EDUCATION THAT ENCOMPASSES ALL

Management is an interesting career choice, if one was to look around, one would find that after having done a management program; people have gone on and done diverse things. From actors to models to fashion designers to artists, management students have gone on to create a name for themselves in almost every sphere of life. One of the reasons for this success is the fact that management is supposed to be common sense and it develops and enhances the ability of an individual to be more successful in life and get a hold of his life. Most of what is taught in a management class room is in fact derived from the basic things in life. The fact that managers put a spin on it and present the same in a new light is the reason why the subject is today looked upon as some sort of science possessed by a select few. Obviously this statement doesn’t hold true for all subjects in management. There are a number of complex subjects which need to be paid attention to and cant be looked at in the same irreverent way as maybe some of the others. What is interesting to note however is the fact that management not only teaches you how to work in the corporate world, it also enables you to be successful at a host of other things. Managing relationships, is for example just another bonus that one gets with a management education.

In this issue of Dare to think beyond, we have covered the success stories of two individuals who have gone on to chart different career paths. While Ms. Aparna Kumar is a successful model and has gone on to conquer dizzying heights in her chosen profession, Mr. Deepak Shah is a successful entrepreneur who started his own firm and is today regarded highly by his clients and his peers in the industry. Both these individuals have taken the road filled with obstacles and have gone on to emerge better and stronger than before. As it is, an entrepreneur’s contribution to the economy is often larger as he provides employment to many others and is more or less responsible for the sustenance of an ecosystem that surrounds his company. Starting from vendors to suppliers to distributors, everyone is dependent on the organization for their growth and development. Almost all institutional areas or business districts have seen the growth of these small vendors who ensure that the demand generated in that area is in some measure satisfied by what they have to offer. Often such places serve as incubation centers for ideas and once in a while, a true path breaking idea comes along and is the next big thing. A majority of the home grown concepts have taken shape in this manner and have gone on to redefine the business landscape. There are enough examples of such Ideas taking shape and fortifying into some big and truly entrepreneurial.

Change Beckons Us All

It was heartening to see the response of some of the protestors who took to the streets protesting the inaction of the government and the police in the infamous Delhi gang rape case. While a lot has been said about the protest and their efficacy, the fact remains that we are witnessing the awakening of the youth in this country. For the first time has the country seen the collection of so many young people who swung into action and stood their ground against the establishment. This trend is both encouraging as well as disturbing for the government, as in the future these youngsters would probably be in a position to constructively effect change. The fact is that they are transforming into a force to be reckoned with no longer can one dismiss this as the “boil of young blood” and merely pay lip service by offering platitudes. Today the youth demand change and in most cases have an extremely clear idea of what that change means. I say so because this has already gone a step beyond just being a trend and has now almost become a phenomenon. We have seen the impact that the Arab spring has had on the society and the changes that it was able to bring about. Already there are murmurs of dissent in our neighboring countries and things seem to be on the verge of spilling over. Governments across the world have to be sensitive towards the youth as much as they are towards other classes as today tolerance levels have shrunk and people are willing to exercise their democratic right a lot more than what was done in the past. In the future governments and their functionaries would have to be extremely careful about the impact of the policies and strategies on the youth of the country. Keeping all this in mind and seeing the changing landscape I have reason to believe that real and actionable change is just around the corner. These are indeed interesting times to be living in!!

In this issue of “Dare To Think Beyond”, we have featured two alumni who have climbed the ladder of success by working hard and continuously growing and evolving with the roles and the organizations that they have worked with. While Mr. Manish Chhetri has been working with various organizations in marketing roles over the years, Ms. Namita Chhetri has been spearheading the Market Research division (ICMR) at Planman consulting whilst also contributing to the institute in its various endeavors. They are both stellar examples of the values that IIPM imbibes in its students of hard work, perseverance and commitment. Their journey with the institute started when they joined the program at the institute and has continued from then. Both have found the perfect match in one another and have been married for twelve years now and they continue to share similar passions and interests. We at the institute salute the spirit and enthusiasm with which these two individuals tackle the various challenges that life throws at them and wish them all the very best for the future.

