After a gap of two years, the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B) hosted its 47th Convocation ceremony on campus. A total of 690 students across programmes, nine of whom were awarded gold medals, graduated from the institute.
The one lesson from the two years of the pandemic is that change is constant, said Zia J. Mody, co-founder and managing partner of AZB and Partners, who was chief guest. In a virtual address to the graduating students, she said: “You had to achieve academic success amidst the COVID-19 challenge, and you have weathered all storms and come out ahead. We are waiting to see more unicorns, more distinguished scholars, more successful CEOs emerge from your batch.
She advised students to follow their calling and passion to become successful and to reject mediocrity. Stating that money, while important, was not the only determinant, she said, “If you love something you will excel in it, and money will follow.”
About work-life balance, she said, “There is nothing like a perfect work/life balance. Everything gets measured by what you prioritise, and sometimes sacrifice, on the road to success.” She also called upon the students to give back to society by way of philanthropy.
Also attending the convocation virtually, Devi Prasad Shetty, chairperson, Board of Directors, IIM-B, lauded the institute and all its stakeholders who had adapted in the face of the pandemic to sustain the excellent academic standards.
In his message to the graduating students, he said: “Embrace change, do not resist it. Seize any opportunity that arises from a rapidly shifting environment, and always try to change things for the better. Never ever compromise on honesty or transparency. Have a deep understanding of technological trends and their implications.”
Prof Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore, highlighted some of the achievements and accomplishments of the institute, with special focus on programmes, centres, events, the entrepreneurship hub NSRCEL, placements as well as the feats of the students and faculty. IIM-B is once again in the Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings in the Business and Management Studies category, ranking at #63 globally and #1 in India.
“I am particularly happy and proud that our scores on academic and research parameters are improving every year. This QS ranking reflects IIM-B’s vision is to be a globally renowned academic institution fostering excellence in management, innovation and entrepreneurship, for business, government and society,” he said.
New campus
He said that at the new campus, which may become functional next year, IIM-B will offer UG programmes in multiple disciplines with a liberal arts flavour, given the orientation of the National Education Policy, 2020.
Among the graduating students, 11 were from the doctoral programme, 488 from PG Programme in Management, 76 from Executive PG Programme in Management, 75 from PG Programme in Enterprise Management, and 40 from the PG Programme in Business Analytics.
