Published : Saturday, 6 May, 2017 11:30 AM
IIM Raipur holds its 6th Annual Convocation
The Indian Institute of Management Raipur conducted its 6th Annual Convocation Ceremony for the batches of PGP 2015-17, PGP 2014-16, PGPWE and FPM on May 5th, 2017 at its campus in Raipur.
Dr. Raman Singh, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh graced the event as the chief guest. Other eminent personalities like Smt. Shyamala Gopinath, Chairperson, BOG, IIM Raipur and Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Raipur were also present at the ceremony.
After two years of grueling curriculum, countless presentations and a bag full of memories, the students of the 6th batch of IIM Raipur donned the graduation robes on Friday.
Chief Guest, Dr. Raman Singh on the occasion expressed, “It’s a golden moment in the history of Chhatisgarh State. I have been a part of IIM Raipur’s journey since its inception. I remember in 2010, when we got the approval to establish IIM Raipur. Today, I feel similar to how a gardener feels when he sees his flowers blossoming. IIM Raipur was started with a mission and will certainly achieve it, given its pace of growth.”
“Chhatisgarh is a very rich state in terms of natural resources. We produce 25% of the total production of Cement, Aluminum and Steel in India. But when I took office in 2003, I stressed upon the importance of developing human capital. IIM Raipur is one such institute that has added to the human capital of the state”.
He shared his experience with the students where he used management to bring railway projects to the states. When the center was facing a budgetary constraint, Dr. Singh got the project approved through PPP model. He also uses dashboard like any other manager to keep a track of work-progress. He also emphasized how management consulting firms like PWC and Deloitte play an important role in ensuring good governance.
Congratulating the student on the occasion, he encouraged students to contribute to the society by instilling a sense of Social Entrepreneurship. His special mention on the way these young graduates walked up the stage instilled a unique sense of pride among each one present there.
On the parting note, he assured the director of IIM Raipur of a smooth supply of power and water in their new campus.
Ms. Shyamala Gopinath, the Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIM Raipur, earlier welcomed the guests and congratulated the students on successfully completing the program. She said, “Today is a proud moment for all of us here. I feel happy to be in front of the bright, energetic young minds of India. Heartiest congratulations to all graduating students, their parents, faculty, staff members and the entire team on this milestone achievement.” She further reminded the gathering IIM Raipur provides an environment tailored for learning. She said, “IIM Raipur provides an enabling environment for nurturing talent, excellence and innovation through global tie-ups which have given the students and faculty the much needed opportunities for sharing experiences and adopting the best international practices. She reiterated the Institute’s vision is to emerge as a great learning and research centre, but also an Institute which will address the critical needs of society and the nation. Before concluding her address, she advised, “Dear students, it is also important to realize, that whatever we are today is because of contributions of our parents, our society and our nation. It is, therefore, important that while we achieve success in our lives, we must serve your society and nation”.
Earlier, building on the achievements of IIM Raipur, Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIM Raipur presented the Director’s report. He enumerated the Institute’s accomplishments in the field of research by saying, “I strongly believe that any top business school in the world is known by the quality of its faculty and students.”He shared, “During the year, our faculty members published 42 research papers in refereed journals, 20 cases in classified case houses, presented 33 papers in national and international conferences and published 6 books and 10 Book Chapters”.
He started his speech by welcoming the chief guest and other dignitaries on the dais. Welcoming Dr. Raman Singh, he expressed his gratitude to him for his presence and accepting the invitation to deliver the convocation address. Praising the effort of his government, Prof. Bhasker highlighted the Chhattisgarh model of PDS, which is an example for the other states. Welcoming Ms. Shyamala Gopinath, Chairperson, BoG, Prof. Bhasker described her a compassionate leader and a crisis manager. He recollected various critical reforms that was undertaken during her tenure as the Deputy Governor, RBI. IIM Raipur Director later welcomed other BoG members and acknowledged that their presence on the board would steer the institute in the right direction.
Prof. Bhasker then spoke words of encouragement for the outgoing batch. He said, “I would now like to share my feelings with graduating students for whom this day marks a major milestone. Today, when you step out of this institution, people will ask you, what are your life-plans? My advice to you is to have no life-plans. It’s because we live in an environment subject to business and technical innovation and geopolitical disruptions. Here, new opportunities and challenges arise every day. By fixing a life-plan at this early stage, you’ll put a limit at your success. The two years that you have spent here have made you able enough to take decisions in dynamic situations. So, conquer the world with your dictum of leadership”.
He took this opportunity to inform the audience that IIM Raipur bagged the 14th position in a recent ranking by National Institutional Ranking Framework 2016 improving upon its previous rank of 18. Not just this, IIM Raipur has been identified as one of the top research based institution in India.
In the 2015-17 batch of IIM Raipur, of the total 141 students PGP batch, 92 students got convocated. The remaining 49 students have gone for the Students Exchange Programme to its partner institutions in different parts of the world to complete their final term. In addition, 29 students from the 5th Batch of PGP2014-16 were convocated today as they had gone to complete their final term at partner institutions under Students Exchange Programme last year.
The batch of 2015-17 consisted of students from diverse academic backgrounds and work experience with a batch size of 141 future leaders who proved their mettle at every opportunity presented to them. More than 140 recruiters showed interest in the final placement process this year. The number of Pre-placement offers (PPOs) was 28 this year, which is a testimony to the exceptional performance of the students during their Summer Internships.
Over the years since inception, to strengthen its international ties, IIM Raipur has signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ (MOU) with some of the finest business schools in the world including, Grenoble Ecole de Management, France; IESEG School of Management, France; HLL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, Germany; AIT Bangkok, Thailand; ALBA Graduate Business School, Greece; IPADE Business School, Mexico; Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; University of New Castle, Australia, ESC Troyes, France; Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand and University of Melbourne, Australia. This year MOUs have been signed with nine more prestigious universities. These MoUs focus on student and faculty exchange programmes, collaborative research publications, organizing joint conferences and academic programmes.
Because of the increase in the number of partner institutes, the student exchange programme has become more robust and thus more students had the opportunity of cross-cultural exposure this year. While the first student exchange program saw four students being sent abroad in 2012-13, the number went up to 50 this year. IIM Raipur has introduced financial support to meritorious students to participate in the exchange program. It also encourages students to participate in international events of repute by giving financial support for up to 10 students every year.
Recognizing the increasing demand from the working executives to handle complex business problems, IIM Raipur started ‘Post-Graduate Programme for Working Executives’ (PGPWE) in the academic year 2012-14. 13 students of the PGPWE batch, 2015-17 were convocated today.
Students of the outgoing batches proved themselves not only in academics, but also won several accolades in extracurricular activities. Some of the achievements included winning case study, business plan, competitions held by Yes Bank, DMS Delhi, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, CFA Challenge, Tata Crucible quiz, RBI, etc.
The IIM Raipur convocation ceremony also saw gold medals being given away for scholastic performance by the Honorable Chief Minister, Dr. Raman Singh. Among the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) students, Mohit Jethi received the Chairperson’s Gold Medal for scholastic performance in academics. Mohit described his IIM Raipur journey as, “IIM Raipur has just not given me a diploma/degree but also memories and friends. It feels like it was just yesterday when I started my journey at an IIM, and now I have come out with a better and enhanced personality and value addition to myself. Not just the classroom studies, but everything and everyone here has taught me something and contributed to my growth. The peer group culture, the corporate connect and things apart from academics like in-house events, games and sports, inter-institute and international competitions give you a holistic enhancement and make you ready for anything and everything.”
Rahul Ranjan received the Director’s Gold Medal. He summarized his thoughts with the following words, "Just the sheer thought of making it to one of the prestigious institutions in the country which we come to know as IIMs, would use to overwhelm me and cause me to get goosebumps. But, here I am today, done and dusted with my journey at IIM Raipur, imbued with a sense of accomplishment. The road traversed by me wasn’t easy but I never let go of my dreams”.
Shubham Bawa received the PGP Chairman’s Gold medal. He said, “More than anything else, what an MBA from an IIM teaches you is how to handle stress. Be it examinations or placements, those who handle stress better, reap better results. If you have clarity of thought and confidence in your capabilities, sky is the limit.”
For Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executive (PGPWE) batch Umesh Malayath received Chairperson’s gold medal. He said, “It has been a real topsy - turvy journey, toggling between office, house and college. But thanks to support from my lovely wife, parents, in-laws, my office colleagues and my boss, I could complete the course successfully. The course has really enlightened my view towards business, thanks to my faculty for their ever probing and enlightening session which always kept us on our toes. “
Pranav Kumar of batch PGP 2014-16 also received his Gold Medal this year as he was a part of the foreign exchange program last year. “The journey in IIM Raipur began with a packed schedule where the classes, assignments and college activities would leave us with very little time to even sleep. But looking now, I realize that this was what made me learn to utilize my time to maximum and still find time for my hobbies and sports. Apart from giving me an understanding of different aspects of business, it also gave me an opportunity to explore my abilities in sports, events organization, team building, public speaking and much more. The best experience remains the student exchange programme where I went to study in France for 1 trimester and learn a different approach to business, academics and even life.”
During the ceremony, all the students of Post Graduate Programme (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executive (PGPWE) received their diplomas from the Chairman Board of Governors, IIM Raipur. The students walked the aisle wearing impressive ceremonious gowns as they start their new journey.
The exuberance among the students of the graduating batch was a treat for the eyes. The campus was a scene of festivities, happy faces and emotional moments with farewell parties, group photos, selfies, and celebrations adding to the mood. Family members exchanged notes of the success of their wards and immensely enjoyed the graduation ceremony.