SINCERE COMMITED AND SUCCESSFUL

In this issue of CULT, we bring to you the story of a couple who have been instrumental in the growth and success of the institute as we know it today. Both these individuals have been silent crusaders and have kept their focus and attention going which has helped them achieve success and create a legacy of excellence. Both Mr. Sandeep Ghosh and Ms. Shikha Ghosh give due credit to their teams and insist that any leader is only as good as his team. Another important factor for success in their opinion is the ability to innovate and create solutions out of problems. It is this innovative spirit that has taken helped them on numerous occasions and has created magic in most of what they touch. While Ms. Ghosh has been associated with almost each division of Planman consulting and IIPM, Mr. Ghosh has been the man behind the expansion and the growth of the institution. He has been instrumental in setting up the various branches that the institute has across the country and has been managing the smooth functioning and operation for years.

As both the leaders who we have featured in this issue have agreed that Innovation is key for business growth and wealth creation, the importance of innovation becomes even more evident in times of crisis. As most businesses grapple with the trying times and try to keep themselves afloat, it is the innovative spirit of the organization and its people that comes in for the rescue and helps the organisation save itself from the perils it is facing. It would be unwise to say that a slowdown impacts one functional area of a business more than the others, as the fact is that each function, be it marketing or finance or HR each have their own set of challenges to face and overcome in order to survive the downturn. These days, more and more organizations are waking up to the importance of understanding the HR implications on any strategy that they wish to implement, it becomes even more critical for the top management to see that the role of the HR department is not reduced to on only nodding in agreement at most of what is decided. The leaders of the HR function in an organization must also see themselves as change agents. And in this light they must “BE” the change that they want to see in their company. It is very impressive to see that most Indian corporate leaders have actually walked the talk and have lead by example. This leads me to believe that we are infact a starong and resilient bunch of professionals who have taken this slowdown as a time meant to reflect and rectify the mistakes that others have committed in the past. It also points to the fact that the Indian HR professional is mature and proactive and is better equipped today to handle situations like the current slowdown with greater ease and better results the next time over.

INSPIRE TO LEAD AND LEAD TO INSPIRE

For many, management education is complex and often thought of as a subject to be studied by a few enlightened souls. Management is taught the world over using a mix of both theoretical and practical lessons. Keeping this is mind, it becomes essential for a management teacher or instructor to carry real world live information into a classroom. In most b-schools in India, the trend of having industry professionals teach aspiring management professions is just about catching on. Most Business schools in India don’t have the bandwidth or the inclination to hire such people who can bring in these learning’s into a classroom. Internationally business schools encourage instructors to undertake researches so that they are in touch with the realities of the corporate world however in India the trend is almost non existent with most teachers not having actively worked in the business field. Often then, companies complain of the lack of practical insights that these management graduates have about the workings of business.

At the institute, our endeavor has always been to ensure that students get the best of learning at each step. All internal professors who teach at the institute are subject matter experts and are usually working on numerous research and consulting assignments with various organizations so that, what they teach at the institute is both relevant and current. The institute also draws on the experience of management professionals and has a large number of visiting or adjunct faculties who share their experiences with the students. These professors are encouraged to bring their real life case examples into the class and ensure a more comprehensive and holistic learning experience for the students.

In this issue of CULT, we have featured two luminaries who have been at the forefront of business leadership at Planman consulting and have always been at the front. Both these leaders have extraordinary people skills and manage people tactfully and both accept that it is the people of an organization which ensures growth for an organization and are the only true assets of the organization. Both Mr. Kaistha and Mr. Wadhwani are leaders who have understood the businesses that they are in and have innovated to beat the competition and stay ahead. During our conversations with them, they both accepted the fact that service delivery is critical to the success of any business as a satisfied client is a client who would give repeat business and yield better profitability for the organization.

Both Mr. Kaistha and Mr. Wadhwani have contributed to the organizations goals immensely and have been pillars of support for the organization over the years. Their contribution to the cause of taking management education to the next level is unparalleled. We have enjoyed speaking to these leaders and have been motivated by their energy levels and passion for their work and we hope to convey the same to our readers in the true spirit.

