Events@IIMB
IIMB Foundation Day Lecture: Nirupama Rao on India’s Role in a Transitioning Global Order
At IIM Bangalore’s 52nd Foundation Day, former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao delivered an insightful address on how the world is entering a new era of re-globalization—one defined by resilience, diversified partnerships and systems designed to withstand disruption. She noted that global priorities have shifted: technology shapes modern influence, data acts as diplomacy, and climate now determines economic and strategic choices.
Rao emphasised that today’s leaders must be geopolitically aware, technologically fluent and ethically grounded. India, she observed, is well positioned to shape this transition, supported by its democratic stability, digital public infrastructure and a strengthening manufacturing base. In this context, trust emerges as a form of capital—“not a sentiment, but a strategy.”
Addressing the IIMB community, she described students as “architects of the next quarter century” and encouraged them to lead with curiosity, courage and integrity. Her message underlined the need to build institutions that endure, design solutions that serve humanity, and champion progress that is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in purpose.
Her lecture offered a thoughtful roadmap for leadership in a world being rewritten in real time.
IIMB–NeSL Initiative Advances Sustainable Mobility with New Electric Bus
IIM Bangalore and the National E-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL) inaugurated a new electric bus on the IIMB campus, marking a significant step in advancing sustainable mobility. Supported by NeSL under its Sustainability Programme, the initiative reinforces the shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner transportation.
The event was attended by senior leaders from NeSL, Canara Bank and IIMB. As part of the programme, Canara Bank officials were felicitated as ‘Green Warriors’ for their contributions to sustainable and digital initiatives undertaken in partnership with NeSL.
Speaking at the inauguration, NeSL’s leadership highlighted the efficiency and environmental advantages of electric vehicles and reaffirmed its support for IIMB’s broader sustainability ecosystem—ranging from EV charging stations to solar infrastructure. IIMB’s Director In-charge expressed gratitude for the continued collaboration and reiterated the Institute’s vision to model responsible campus practices.
The event underscored the power of institutional partnerships in driving meaningful, long-term sustainability impact.
National Symposium at IIMB Highlights 75 Years of NSS and Its Impact on Public Policy
IIM Bangalore, in partnership with the National Statistics Office (NSO), hosted a national symposium on ‘How NSS Surveys Have Influenced Public Policy’ to mark 75 years of the National Sample Survey’s contribution to India’s development. The event brought together nearly 200 participants, including researchers, economists, policymakers, and senior representatives from APU, ISEC and ISI.
The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Ashok Dalwai. Senior leaders from NSO and IIMB participated alongside experts from academia and government.
Discussions through technical sessions and three panel dialogues explored how NSS data has shaped policy decisions, strengthened research, and supported governance. Speakers highlighted recent reforms such as digital transformation, high-frequency data, district-level estimates, and the e-SIGMA platform.
The symposium underscored NSS’s vital role in evidence-based policymaking and its continued relevance in guiding India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat.
NSRCEL Launches Women Startup Program’s Scale Hub and Incubation Batch 3
NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore launched the Scale Hub: Women in Art & Craft and Incubation Batch 3 under the Women Startup Program, supported by Kotak Mahindra Bank’s CSR initiative. This milestone brings 143 women founders into the new incubation cohort, helping them refine their ventures from MVP to market-ready stage, along with 24 founders joining the Scale Hub to grow sustainable craft-based businesses that create social impact.
The launch day centred around conversations on purpose-led growth and entrepreneurial resilience. Dr. Srivardhini K Jha, Chairperson, NSRCEL, shared insights on leadership and scaling with intention. Reena Bhanti from Kotak Mahindra Bank highlighted how empowering women entrepreneurs accelerates economic progress.
Distinguished speakers—including Sandhya Shekhar, IIMB Distinguished Alumni Awardee 2025, and Malavika R. Harita, Member, IIMB Board of Governors—reflected on adaptability, confidence and the evolving landscape for women-led businesses.
The event concluded with reflections on community and a calming mindfulness session, emphasising the balance needed to build and grow sustainably.
IIMB Celebrates Doctoral Scholars at the PhD Scholarship Recognition Function 2025
The Office of the Doctoral Programme at IIM Bangalore hosted the PhD Scholarship Recognition Function on 24th October 2025, honouring doctoral scholars for their achievements in research, publications, academic milestones and contributions to the student community. Held at the MDC Conference Hall, the event brought together faculty, staff and students to celebrate academic excellence and scholarly impact.
Awards were presented across multiple categories, including PhD Student Scholarships, Research Paper Awards, and recognition for students who cleared major academic milestones such as the Comprehensive Examination. Members of the outgoing and incoming PhD Student Academic Committee (SAC) were also acknowledged.
Prof. U. Dinesh Kumar, Director In-charge, along with senior faculty members and guest P. S. Narayan from Wipro, felicitated the awardees.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to corporate partners for supporting research at IIMB and reinforcing the Institute’s commitment to nurturing impactful scholarship.
