Celebrating IIM Bangalore’s 51st Foundation Day: A Tribute to Excellence and Legacy

On October 28, 2024, IIM Bangalore celebrated its 51st Foundation Day with a blend of intellectual discussions, recognition of achievements, and cultural festivities. The day highlighted the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, community-building, and nation-building.

Keynote Lecture: Education as a Catalyst for Growth

Dr. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, delivered an inspiring lecture on the theme “Opportunities & Challenges for Education in Today’s India.” She emphasized the transformative role of primary and pre-primary education in shaping India’s future, calling for collective citizen involvement to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy.

Citing the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), Dr. Banerji stressed the importance of going beyond enrollment numbers to develop essential skills. She advocated for approaches like Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) and initiatives such as NIPUN Bharat to drive foundational learning, stating, “The next five years will determine India’s destiny for the rest of the century.”

Insights from IIMB Leadership

In his address, Director Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan reflected on IIMB’s journey of excellence and announced the establishment of the ₹13-crore Centre of Excellence in FinTech at NSRCEL, funded by the Government of Karnataka. He also celebrated the landmark contribution by alumnus Mathew Cyriac (PGP 1994) for the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, emphasizing the transformative power of alumni support.

Board member Prof. Malavika R Harita underscored the importance of diversity, ethics, and leadership in education. Quoting the Sanskrit phrase “tejasvi navadhitamastu” (let our study be enlightening), she envisioned an education system inspiring exploration and social change.

Honoring Excellence

The event celebrated outstanding contributions from the IIMB community through various awards:

• Alumni Service Awards: Honored alumni like C P Madhusudan (PGP 1993), Pawan Sachdeva (PGP 1996), and Shashank Kothi (PGP 2000) for their impact on IIMB’s ecosystem.
• Young Achievement Awards: Recognized exceptional accomplishments of staff members’ children in academics and sports.
• Scholarships: PGP 2001, PGP 2008, and the Raghuvir Kothi Memorial awards were presented to students, reflecting the alumni’s dedication to fostering talent.

Cultural and Community Engagement

The Staff Recreation Club (SRC) organized cultural programs and sporting events, featuring performances by staff, students, and their families. Competitions like the Anti-Ragging Poster Making contest added vibrancy, with awards presented to winners.

The celebrations concluded with a cultural evening, reaffirming IIM Bangalore’s legacy of fostering holistic development and societal impact.

NEP and Technology’s Role

Dr. Banerji lauded the NEP’s focus on early childhood education and its foundational literacy goals. Addressing the audience during an interactive session moderated by Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean of Alumni Relations & Development, she stressed the need to balance technology-driven education with interpersonal connections.

Highlights from IIMB Leadership

Director’s Address
IIM Bangalore’s Director, Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, reflected on the institute’s journey and its commitment to academic excellence and nation-building. He announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in FinTech at NSRCEL, supported by the Government of Karnataka, with a funding of ₹13 crores.

Prof. Krishnan also celebrated significant achievements, including a landmark contribution by alumnus Mathew Cyriac (PGP 1994) for establishing the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital. “His support underscores the transformative power of alumni contributions in advancing education and industry,” he remarked.

He highlighted IIMB’s sustainability initiatives, such as workshops with local schools and the institute’s top ranking in the Positive Impact Rating, which evaluates business schools on their societal contributions.