INSPIRING THROUGH PASSION AND CREATIVITY

I have often read and heard of a teacher being compared to a candle, one that spreads the light of education and removes darkness from the lives of the students who he touches. A good teacher is also a role model for many. He inspires by his passion and commitment and makes the students work hard to realize his true potential. In today’s times, it is the sincerity and passion of the teachers which makes a change in the life of the student under his tutelage. I have had the good fortune of having had some of the most brilliant and inspiring teachers, change my life. While at school, subjects are more structured and most educators follow syllabus strictly, at the graduation and post graduation levels, teaches move on to impact a student’s life more than ever. I feel it is also a time when an individual can and should develop a sense of thinking which is independent of any external pressure or influence. 

Both the individuals who have been featured in this issue of CULT have had that effect on me. One is a brilliant orator who inspired me to go beyond every boundary and stretch myself to limits that I thought I couldn’t touch, and the second is a dreamer who motivated me to dream and think beyond what was ordinary. While Professor Shubhoshekhar, taught us the importance of communication and the skill to speak publicly, Professor Prashanto made sure all of us looked beyond the visible concepts and question these paradigms. Both in their own ways made us independent thinkers, and that in my opinion, has been their biggest victory and also the biggest contribution that they have made to our lives. I have often seen teachers and educators fail in this simple yet fundamental duty of theirs. Most often we as teacher want our students to conform and not confront. This is maybe due to the fact that our society is such. We want youngsters to unquestioningly follow what is being told to them by seniors or society. In doing so we are killing the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation and are dulling the brilliant minds that would have otherwise questioned norms and maybe even bettered them and made society much better than what it is today. 

It is the job of an educator to inspire his students to be independent and free thinking citizens of the corporate world. Anyone not doing this is not doing his job properly and should infact not be allowed to 

impact our country’s future and harm the development of students. Today the only critical differentiator is infact the delivery of the course or the pedagogy, given as it is that curriculums are widely standardized and regulated to ensure quality. In light of all the above, I feel it is necessary for us to have an new breed of educators who are not afraid to set their students free instead of binding them in the shackles of conventional methods.  

“CHANGE AGENTS AND VALUE CREATORS”

In this issue of CULT, we have featured two stalwarts of the IIPM fraternity who have gone on to build systems and organizations that have added value and in the true sense of it created value and benefits for the group. They have been instrumental in setting up businesses and have collaborated to create magic for the organization. Both these individuals who on the outside are so very different work perfectly in synchronization like a well oiled machine and deliver time and time again. They inspire people all around and create magic in all that they touch. Such is the charisma of these people that they continue to inspire alumni of the institute who have long left the institution. 

While Prof Naveen Chamoli is a dynamic individual with an infectious smile and equally infectious energy, Prof Sourav Chatterjee inspires you with his knowledge and wisdom. During our interaction with them, we realized the fact that IIPM is perhaps the only institution in the world which brings about such a huge amount of change in the students that join us every year. It is this knowledge that gives me the confidence of knowing that we indeed are a unique and truly life changing institution. If one were to see the quantum of change that is visible in each and every student who leaves the campus, one would truly appreciate the magic that education is able to bring about in people. This change in my opinion is “Value”, one that is created for the individuals as well as the community and the country they live in.

When I was a student of IIPM, I had often heard my professors talk of value creators and change agents. I used to often wonder as to how these people would work, given the fact that you could only change so much. I was pleasantly surprised recently when I met one such individual who continues to bring about change and in the real sense of the word creates value. I was amazed at the simplicity of this awe inspiring individual and perhaps for the first time realized the fact that one doesn’t to be complex himself to solve complex problems or even to create complex solutions. All it takes is a simple mind and a straight approach to problem solving. Over the last few years I have seen such seemingly complex problems being solved simply by using the right approach. It is the knowledge of this right approach that is critical to the success of most businesses, and most often people fail to see it. It is this right approach or common sense that is taught in most business schools. Some pepper it with complex sounding names and puzzle the students, while other who are more honest to the cause take the approach of calling a spade a spade. Regardless of the approach if the outcome in both the scenarios is the same then in my opinion all is not lost. We can be assured of the fact that the next generation of managers who are coming of out these b schools will infact create value for the organizations that they work in and also for India as a country.  

TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM

In this issue of CULT, we bring to you the stories of some of our international alumni who are doing well for themselves. It has been our endeavour to document the success of our alumni and to celebrate their triumphs so as to share their happiness and inspire everyone at the institute.  During the course of our interactions, we have found these alumni to be strong and independent individuals who have persevered and constantly challenged the limits to do better than what was expected. Each and every one of these stories has inspired us tremendously and each interaction has left us with a greater appreciation of the struggles that these people have faced. These interactions have also enriched us and taught us the value of the human spirit and its ability to go on regardless of the hurdles or obstacles that come in the way. As we document the trials and tribulations of some of these individuals who have carved a niche for themselves in the International markets, we realize the impact that IIPM as an institution has made not just in the Indian markets but also in the international arena. Each year the institute places hundreds of students in international markets and they start their career at a platform where the others might take time to get to. It is this unique advantage that allows these internationally placed students to then take their careers to dizzying heights. In its endeavour to get students international job opportunities, the institute has found huge success with leading corporation form the world over becoming repeat recruiters at the campus. These leading organizations that recruit IIPM’s talent are testimony to the fact that the institution provides world class and cutting edge education to its students and develops them into competent global managers and leaders.  

Also in this issue, we have also featured two of the most inspiring and exemplary leaders of our institute who have gone beyond the call of duty to leave an indelible mark on IIPM as an Institution. Both these ladies Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri and Prof. Arundhati Banerji are classic examples of the vision that IIPM has for its students and the society at large. Their dedication, passion, steely resolve and commitment to the cause of taking the IIPM revolution to the next level leaves no doubt in one’s mind about the changes that they have brought about in the institution. Both these leaders who are also role models for a huge number of women have managed multiple roles and have emerged as winners in each of these domains have shown the power of women to the world. They wear a number of hats being mothers, teachers, administrators, strategists and a lot more and are equally committed and successful at each one of these roles. Every student who has attended their classes at the institute swears by them and fondly remembers their classes as being the most engaging and informative. We at CULT, salute the resolve and commitment shown by these ladies and hope that they continue to inspire us and the whole IIPM community and go on doing the wonderful and awe inspiring work that they are currently doing.  

INNOVATION THE NEED OF THE HOUR

Innovation it is said has been at the forefront of driving technological advancements across industrial nations for a good part of this century. Almost all that we value today is a result of this complex yet simple process of thinking outside the box. So what exactly does one mean when one says that innovation will drive growth and development in the future. What does innovation mean , does it mean streamlining process and systems so that they deliver more , or does it mean doing something differently in order to achieve more. Interestingly, I think it means both these and, maybe even more . Innovation in my opinion is a way to achieve a goal faster , better and maybe even cheaper. Many people confuse it to be something that is complex and often confounding. I might sound naïve in saying so but in my opinion it might not necessarily be that. Infact it might actually be something simple and basic. One of the most important enablers for innovation is the ability to think differently and that in my opinion is the real stumbling block that most people face today. As managers most of us are not programmed to think creatively and therefore we fail to innovate while at work. We simply see systems and processes in the same light as most others and are therefore not able to bring about that change or innovate. What we desperately need today is a breed to fresh young energetic and fearless managers who will literally go beyond and in the process innovate . Business schools need to play a very critical role in this process by building capacity in the fresh managers to see beyond and bring about change. Unfortunately most schools have not been able to do that in the past and therefore have failed in delivering value to the nation. Some schools have tried to do their bit in terms of ensuring that students atleast know about the process of innovation, but I think they have not been able to do anything substantial on that front. It is therefore imperative for schools to undertake this as the next big challenge and contribute towards the growth and development of industry in India.  Learning by rote has often been the objective of the school system in india. This needs to change as it is detrimental to the cause that we need to work towards. Schools have paid too much attention to the fact most lessons must be learned and then used to the benefit of the learner. In my opinion, this does not work as what I experience often stays longer with me than what I have merely read or studied. In order for creative thinking to become a process and a habit, all parties to the process will need to commit. The B-schools teaching management, the professors delivering the content and most importantly the students who received this new and innovative pedagogy. Even if one part of these three sides of the process was to renegade on its commitment, the process would fail . Therefore the change needs to be inclusive and must necessarily have the Buy-In of all parties concerned.

MARKET READY MANAGERS...

