Future will be created, not inherited: PM’s Principal Secretary inspires IIM graduates

Sambalpur: Addressing the 9th Convocation of IIM Sambalpur on Saturday, Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, emphasized the rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape and the transformative impact of emerging technologies.

“We are grappling with tectonic shifts in geopolitical alignments while simultaneously witnessing technological breakthroughs at an unprecedented pace,” Dr. Mishra said, underscoring that climate and sustainability remain central to this global dialogue. He highlighted that disruptions in supply chains, protectionist trade policies, and rising geopolitical tensions have added to the complexity of the current global scenario.

“One thing is clear,” he told the graduating class, “the future will not simply be inherited — it will be created. Take the initiative to shape your own future, building upon the strong foundation laid today.”

Dr. Mishra praised IIM Sambalpur’s progressive gender balance, noting that 60% of the MBA cohort comprises women, and encouraged the institute to aim even higher. He also commended the campus’s world-class infrastructure and lauded the institute’s integration of artificial intelligence into its academic programs.

He further applauded IIM Sambalpur’s “Master Weavers” program, aimed at empowering local artisans in Western Odisha, calling it a “commendable effort toward regional development.”

A Landmark Convocation

This year’s convocation marked a milestone for the institute, with 370 students graduating across five academic programs — a first in the institute’s history. Graduates included:

• 316 students from the 9th MBA batch (2023–25)
• 38 students from the second Executive MBA batch (2022–24)
• 10 students from the inaugural MBA for Working Professionals (2023–25)
• 6 full-time PhD scholars
• PhD for Working Professionals candidates

Among the notable graduates was 80-year-old entrepreneur GM Gupta, who earned his MBA for Working Professionals degree, symbolizing the lifelong nature of learning.

Inspiring Words from Leaders

Padma Shri Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson of the IIM Sambalpur Board of Governors and Chairperson & CEO of Salesforce India & South Asia, inspired the graduates to embrace continuous self-improvement.

“Education is a lifelong journey,” she said. “The world is evolving rapidly, and while challenges will arise, the knowledge and skills you’ve gained will equip you to overcome them.”

She encouraged students to strive for excellence every day: “Get up each day determined to be a better version of yourself. Give your best every single day as if it’s the most important race of your life. That is the biggest tribute you can pay to your parents, your nation, and to yourself.”

Achievements and Accolades

Welcoming the attendees, IIM Sambalpur Director Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal highlighted the institution’s journey over the past decade.

“This convocation marks ten years of IIM Sambalpur’s establishment, and it is historic — for the first time in India, an IIM or leading B-school has seen more women than men graduating, with 60% female and 40% male students.”

He also shared the institute’s progress toward earning the prestigious “Triple Crown” accreditation — AACSB, EFMD, and BGA — expected within the next two years, which would place IIM Sambalpur among the few IIMs with such global recognition.

Despite global economic headwinds, the 2023–25 MBA batch attracted participation from over 250 recruiters. The highest domestic package offered was ₹31.12 LPA, while the highest international package reached ₹35 LPA. Top recruiters included PwC, Accenture, Infosys Consulting, Tata Capital, Deloitte, and Cognizant.

Honouring Excellence

Seven medals were awarded to outstanding students for academic and extracurricular achievements:

• MBA Programme:
  • Chairman’s Gold Medal: Vipul Sharma
  • Director’s Gold Medal: Nilaksh Dixit
  • Best All-Rounder (IIM Sambalpur Gold Medal): Raghvendra Patel
• Executive MBA:
  • Chairman’s Gold Medal: Rajesh Kumar Sahu
  • Director’s Gold Medal: Sameer Babulal Meher
• MBA for Working Professionals:
  • Chairman’s Gold Medal: Shivani Nagpal
  • Director’s Gold Medal: Abhishek Kumar Singh