Events @ IIMB

Maharaja Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar Speaks to IIM Bangalore Community on Kannada Rajyotsava Celebrations

During the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations at IIM Bangalore, Chief Guest Maharaja Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar praised the institute for embodying the essence of old Bangalore. He emphasized that IIMB, beyond academics, plays a crucial role in nation-building and promoting the state of Karnataka. Reflecting on the historical evolution of Mysore and Karnataka, he underscored the importance of upholding culture, heritage, and Indian traditions.

Prof. Aditya Shrinivas acknowledged the contribution of the Mysore Palace to Karnataka’s progress, emphasizing the need to preserve its rituals, culture, and heritage. Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIM Bangalore, highlighted Mysore’s role in shaping Karnataka’s development, urging the state to become a leader in the country.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the institute organized various events, including the IIMB Folklore Golden Festival and competitions in painting, singing, quizzes, and more. Praveen D Rao, an Indian music composer, urged non-Kannada speakers to learn the language and embrace the state’s culture.

The festivities also included prize distribution and a folk jingle performance by Janapada Jangam teams. Kannada Rajyotsava holds immense cultural and historical significance, and IIMB actively engaged in the celebrations, promoting inclusivity by distributing a book titled ‘Learn Kannada through English’ to non-Kannada speaking staff.


IIM Bangalore Organizes International Symposium on ‘Digital Innovations, Financial Inclusion, and Sustainability’

As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations, IIM Bangalore hosted an international symposium titled ‘Digital Innovations, Financial Inclusion, and Sustainability.’ Chaired by Prof. G Shainesh from IIMB’s Marketing area, the symposium aimed to delve into issues of inclusivity, digitalization, and financial innovations in India. Inaugurated by Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIMB, and Prof. N S Vishwanathan, Non-Executive Chairman of Axis Bank and Former Deputy Governor of RBI, the event gathered experts to discuss global experiences in digitalization, financial inclusion, and successful business models.

Prof. G Shainesh emphasized the symposium’s focus on three pillars of progress: digital empowerment, inclusive access, and sustainability. The first day featured panel discussions on digitalization, financial inclusion experiences, and accessible financial services, along with a plenary session on financial inclusion, empowerment, and sustainable livelihood creation.

On the second day, discussions centered around leveraging digital for scaling up financial inclusion, driving adoption of financial products through digital tech, and collaborating for sustainable development. ‘Leaderspeak’ sessions included insights from Rajesh Bansal, CEO of Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, and Amit Nanda, Director of Selling Partner Services at Amazon. Industry leaders highlighted the importance of inclusive growth, technology, and digital transformation in achieving sustainable economic development. The symposium provided a platform for experts to foster a dialogue on inclusive innovation, financial inclusion, and the transformative role of technology in India’s digital landscape.


Symposium on Jal Jeevan Mission Hosted at IIM Bangalore in Collaboration with Arghyam and eGov Foundation

The Jal Jeevan Mission, in collaboration with Arghyam and eGov Foundation, organized a symposium at IIM Bangalore titled ‘Ensuring the Sustainability of Drinking Water Infrastructure: Emerging Challenges and Scalable Models from Rural India.’ The event focused on addressing challenges and presenting scalable models for sustainable drinking water infrastructure in rural India. The symposium provided a platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions, ensuring the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission’s goal to provide accessible and sustainable drinking water across the country.


Centre for Public Policy Hosts Discussion with Harsh Mander on His Book: ‘Burning Pyres, Mass Graves and a State That Failed Its People: India’s Covid Tragedy’

Author and social justice activist Harsh Mander shared insights during a talk at IIM Bangalore’s Centre for Public Policy, discussing his book, ‘Burning Pyres, Mass Graves and a State That Failed Its People: India’s Covid Tragedy.’ Mander emphasized studying public policy’s societal impact and understanding the world with empathy to build a better future. He highlighted the need for collective grief, rage, and hope while addressing the pandemic’s aftermath. Mander discussed government policy choices, healthcare measures, the migrant crisis, and the economic shutdown during the lockdown. Reflecting on the pandemic’s lessons, he called for a universal social contract, emphasizing solidarity and fraternity for a just and equal society. Mander expressed optimism in rebuilding the country with a renewed sense of caring and shared destinies. He concluded by advocating for a collective struggle and promoting fraternity to navigate future crises effectively and equitably.


Industry Leaders Impart Insights to PGP Students in ‘Learning in a Digital Era’ Course

Dr. Gopal Mahapatra, faculty in the OB&HRM area at IIMB, orchestrated a session where two distinguished industry leaders, Ravikiran Annaswamy and Dharma Teja Gorrepati, delivered enlightening lectures to PGP students as part of the course ‘Leadership in the Digital Era.’

Ravikiran Annaswamy, Co-founder and CEO of Numocity Technologies, shared insights into his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the challenges faced in telecom projects. With over 28 years of experience, he discussed cultural differences encountered during his tenure at Nokia Siemens Networks and Siemens AG.

Dharma Teja Gorrepati, CEO of Ninestar Groups, delved into his entrepreneurial journey in the automobile industry, underlining the impact of the digital era on his trajectory. Stressing values and continuous learning, he shared valuable lessons from his corporate experience at GE and Oracle.

The lectures were followed by an engaging Q&A session, allowing students to glean further insights from these accomplished industry leaders.