The ultimate objective of a management institution should be to provide market ready and employable business graduates who are able to deliver value to the organizations that they work in. This has however not been the case; with a majority of the B school graduates not being properly skilled. Industry experts often lament the lack of skills that some of these students display and often blame the faculty of such schools as being the cause for turning out under prepared managers. In the recent past there has been some talk of creating a skill based curriculum and the government is getting involved in this process. There have been some changes to the curriculum and I am happy to note that the government has taken some concrete steps in this direction. I wonder however if this is enough and if the government is serious in its commitment to make this situation better. 

For the situation to change, the first thing that will need to change is the old paradigm. What we need today is broad based learning that is not dependant on only one parameter or factor. The need of the hour is to enable the learning of skills and concepts that further the ability of an individual to solve problems for his organization. These skills and learning aren’t only limited to the classrooms that they are taught in; they encompass a whole range of activities and initiatives that go beyond the four walls of the classrooms. And these should also be scalable and be replicated by the entire system. At IIPM, we pay special attention to the development of such skills. We focus on ensuring that the students understand and appreciate these skills and their application in the corporate world. Right from ensuring that each student is trained in executive communication skills to developing complex skills such as project management, every minute detail is paid attention to while developing and upgrading the curriculum. All of this ensures that the students who pass out of the institute are not only ‘highly’ employable but also become ‘great’ assets for the organizations that they work for. 

To make sure that the quality of students who passout is high, the institute must also ensure that its faculty is updated on the happenings in the market. Assignments which hone the skills of the faculties and keep them abreast with the trends in the markets should be encouraged. Additionally institutes must pay attention to the research that faculties are undertaking and actively encourage and help faculty members find relevant scopes of study. This will not only help the faculties and the institutions but will largely help the management fraternity as newer thoughts and ideas would come into play. As it is, with the fear of another slowdown imminent in the market place, path breaking and out of the box strategies will help solve a lot of the problems of the future. It is therefore imperative that B-schools all over the country take note of this and commit to ensuring that their students who graduate are at least employable.

INTERSTING TIMES TO COME...

As we step into the New Year and the hype and excitement around the resolutions starts to settle, all factors point to the fact that this year is going to be a tough one for the Indian economy. Talks of a double dip recession have already started gaining grounds and this time around it seems that even the Indian economy is not going to be spared the onslaught. Several companies have already started feeling the impact and other are bracing themselves for the impact. 

The good thing however is that there is a more programmed approach to solve problems. It is not the typical knee jerk reactions that one saw the last time. And I am of the belief that the last recession has toughened us and taught us a thing or two. We are today better equipped to tackle the issues that are bound to come our way. I have often heard people say that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. This is for the first time perhaps, that I have realized the meaning of the phrase and have seen individuals do wonders in situations which were extremely tough and demanding. I am therefore of the opinion, that the Indian management professionals have in fact taken the acid test and have emerged winners at the end of it. This is particularly encouraging in the light of the current economic conditions that are prevalent in the world.  

Not only are Indian management professionals occupying centre stage globally, many Indian organizations have started to come of their own in the international markets. Today organizations are not shying away from taking on challenges that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. From cars that are the cheapest in the world to technology products that have created international benchmarks, it seems that Indian organizations have started to come of age and are no longer afraid to take the fight to the competitions backyard. These are interesting time we live in and these are probably the best times for management professional to establish themselves globally. 

The last time we had a slowdown it brought about a whole new wave of innovative problem solving techniques. Managers in all functional areas literally started thinking outside the box and created some very interesting and innovative strategies that helved respective organization. Another slowdown, is sure to bring even more such innovations into the marketplace whereby making the market more dynamic and complex at the same time. I can’t stop myself from getting excited at the prospect of a whole set of new and innovative practices being implemented across workplaces to solve problems that are thrown up during the times to come. 

In this issue of CULT, we have tried to bring to you the story of the man who has tirelessly led the IIPM 

revolution form the front, Dr. M.K. Chaudhuri. We have also featured his biggest support during these times, his wife Mrs. Ratna Chaudhuri. We sincerely hope that their story of sheer passion and perseverance is able to stir your soul into action and also helps you in appreciating the power that one man’s vision and commitment has.

