IIM Jammu concludes 14th Batch of Nurturing Future Leadership Program with grand valedictory ceremony

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu successfully concluded the 14th Batch of its prestigious Nurturing Future Leadership Program (NFLP) with a formal valedictory ceremony held at the Vedanta MDP Centre on 19 December 2025. The five-day programme, conducted from 15 December to 19 December 2025, was designed to equip emerging academic leaders with critical skills, perspectives, and strategic insights required to excel in today’s dynamic higher education and governance ecosystem.

Organized under the aegis of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme, Ministry of Education, Government of India, the programme reflects IIM Jammu’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and nation-building. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Ānandam and Media & Publication Division, IIM Jammu..

Dr. Sakti Nagaraj, Program Director, presented a brief report on the 14th batch, highlighting that the programme brought together 26 participants from across India, representing various IITs. He emphasized that the diversity of participants significantly enriched collaboration and academic learning, particularly in areas such as higher education governance and negotiation, with project work emerging as a key highlight of the programme. He congratulated all participants for their active engagement and meaningful contributions.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, remarked that the coming generations are in safe hands, noting that the programme was thoughtfully designed to stay aligned with changing times. Reflecting on the broader academic discourse, he highlighted that alongside this programme, the SMF 2025 conference focused on the vision of Viksit Bharat, reinforcing the shared responsibility of individuals and institutions in shaping a progressive and future-ready nation.

Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal reflected on his early academic journey, recalling formative interactions that shaped his understanding of scholarly life. He shared that he thoroughly enjoyed the programme and observed that even producing a single research paper annually often involves periods of lull and reflection, underscoring the importance of patience, perseverance, and commitment. Bringing his address to a poetic close, he encouraged participants to keep returning, remain engaged, nurture their passions, and always hold on to a dream, noting that this spirit defines both personal growth and academic fulfilment.

Participants described the programme as an outstanding initiative in faculty leadership development, appreciating the engaging sessions, well-researched content, and interactive pedagogy that encouraged unlearning and relearning. They commended IIM Jammu for its time management, quality of delivery, and seamless coordination, communication, and hospitality. The programme was lauded for blending leadership, empathy, and innovation, creating a rich and enjoyable learning environment. The evening concluded on a memorable note, with participants sharing shayaris and poems, reflecting the strong bonds forged during the programme.

Another highlight of the programme was the presentation of a book to Shri Ashish Baldi by Shri Suraj Boyar, followed by the presentation of the book titled Exprovement, authored by Shri Hersh Haladker and Shri Raghunath Mashelkar, personally autographed by the authors and presented to Shri Pardeep Saini, Program Officer, Business Development, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu.The event also featured the certificate distribution ceremony, recognising the successful completion of the programme by all participants. A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Prakrit Silal, Program Director, IIM Jammu, followed by the National Anthem, marking the ceremonial conclusion of the programme.

Present on the occasion were Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Dr. Sakti Nagaraj, and Dr. Prakrit Silal, IIM Jammu. The 14th Batch of NFLP stands as yet another testament to IIM Jammu’s mission to nurture future-ready leaders capable of driving transformation and resilience in a rapidly evolving academic and governance landscape. Aligned with the Malaviya Mission’s vision, the programme reinforces IIM Jammu’s position as a hub of leadership development, academic innovation, and national capacity building. The programme was successfully coordinated and executed by the Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu.