Amritsar, Punjab: The Indian Institute of Management Amritsar (IIM Amritsar ) marked the commencement of its new academic session with the Inauguration Ceremony for the incoming batch. The event celebrated the beginning of the academic journey for the 12th batch of MBA, the 6th batches of MBA in Business Analytics (MBA-BA) and MBA in Human Resources (MBA-HR), the 7th batch of the Doctoral Programme (PhD), and welcomed the incoming cohort of the MSc in Data Science and Management (MSDSM) programme.
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The ceremony commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolising the pursuit of knowledge and learning, followed by the rendition of the National Song. The ceremony was graced by Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Board, Centre for Developments of Telematics (C-DOT), as the Chief Guest. The guest was warmly felicitated with a memento by Prof Samir K Srivastava, Director, IIM Amritsar .
The ceremony then featured a series of addresses by the institute’s academic leadership and faculty members. Dr Harpreet Kaur, Chairperson, Admissions and Dr Sweta Singh, Chairperson, MBA, extended a warm welcome to the incoming students. They encouraged the new cohorts to embrace the transformative journey ahead with resilience, intellectual curiosity and a willingness to step beyond their comfort zones. Stressing that learning extends far beyond the classroom, they highlighted the importance of academic rigour, mutual respect and active participation in campus life, reminding students that their time at IIM Amritsar would shape not only their careers but also their character and leadership.
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Dr Pavneet Singh, Chairperson, Doctoral Programme, congratulated the newest cohorts on joining IIM Amritsar . He encouraged them to embrace curiosity, humility and continuous learning as they embark on their academic journey. Highlighting the enduring value of human capabilities in an AI-driven world, he remarked, “Critical thinking, sound judgment, curiosity, creativity and the ability to ask meaningful questions remain uniquely human strengths,” urging students to develop these qualities into responsible leadership. Dr Sujit R Jagadale, Dean, Academics & Programs, IIM Amritsar , welcomed the incoming cohort and reflected on the rapidly evolving global landscape, encouraging students to prepare not just for careers but for leadership in an era shaped by technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and sustainability challenges. He remarked, “India has the talent and skills required to lead the technological revolution. What we need now is the courage to become its architects, not just its participants.”
Adding inspiration to the occasion, Anshu Maan Singh Teotia, Strategy and Operations, GSM – Green SM, an alumnus of the first batch of IIM Amritsar , addressed the students, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunities at the institute. He highlighted the importance of learning from peers, building meaningful relationships, embracing failure as part of growth and continually striving to improve, while making the most of the transformative journey ahead. Following this, the alumnus was felicitated by Prof Srivastava.
Prof Srivastava then delivered the welcome address, extending his greetings to the new cohort and welcoming them to the IIM Amritsar family. Reflecting on a world being reshaped by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change, he encouraged students to embrace curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning. Quoting, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence isn’t turbulence itself. It’s sticking to old ideas,” he emphasized that while technology can process information, true leadership lies in developing wisdom, building trust and inspiring people, reaffirming the enduring value of human leadership in an AI-driven world.
The Chief Guest, Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, delivered the inaugural keynote address, sharing his insights on leadership, self-growth and the transformative journey of management education. Drawing from his own experience as an IIM alumnus, he encouraged students to look beyond grades, embrace continuous learning and focus on becoming thoughtful leaders capable of making sound decisions in an increasingly dynamic world. He also urged them to strive not only for Return on Investment (ROI) but also for Return on Nation (RoN), emphasising the importance of creating meaningful value for society alongside professional success.
The ceremony also recognised academic excellence as the recipients of the Merit Scholarship from the MBA Batch 2025-27 were felicitated for their outstanding academic performance in the first year by Prof Srivastava, Dr Upadhyay and Dr Sweta Singh, Chairperson, Scholarship. The scholarship awardees included Ms Simran Gangaramani, Ms Anukriti Mishra and Ms Mansi Agarwal from the MBA cohort, Mr Nakshatra Mehta, Mr Saahil Bijur and Mr Saurabh Tiwari from the MBA-BA cohort, and Ms Vidisha Saxena from the MBA-HR cohort. The recognition reflected the institute’s continued emphasis on rewarding merit and fostering a culture of academic excellence.
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The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks and the rendition of the National Anthem, followed by an inaugural dinner that provided an opportunity for students, faculty, alumni and distinguished guests to interact and build new connections.
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As IIM Amritsar continues to strengthen its position among India’s leading management institutions, the inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the incoming cohorts. It reflects the institute’s commitment to developing responsible, future-ready leaders who go on to contribute meaningfully to business, society and the nation.
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