FORGING INDUSTRY ACADEMIC TIE-UPS

So the whole world it seems is tuned into the FDI in retail drama that is unfolding in India currently. On the one hand are the politicians having their specific gains which are at stake currently and on the other hand are the retail giants just waiting to gain access to one of the most lucrative emerging markets in the world. Stuck right in the middle are the consumers who will benefit from this revolution. In addition to creating new jobs, bringing in new investments and getting new technology into India, it will also bring about a whole new world of choices for the Indian consumer. 

One look at the last decade in Indian retail reveals that the jobs that are available for fresh graduates in the retail sector require specialised training. Something that a lot of organisations have woken up to. Keeping this in mind most big organisations have already started partnering schools and vocational colleges in imparting job specific training to aspirants. Short term courses are being offered to aspirant keen on joining the retail sector. In my opinion, this is some thing that both the academia and the corporate world have to work together on. The future lies in integrating education and learning and for this to become a reality there has to be greater collaboration between organisations and teaching institutions. At the institute, we have already started such initiatives so that we are able to help our clients achieve greater efficiencies. From partnering banking organisations which train management graduates in basic operations, to research companies which impart practical learning to aspirants, campuses today have become a hotbed of activity for companies vying to corner the best talent for themselves. 

In such a scenario it becomes essential for organisations to put their best foot forward and engage the students by providing them the right kind of opportunities to explore their passions and interests. Today the challenge is not to recruit the best students, but it is to retain them over a period of time, so that they deliver value to the organisation. Attrition today is not just because the youngsters have become fickle minded, the blame must also lie with the organisations as they have not been able to manage the expectations of these youngsters. And by no means am I suggesting organisations to go all out to woo students, I am suggesting that they be honest with the aspirant from the beginning so that they know what they are getting into. Today I think most organisations find it prudent to offer positions to those candidates who will be in the game for the long run. This is the best and in fact the only sustainable model for organisations to assimilate talent. After all how long will companies continue to battle it out to be the first one to offer a position to a candidate? The future lies in understanding the aspirations of these candidates and then aiming to fulfill them as meaningfully as possible for the organisation.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY, IN AN EMERGING CRISIS

As the European economic woes continue to cause ripples in the global financial markets, the world waits and celebrates the birth of the 7 billionth baby. The crisis that started with Greece has today more or less spread like a wild fire to almost all parts of the continent and threatens to take an ugly turn if immediate action is not taken. France for one wants the developing nations to pitch in with their resources and help bail out the defaulting nations so that a bigger crisis could be avoided. Ironic isn’t it, that these nations want our monies but not our biggest asset, our people.  

Europe will need to embrace this foreign work force into its fold if they want to survive this century. How else will they carry the burden of over 71 % dependent population by 2050 which will need to depend on the age group of 15-64 for all its needs economic or otherwise? It seems that European nations have realized this fact but are wary to act on it. There seems to be no move to attract talent to their shores. As a matter of fact, if anything, they are tightening entry procedures for foreign nationals. One wonders how in such a scenario they will cope with the imminent shortfall in the productive workforce that they have. 

This situation also presents a unique opportunity for emerging markets such as India and China. Both these countries have highly trained manpower and in fact excess of it. Both these countries have economies that are running full steam currently and seem like they will continue to do so in the near future at least. I wonder if there can be a situation where these entities can collaborate and ensure a win-win situation for everyone. Or maybe I am too naïve in suggesting that it is time that we all came together to solve each others problems. International labor trends have always been an enigma to me but I surely know this that problems solved collectively often produce better results than otherwise. 

Keeping this in mind, fresh business graduates of today can also look at international careers for themselves. However before this becomes a reality, they must ensure that they develop their skills accordingly. As it is the reputation of Indians abroad is stellar and with the emergence of quite a few Indian top executives, the stage seems set for us to take the world by storm. In our cover story for this issue of CULT, we have focused on what IIPM does in terms of giving global exposure to its students. We strongly believe that students who are aware of global issues and are equipped to handle them have a much better understanding of the global business environment and can therefore help the organisations that they work for in the international markets. At the institute we have been running global orientation programs for more than twelve years and have found success in all such endeavors. Recruiters who have tasted our talent have been coming back for more year after year and alumni working on international assignments with multi national companies have done us proud and have held the IIPM flag high.

In keeping with the changing times...

