Jammu’s inspiring decade-long journeyfrom its beginnings with 47 students to emerging as a nationally respected institution of academic rigour, innovation, industry engagement and excellence.He highlighted the collective contribution of the leadership, faculty, students, alumni and every stakeholder in shaping IIM Jammu into an institution that transforms aspirations into reality. Emphasising the Institute’s deep connection with the aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir, he called upon IIM Jammu to continue fostering innovation, pursuing excellence and advancing the cause of nation-building.Looking ahead, he envisioned IIM Jammu’s next decade as one marked by greater academic distinction, impactful research, transformative leadership and global recognition, with the Institute continuing to create prosperity, value and lasting impact for society and the nation.

Delivering the Presidential Address at the Valedictory Ceremony of IIM Jammu @ 10, Padma Shri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, reflected on the Institute’s remarkable first decade and the greater responsibility that comes with shaping its next.Congratulating IIM Jammu on completing ten years, he appreciated the dedicated efforts of Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and the entire Institute community whose commitment and collective endeavour have laid a strong foundation for the journey ahead.Looking towards the second decade, he emphasised that the objective must go beyond institutional growth to building an institution capable of contributing meaningfully to the transformation India needs.

Observing that technology and Artificial Intelligence are rapidly reshaping the world, he underlined that the most consequential decisions will continue to rest with human beings.“Progress cannot be measured by productivity alone; its true measure lies in its ability to improve human lives. Management education must therefore nurture leaders who combine competence with compassion, and innovation with responsibility,” Dr. Kamble said.He envisioned IIM Jammu as a bridge between aspirations and opportunities, urging the Institute to continually reflect on whether it is nurturing the values, ethics and capabilities required to prepare responsible citizens and leaders for a lifetime of change.Expressing gratitude to IIM Jammu’s industry and international partners, accreditation partners, faculty, staff, students and alumni, Dr. Kamble called upon all stakeholders to share their experiences, remain engaged and become active partners in shaping the Institute’s future.Concluding his address, Dr. Kamble offered a timeless message for the AI era: “Knowledge may become outdated rapidly, but integrity, courage, curiosity and compassion will always remain enduring qualities that institutions must protect and nurture.”

The Valedictory Ceremony of IIM Jammu @ 10 commenced with the Welcome Address by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, in the gracious presence of Shri Kavinder Gupta, Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh and Chief Guest; Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament and Guest of Honour; Padma Shri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu; esteemed Board members; and distinguished speakers from government and industry.Welcoming the distinguished guests, he expressed gratitude for the guidance, support and collective contributions that have shaped IIM Jammu’s remarkable journey over the past decade.Reflecting on the significance of completing ten years, Prof. Sahay described the milestone as an opportunity to look back with gratitude, celebrate achievements, recognise contributions and, more importantly, reflect on the direction the Institute must take in the years ahead.

Highlighting the Institute’s strategic location in the Himalayan region, he identified significant opportunities in entrepreneurship, sustainable tourism, agriculture and horticulture, renewable energy, local enterprise, leadership development and capacity building across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.Emphasising that institutions are built through collective endeavour, he acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Government of India, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, Board members, faculty, staff, students, alumni, industry and international partners, as well as the people of the region who have embraced IIM Jammu and given it a home.

He noted that the recognitions and awards presented during the Valedictory Ceremony reflected the same spirit of gratitude, honouring individuals and stakeholders whose contributions have strengthened the Institute’s growth and development.“Ten years is not merely a milestone to celebrate; it is a moment to reflect on the foundation we have built and the responsibility that comes with carrying it forward. The first decade was about building the foundation. The next decade must be about expanding IIM Jammu’s reach, deepening its impact and creating an institution whose contribution is felt far beyond its campus,” Prof. Sahay said.

As IIM Jammu @ 10 marks the completion of its first decade, Prof. Sahay’s address captured the essence of the celebrations—gratitude for a journey shaped by collective effort and renewed ambition to build an institution of greater reach, deeper impact and enduring national and global relevance.

A Distinguished Service Award ceremony was also held to recognise the valuable contributions of Industry Partners, International Partners, Faculty, Staff and Alumni who have contributed to the growth and development of IIM Jammu during its first decade.

The ceremony concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Faculty, IIM Jammu, followed by the National Song and National Anthem.Post the Valedictory Ceremony, the evening featured “Colours of Jammu & Kashmir,” a special cultural presentation by Padma Shri Balwant Thakur Ji, celebrating the rich cultural heritage, traditions and artistic diversity of the region. The cultural programme was followed by dinner.

The Valedictory Ceremony brought the IIM Jammu @ 10 celebrations to a fitting conclusion, reaffirming the Institute’s resolve to build on the strong foundations of its first decade and move confidently towards its next chapter of global excellence, innovation, inclusive growth and meaningful impact in Jammu & Kashmir and the nation.