18th Nurturing Future Leadership Programme launched at IIM Jammu, bringing educators nationwide together for transformative learning

JAMMU: The 18th Batch of the Nurturing Future Leadership Training Program under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme, Ministry of Education, Government of India, was inaugurated on 20th April 2026 at the Indian Institute of Management Jammu, marking the beginning of an enriching five-day journey focused on leadership development, collaborative learning, and academic excellence.

The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy (EE&C), IIM Jammu, and was graced by the Program Directors, Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal and Dr. Sourav Mondal, along with participants from diverse regions across the country.The training program brought together 27 participants from across the length and breadth of India, representing the rich diversity of the East, West, North, and South regions of the country.

Dr. Sourav Mondal, Program Director, IIM Jammu, delivered the welcome address and set the tone for the program by presenting a comprehensive overview of the five-day training. He emphasized the evolving role of educators, noting that teachers today are not just knowledge providers but mentors and leaders who shape the future of institutions and society.

He highlighted that when teachers evolve into effective leaders, students become more empowered, institutions grow stronger, and the collective contribution to nation-building becomes more impactful. Encouraging participants to adopt a mindset of continuous learning, he underscored the importance of adaptability, reflection, and openness in the teaching-learning process. He also stressed that the program is a platform for mutual learning, where participants would gain insights from the sessions and each other through active participation, dialogue, and collaboration over the five days.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy (EE&C), IIM Jammu shared insightful reflections, drawing from practical experiences and emphasizing the deeper essence of leadership learning. He described the program as a homecoming, highlighting that while participants would carry the values, learnings, and spirit of IIM Jammu with them, the institute too would be enriched by their experiences and perspectives.

He proudly noted that Jammu holds the distinction of being the first city to host three Institutions of National Importance, underscoring the region’s growing academic significance. Providing a comprehensive overview of the program, he elaborated on the role of Executive Education and Consultancy at IIM Jammu, stressing that meaningful engagement with industry fosters mutual growth through cross-learning and co-creation. He encouraged participants to keep their cup empty, emphasizing the importance of unlearning outdated perspectives to make space for new knowledge. Reinforcing the institute’s guiding philosophy, he remarked that knowledge liberates and urged participants to remain curious, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning.

Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Program Director, IIM Jammu, welcomed the participants and highlighted the rich diversity of the cohort, with representation from various parts of the country. He emphasized that such diversity creates a vibrant and inclusive learning ecosystem, enabling participants to connect, share, and grow together. Reflecting on the essence of leadership, he raised a thought-provoking question on whether leadership can truly be reserved or formally created, noting that it evolves through shared experiences, introspection, and collaboration.

He encouraged participants to make the most of the five-day journey by building meaningful connections, learning from one another, and creating lasting memories. He also stressed that often the most valuable learning comes from peers and colleagues, and urged everyone to remain open, relaxed, and engaged throughout the program, adding that leadership also stems from those who carry positivity and the ability to connect with others.

Adding to the significance of the inaugural session, participants were invited to briefly introduce themselves, sharing their professional backgrounds, institutional affiliations, and expectations from the program. This interactive exchange created a sense of community and set a warm and engaging tone for the sessions ahead.

The inaugural session concluded with a detailed and appreciative vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Program Director, IIM Jammu, who expressed gratitude to the leadership of IIM Jammu, the participating university leaderships and participants for their presence and enthusiasm, and extended his best wishes for a meaningful and enriching experience at IIM Jammu. The inaugural ceremony culminated with the national anthem.