IIM Kozhikode kicks-off academic session on a high mix of conventional and path-breaking holistic programmes anticipating thrust on multidisciplinary approach of NEP 2020

Kozhikode: The E-inauguration of four full-fledged programmes – the Post Graduate Programme in Management, Post Graduate Programme in Finance (inaugural batch), Post Graduate Programme in Liberal Studies and Management (inaugural batch) & the Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD) commenced here at IIM Kozhikode today. Mr Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestle India, was the Chief Guest on the occasion which was presided over by Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director IIM Kozhikode.

The ceremony began with prayer invocation and virtual lamp lighting ceremony participated by Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director at IIMK and the Chief Guest, Mr Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & Managing Director, Nestle India followed by addresses by the Deans- Academic Affairs & Development, Executive Education & Research Innovation and Internationalization.

The Chief Guest, Mr Narayanan, delivered the inaugural address to the students, faculty and IIMK community. He congratulated each student for securing admission to the very prestigious programmes at IIMK. Also underscoring the importance of positive inspiration and brilliant leadership skills he shared practical examples from his 35-year long corporate career on qualities to be emulated by the young generation of managers in the country as its future is in their hands. He highlighted the importance of setting bars high amidst challenges in the post-Covid world and that how courage driven by compassion can overcome any obstacle, personal as well as professional. He encapsulated his thoughts to the greenhorns through a presentation detailing the importance of the 10 Commandments of Leadership lessons.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee Director IIMK, shared that IIM Kozhikode had anticipated the thrust of multi-disciplinary approach of the New National Education Policy (2020) and the commencement of the two new programmes PGP Finance and PGP-LSM is hallmark of the Institute’s capability to be ahead of times in the education sector. He expressed happiness that the Institute has also brought back Gender Diversity into the national discourse with three of the programmes being inaugurated, including the flagship PGP, recording more than 50% women. He also said it is not passion but mastery over one’s skill and craft that makes one successful. Passion follows mastery as a shadow follows light.

Earlier, Dean (Executive Education) Prof. C Raju welcomed the students to IIMK and expressed hope that this established centre of peer learning will inculcate values, aspirations and give the fresh inductees the confidence to take on the world. Dean (Academic Affairs & Development), Prof. Anandakuttan Unnithan emphasized on how active learning and taking ownership of one’s own actions lead to a transformational experience. Dean (Research, Innovation & Internationalization) Prof. Rudra Sensarma dwelled on the importance of prioritization of tasks as students take a step forward into the world of future managers.

Prof. Deepa Sethi, Chairperson, PGP-LSM, while welcoming the maiden batch to IIM Kozhikode shared that “PGP-LSM is a unique endeavor to develop managers with a holistic perspective, who are emotionally strong, socially responsible and culturally adaptive along with being wise, impactful leaders and diligent team players. The institute has faith that the first batch will be an inspiration for the ones that will follow.”

Chairperson PGP Finance, Prof. Jijo Lukose,added that IIMK is elated to welcome the first batch of the PGP Finance program. He added that the programme equips the candidate to meet the challenges of unprecedented transformation in the financial service industry with its focus on finance , technology and regulation. Along with classroom teaching, the program also facilitates frequent industry interactions and field visits to national and international financial hubs.

The e-Orientation Session for the new inductees will kick off from today and will include prominent guest speakers – Mr Amitabh Kant (CEO, NITI Aayog), DR Vinay Sahasrabuddhe (President ICCR), Mr Sanjeev Bikchandani (Founder, Info Edge), Mr G Balagopal I.A.S (Retd.), Mr Parvin Dabas (Actor/Director). The sessions will also feature talks by renowned IIMK alumni – Mr Ashwin Bhaskaran IFS -First Secretary & Head of Chancery, High Commission of India to Seychelles; Ms.Shalina Bhatia, Director -PwC India; Ms. Madhavi Das, Founder – Bamboo tribe, and others who have value created an indelible mark in their respective fields. Online academic classes for the fresh inductees will commence from August 2nd week.