Alumni News
Poonam Bhojani Honored in Forbes Middle East’s ‘100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025’
Poonam Bhojani, an IIM Bangalore (PGP ’81) alumna, has been recognized as one of Forbes Middle East’s ‘100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025.’
As the Founding CEO of Innoventures Education, Poonam has been a driving force in establishing a diverse and robust portfolio of educational institutions in Dubai. Under her leadership, Innoventures Education has become a significant player in the region’s educational landscape, providing quality education to over 9,200 students representing more than 100 nationalities.
Poonam’s remarkable achievements have made her a key figure in shaping education and empowering students across the UAE. Her recognition by Forbes highlights her leadership and commitment to excellence in education.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Poonam on this well-earned accolade.
IIMB Alum Anant Ashutosh Sharma Wins Gold at 38th National Games 2025
Anant Ashutosh Sharma, a PGP 2024 alumnus, clinched a gold medal in Lawn Bowls representing Delhi at the 38th National Games 2025. Held in Uttarakhand from January 31 to February 9, the prestigious event saw over 10,000 athletes from 28 states, 8 Union Territories, and the Services Sports Control Board (Defense Forces) competing across 32 sports.
Anant, an Institute Rank 1 (IR1) holder during his time at IIM Bangalore, previously earned two bronze medals at the 37th National Games in Goa in 2023.
Reflecting on his achievement, Anant shared, “Winning the gold at the national level is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the holistic education and support I received at IIMB. I hope this inspires current students to pursue their passions wholeheartedly.”
Karan Bhagat receives 2024 Hurun Industry Achievement Award
Karan Bhagat, Founder, MD & CEO of 360 ONE, was recently honored with the 2024 Hurun Industry Achievement Award for Wealth & Asset Management at Hurun India’s Most Respected Entrepreneurs Awards 2025. This award recognizes India’s leading entrepreneurs who are driving the country’s economic growth.
In addition to this prestigious recognition, Karan was ranked among the top 20 in India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia, reflecting his bold vision, pioneering leadership, and commitment to excellence.
An alumnus of the PGP Class of 2001 from IIM Bangalore, Karan Bhagat is a first-generation entrepreneur who founded 360 ONE in 2008. Over the years, he has built a team of over 1,200 wealth management professionals, managing assets for more than 7,500 distinguished clients. Under his leadership, 360 ONE has become one of India’s top wealth management firms, with over INR 5,79,000 crores (USD 68 billion) in client assets.
Dr. Rahul Rao Awarded IERA Citation for Research on Resource Misallocation
Dr. Rahul Rao, a PhD alumnus from IIM Bangalore’s Class of 2024, has received the International Economic Research Annual (IERA) Citation from India Exim Bank for his thesis, Essays on Misallocation. He was honored at a ceremony by Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor of India.
Now an Assistant Professor at Ahmedabad University’s Amrut Mody School of Management, Dr. Rao’s research explores inefficiencies in resource distribution. His work examines how misallocation of crops across varied agricultural land affects yields in India and how credit market distortions impact capital distribution among US manufacturing firms. His thesis was guided by Professors Chetan Subramanian and Kunal Dasgupta from IIMB’s Economics area.
Dr. Rao acknowledged IIM Bangalore’s rigorous academic environment and faculty mentorship in shaping his research. The IERA Citation, awarded by Exim Bank, recognizes outstanding contributions to the fields of international economics, trade, and development.
