IIM Jammu’s BANDHAN 2.0 connects 450 students with local Dogra families in a unique cultural immersion initiative

JAMMU: Taking management education beyond classrooms and bringing students closer to the cultural roots of the region, the Indian Institute of Management Jammu organized BANDHAN 2.0, its unique and first-of-its-kind cultural immersion initiative, across Jammu on 14–15 November 2026. Built around the spirit of 'Bond with Jammu', the initiative brought together IIM Jammu 450 students and 140 local Dogra families on two days, fostering meaningful connections through shared experiences, traditions, values and stories.

A pioneering social outreach initiative of IIM Jammu, BANDHAN 2.0 aims to transform society into a living classroom by providing students with an immersive understanding of Jammu's rich cultural heritage, local wisdom, community life and social values. As part of the programme, groups of 450 students were hosted by 140 local Dogra families, offering them an opportunity to experience the warmth of Dogra hospitality and gain first-hand exposure to the region's traditions, customs, cuisine and everyday life. The initiative enabled students not merely to learn about a culture but to experience it by becoming a part of local households and communities. Students had the unique opportunity to witness and participate in the royal wedding celebrations hosted by the family at the revered Raghunath Ji Temple, experiencing the grandeur of Jammu’s rich cultural traditions and heritage.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, described BANDHAN 2.0 as a soulful bridge between IIM Jammu students and the people of Jammu, emphasizing that its significance goes beyond cultural exchange to nurturing empathy, social sensitivity and a deeper understanding of society. He observed that IIM Jammu represents a Mini India with a Global Vision, firmly rooted in the cultural ethos of Jammu and committed to the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

He highlighted that education must extend beyond textbooks and classrooms, as true leadership begins with understanding people, respecting diverse perspectives and appreciating the values that bind communities together. He further emphasized that BANDHAN 2.0 provides students with an opportunity to experience Dogri culture, traditions, cuisine and local wisdom while building lasting relationships with the people of Jammu. He expressed his gratitude to the participating families for opening their homes and hearts to the students and becoming an integral part of this distinctive learning experience.

The programme brought 450 students into meaningful interaction with a diverse cross-section of Jammu's society, including Army veterans and gallantry awardees, faculty, teachers, social activists, civil servants, industrialist, local artists and cultural custodians, entrepreneurs and business owners, social activists and community leaders, educationists, sports personalities, government servants and administrators. These interactions offered valuable insights into different dimensions of society, with each encounter becoming an opportunity to understand real-life experiences of leadership, resilience, public service, entrepreneurship and community contribution.

Beyond conversations, 450 students actively participated in household traditions, savoured authentic Dogra cuisine, interacted with family elders and learnt about local customs, folk traditions, festivals and the cultural heritage that define Dogra identity. Host families also had the opportunity to learn about the students' diverse backgrounds, academic journeys and aspirations, making the exchange a meaningful two-way cultural experience. Each interaction helped foster mutual appreciation, friendships and a deeper emotional connection between the students and the local community. IIM Jammu staff members accompanied the student groups to facilitate coordination, cultural sensitivity and the smooth conduct of the programme.

BANDHAN 2.0 offered students an enriching experiential learning opportunity, strengthening their cultural understanding, social integration, emotional intelligence and leadership perspectives. For the host families, it was an opportunity to share the richness of Dogra heritage, traditions and values with young minds representing different parts of the country. For the students, it was an opportunity to discover Jammu beyond its geographical identity through the people, stories, hospitality and cultural ethos that make the region unique.

Through BANDHAN 2.0, IIM Jammu has further strengthened its commitment to holistic and value-based management education by creating a meaningful bridge between the Institute and society. The initiative reflects the Institute's motto, 'सा विद्या या विमुक्तये', and its commitment to the welfare of society through education, cultural understanding and community engagement. By bringing together students and local families in an atmosphere of mutual learning and cultural harmony, BANDHAN 2.0 reinforces the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.The programme was coordinated by Bandhan 2.0 Committee members, faculty members, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Dr. Satvik Gupta, Shri Ankush Varma, Administrative officer and Shri Kannav Padha, Incubation Manager, IIM Jammu.