An often used and quoted phrase from Heraclitus is “Nothing is constant but change”, I wonder how one man could have so plainly and accurately conveyed the one and only absolute truth that governs us all. If we look around us also, the rate at which the world is changing is mind numbing. Here today, changed tomorrow is real and it is the only paradigm that leaders of the world live by. 

I have often heard teachers and educationists commenting on the fact that how the student population is changing. Comparisons are drawn of how students were more sincere and committed earlier than now. I feel, in the light of all that is changing, why shouldn’t the students change. Being a part of the change themselves, they learn and grow as they see the change shaping up around them. It would be unwise to assume anything but otherwise. 

In these changing and dynamic times, education as a concept and an industry needs to change too. Only those institutions that are in touch with the changing times will survive and consequently grow. Today the rate of the change is such that content and pedagogy designed even one year ago becomes irrelevant in the face of the changing times. The economic slowdown of 2008 also brought into focus the relevance and criticality of these issues. When business managers didn’t know how to react, they took decisions that in their limited vision helped their organisations whereas infact, these very decisions proved detrimental to the interest of the organisations that they served.

Many business managers feel that B-schools need to partner corporations in such situations and help them recover from the abyss that they have slipped into. IIPM has been one such front runner which has constantly innovated and enhanced it curriculum based on the ever changing demands of the corporate world. We have also partnered organisations and developed industry relevant curriculum so that these organisations can reap the benefits of these partnerships in terms of trained manpower, brand building in the campus etc. We have been encouraging our faculty and researchers to take on corporate consulting assignments, so that they bring these learning into the classrooms as they take classes. It is due to such initiatives and many more such wonderful programs that we deliver world class education to our students and help them stay relevant in the corporate world. And at the end of the day that is what counts. With changing times, students have also become more aware of what they want for themselves and have also become more assertive of their rights . Today information is available at the touch of a button and with every window, a whole new world of opportunity opens up. The information age has truly brought about an abundant availablity of information and choices. In the real sense of it, the only option is either adapt and change or don’t adapt and perish.

A revolution of ignited and passionate minds

As I sat down to write the first ever editorial of my life, I realized I had a monumental task in front of me. I wondered how one begins to describe in words, what has been one of the greatest impacts in my life. I remember distinctly, the day a young boy of seventeen, stepped tentatively into a auditorium for his all important orientation into the world of business. It has been a 15 year journey full of ups and downs and I still feel that I am just about getting started. And I realize that, the reason I feel this way is because I am surrounded by young and energetic people who never let you slacken or relax. The energy in a campus is infectious, and each day I step into the campus I take a breath and pause just so that I can take it all in.

I sometimes feel, whether there is another career as rewarding, as fulfilling and gratifying as that of a teacher. The change that one wishes to see is all so visible in the canvas that we paint around us each day and it is also visible in the lives of the people that we touch each day. In my opinion an institutions greatest success is its ability to sow the seeds of that change in the minds of its students. And every day as I walk into the corridors of the campus and see students joining IIPM and stepping into classes with anticipation, wondering what new world beckons them, to their metamorphosis into smart, dynamic, confident management practitioners of tomorrow, I feel the power of the change we bring in their lives. I see broader horizons for them to dream in, I see greater intelligence, emotional and otherwise, for them to bank upon and I see the confidence to conquer the world in their eyes. And as I pause to take it all in, I realize the change that IIPM has been able to bring about in India. IIPM is not just a place to study, not just a place to learn, not just another portal of academic excellence, but something greater and more meaningful that most of us can fathom at first glance. The realsiation dawns on me that we have infact created a “revolution of ignited and passionate minds”. A revolution that most certainly has never been created before and perhaps will never be replicated in the future too. And today as I write this editorial I am confident that this is the change that Dr. M.K Chaudhuri wanted to bring about when he established the institute in 1973.

It is with this conviction that we bring to you the first issues of the IIPM alumni magazine “CULT”. CULT is both an opportunity to showcase the stalwarts who have contributed to the cause and also a celebration of the triumphs of these individuals who have demonstrated tremendous resolve, strength of character and steely nerves to overcome all the challenges that life had to throw at them. I salute the spirit with which these people have gone about life, winning every moment of it and living it on their own terms. It will be our endeavour at CULT to bring to you such stalwarts and both document their efforts and applaud their contribution towards making IIPM the only “revolution in management education and thinking”.