Day 3 of IIM Jammu orientation 2025: A confluence of leadership, alumni wisdom, and industry excellence

JAMMU: The third day of the ongoing Holistic Orientation Programme at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu unfolded with a powerful blend of leadership guidance, alumni engagement, corporate insights, and interactive learning experiences, marking yet another dynamic step in the induction of the new cohorts.

The day began with an energizing session titled Maximize Happiness and Mindfulness, conducted byrenowned yoga guru Shri Sahil Mehra under the aegis of Anandam – The Center of Happiness. Thesession focused on cultivating inner peace and emotional well- being among students. Prof. ShyamNarayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam and Media & Publication Division, along with Brigadier Neeraj Soni (Retd.), Co-Chairperson, Anandam welcomed participants and set the tone for the day’s engagements.

Addressing the incoming cohorts at IIM Jammu’s Holistic Orientation Programme 2025, Maj. Gen. Mukesh Bhanwala, General Officer Commanding, 26 Division, drew from his distinguished military career to highlight the universal values of leadership—discipline, strategic thinking, resilience, and service. Drawing parallels between military and corporate leadership, he emphasized that both require adaptability, clarity under pressure, and the ability to inspire teams. He remarked, “You cannot be great if you cannot operate in chaos,” urging students to lead with integrity, embrace uncertainty, and cultivate strength through adversity.

As part of the ongoing Orientation Programme 2025, IIM Jammu organized parallel sessions for Group A and Group B. While Group A participated in outbound experiential learning, Group B engaged in an insightful Alumni Panel Discussion conducted by the Alumni Relations Committee.

The session featured distinguished alumni Ms. Manisha Srivastava, Associate Practice Director, Birlasoft, and Mr. Jeevan Arepally, Senior Product Manager, Nielsen.The panelists shared real-world perspectives on deriving maximum value from the MBA journey, covering themes such as aligning academics with industry demands, the strategic importance of networking, securing PPOs, and maintaining a balanced, purpose-driven approach to career and personal development. The session inspired the incoming cohort to approach their IIM journey with clarity, intent, and confidence.

As part of its ongoing Holistic Orientation Programme 2025, IIM Jammu hosted Shri Dhoop Mittal, CFO of Hero Housing Finance, for an engaging session with the incoming cohorts. Sharing his vast experience in financial strategy and leadership, he emphasized that “how you behave is more important than what you know,” underscoring the importance of integrity, adaptability, and values-driven leadership. Shri Mittal offered valuable insights into navigating financial challenges in a global context, urging students to align their decisions with India’s evolving growth story over the next decade.

Shri Shafat Ahmed, Chief General Manager, POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited, emphasized the critical role of technology in driving transformation across the energy sector. He noted that "Technology doesn’t give us a chance; there is no chance. You need to take up technology," underscoring the urgency for proactive technology adoption to ensure operational excellence and sustainable growth. He highlighted the strategic importance of innovation, governance, and forward-thinking leadership in shaping India's evolving energy infrastructure.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean (Faculty and Research), IIM Jammu, conducted a session on ‘Teaching through Case Study’, introducing students to case-based learning—a core pedagogy at IIMs. Drawing from his experience at Harvard Business School, he emphasized experiential learning, real-time case analysis, and tools like SWOT and the Lancaster Characteristics Model. Encouraging students to view classrooms as “decision rooms,” he stressed active participation and contextual thinking. A thought-provoking Mahakumbh video sparked reflections, followed by an interactive Q&A, reinforcing the importance of learning by doing.

Mr. Abhishek Gupta, Chief Marketing Officer, Edelweiss Life Insurance, highlighted the profound role of life insurance in nation-building and its personal impact on families. Sharing his "10 Rules for Success," he emphasized the importance of staying with the problem, embracing setbacks, unlearning, and nurturing curiosity. He noted that true fulfillment lies in meaningful work, stating that when one’s work brings purpose to others, it brings purpose to oneself. His session served as a powerful reminder of leadership rooted in empathy, resilience, and responsibility.

This was followed by a technical session on ‘IT Support Systems’ led by Dr. Prakrit Silal, Chairperson (IT), IIM Jammu, where students were oriented on the Institute’s digital infrastructure and academic platforms. The evening concluded with the continued celebration of “Rang Tarang – A Festival of Theatre and Dance”, presented by the IPM 4th Batch under the direction of Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, offering a blend of creativity, expression, and regional culture. Students showcased their talent and spirit through energetic performances that added vibrancy to the day. The Orientation Programme will continue until 18th July 2025, with forthcoming sessions featuring government officials, academic leaders, and industry experts from across India.