JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu concluded the three-day Leadership Skills for Managers – Trekking-Based Management Development Programme (MDP) for officials of NTPC Limited, a Maharatna Company of the Government of India. The Valedictory Ceremony was held on February 25, 2026, at the Arjuna Classroom, Academic Block, Jagti Campus. The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu.
The valedictory ceremony ceremony was graced by Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu along with program directors, Prof. Mahesh Gadekar and Dr. Naveen Goyal.
The programme, conducted from February 23–25, 2026, in the serene environs of the Lower Himalayas, was thoughtfully designed to integrate experiential learning with adventure-based leadership development, including a trek towards the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The immersive format focused on resilience, team leadership, adaptability, and strategic thinking in dynamic environments.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, in his address, remarked that the three days of training were meaningful and filled with valuable takeaways. He encouraged participants to document their learnings so that good practices could be shared with colleagues and peers within their organizations. Citing practical examples, he emphasized the importance of acknowledging contributions, noting that such habits strengthen leadership character.
He highlighted that while some learnings may not appear immediately relevant, they would certainly prove beneficial in the future. He underlined the need to continuously build many more skill sets in today’s evolving professional landscape. Suggesting lifelong learning pathways, he encouraged participants to consider longer-duration programmes, doctoral studies, or postgraduate educationeven as potential avenues after retirement, particularly for those interested in an academic career.
Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, appreciated the participants’ engagement and stated that it was a pleasure interacting with them. He emphasized that participant feedback is extremely important for the Institute, as IIM Jammu continuously strives to improve and innovate its programmes. He described such training programs are a two-way learning process, where participant insights enrich classroom discussions and contribute to institutional learning. He remarked that in many ways, engaged participants become “Gurus” for the faculty as well, through their experiences and reflections.
Presenting the programme report, Prof. Mahesh Gadekar, Program Director, IIM Jammu highlighted the key learnings from the three-day intensive engagement, particularly emphasizing resilience in leadership. He noted that as participants grow within their organizations and lead larger teams, the ability to remain resilient and adaptive becomes critical. He shared that the programme was carefully conceptualized to blend classroom sessions with experiential outdoor learning. He encouraged participants to view the journey as the beginning of continued learning and invited them to remain connected with IIM Jammu for future academic and executive engagements.
During the reflection session, participants expressed that the programme was excellent in its design and delivery. They appreciated the case-based teaching methodology, the insightful classroom sessions, and the transformative experience of the Vaishno Devi trek. Participants noted that the programme provided an opportunity not only to learn but also to pause and reflect. They also appreciated the overall arrangements and facilities, describing the experience as top-notch.
The Valedictory Ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants. Dr. Naveen Goyal, Program Director, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the leadership of IIM Jammu, the faculty members, organizing team, and participants for their enthusiastic involvement and commitment to learning. The ceremony ended with the National Anthem.The completion of this innovative trekking-based MDP once again underscores IIM Jammu’s commitment to experiential, industry-relevant, and future-oriented leadership development aligned with the vision of building resilient and responsible managers for a Viksit Bharat. The training program was coordinated by IIM Jammu Executive Education and Consultancy.