Snapshot of Batch Profile of 2015-17
Chairman’s Gold Medal&Best Student Award - Mohit Jethi
Mohit Jethi, son of Nirdosh kumar Jethi and Snehlata Jethi, is the recipient of the highest academic honour of IIM Raipur's PGP. He joined IIM Raipur in 2015-17 after completing his BTech. From Silicon Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar. During his time in IIM Raipur, Mohit has brought several laurels to the institute in Badminton, Table Tennis, Cricket and Lawn Tennis. He was one among few students selected from all across India for Indian Youth Delegation to China 2015. He shall be joining TVS Motor Company as a Brand Manager after stepping out of the institute.
Director’s Gold Medal – Rahul Ranjan
Rahul Ranjan, son of Anil Kumar Sinha and Shashi Prabha, is the recipient of the Director’s Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance in IIM Raipur’s PGP. He joined IIM Raipur in 2015-17 after completing his engineering from National Institute of Foundry & Forge Technology, Ranchi. In IIM Raipur, Rahul was an integral part of Mantra, the Marketing Club of IIM Raipur. Apart from organizing several competitions, time and again he took classes and workshops on basics of Marketing. He shall be joining Group M, World's Largest Advertising Company, as a Leadership Trainee after stepping out of the institute.
PGP Chairman’s Gold Medal – Shubham Bawa
Shubham Bawa, son of Dr. Ritu Bawa and Late Dr. Manmohan Bawa, is the recipient of the PGP Chairman’s Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance in IIM Raipur’s PGP. He joined IIM Raipur in 2015-17 after completing his engineering from Indian Institute of Management Roorkee. Shubham’s research work in IIM Raipur has been published several international publications. Apart from excelling in academics, he has also served as Short Term Consultant to brands like Quickr. He shall be joining Tafe as a Management Trainee after stepping out of the institute.
Gold Medalist PGP 2014-16 – Pranav Kumar
Pranav Kumar, son of DrRajnish Kumar Gupta and Mrs. Rita Gupta, is the recipient of the Chairman’s Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance in IIM Raipur’s PGP in batch 2014-16. He joined IIM Raipur in 2015-17 after completing his engineering from College of Technology, Pantnagar. Pranav was a part of the foreign exchange program hence couldn’t collect his gold medal last year. He is currently serving as a Marketing Manager in Tata Steel.
Chairman’s Gold Medal PGPWE – Umesh Malayath
Umesh Malayath, son of Vijayan Malayath and Uma Malayath, is the recipient of the IIM Raipur’s Chairman’s Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance in PGPWE. He did his graduation (B. E) in Applied Electronics and Instrumentation from College of Engineering Trivandrum. Currently he is working with SAIL, Bhilai Steel Plant, as an Assistant Manager.
Experiences of the other Outgoing Students
Piyush Gaurav, student of PGP 2015-17, shared, “The biggest value addition of my IIM journey was the peer learning among batch mates. Late night discussions on topics ranging from economics, business ideas, politics and everything else under the sun were enriching. With the guidance of our mentors the challenges and opportunities became exciting and the zeal to perform grew exponentially. IIM Raipur not only taught us the nuances of business administration but also the importance of behavioral aspects of life.”
'IIM Raipur has given me a platform to live my life and take-away a bag full of memories and learnings for lifetime through class presentations, assignments with strict deadlines, organising National level events, MCeeing in Summits and sharing the stage with the big shots of the country. The everyday conundrum has made me emerge stronger and more confident. It has helped me inculcate crucial interpersonal skills necessary to overcome everyday challenges of life”, added Shreya Agarwal of PGP 2015-17.
Ritisha Choudhary expressed her emotions as, “When I had embarked on my MBA journey at IIM Raipur, never had I known that it would be a lifetime experience for me at this place along with the passionate people that I have come across. The past two years have formed as a solid base for us to grow, develop and evolve as dynamic individuals, where in we got an opportunity to bring out the best of our abilities, nurture and hone our skills and practice ethics to the core to establish a strong foothold in the corporate world”.
Ajay Singla described his journey as, “The two years journey transformed me completely from a naive kid to a consummate professional. I could never imagine myself shaking hands with the then RBI Governor or sharing dining table with some MD and CEO. The journey was equally grueling too. It is not easy to manage the academics, competitions, extra-curricular activities and hobbies at one time. But it is really worth doing when the outcomes are priceless. After the journey of 1 year, 10 months and 23 days, today I say Goodbye to this prestigious institute.
Sidharth Sachdeva, who represented IIM Raipur at an international trading competition in Toronto feels, “These 2 years offered me an impeccable blend of learning, amusement and integration of enduring principles. It helped me organize and prioritize my life as a whole as in MBA you are involved in so many things at any point in time. The sleepless nights and learning from faculty and peers has equipped me to believe nothing is impossible to achieve. To sum up, the biggest take away from this place is the ability to structure my thoughts in order to take decisions in every situation and emerge as a winner.
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