IIM Bangalore Book Launch – Exploring Nature: Flora and Fauna of IIMB

On 14th September 2024, IIM Bangalore unveiled its latest coffee table book, Exploring Nature: Flora and Fauna of IIM Bangalore, at the Bangalore International Centre. The book, co-authored by Prof. G Shainesh, Chairperson of Initiatives on Consumer Insights and Marketing faculty at IIMB, along with naturalists Priya Venkatesh, Founder of The Naturalist School, and Karthikeyan S, Chief Naturalist at Jungle Lodges and Resorts, captures the vibrant biodiversity of IIMB’s lush campus. The launch event saw the presence of several notable personalities, including Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director of IIMB, Harish Mittal, President of the IIMB Alumni Association, as well as IIMB alumni, current and former faculty members, and local conservationists.

In his welcome address, Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan emphasized that the natural beauty of the IIMB campus plays a significant role in defining its identity. “When people think of IIMB, they often focus on its iconic architecture. However, our rich biodiversity is equally remarkable. This book beautifully captures the diverse ecosystem we’ve cultivated, from towering trees to intricate insect life, all contributing to a unique green space in the heart of Bangalore,” he said. He expressed pride in sharing this ecological heritage with the broader community through the book.

The launch event also allowed attendees to meet the authors, who spoke about the inspiration behind the book and the creative process of documenting the flora and fauna of the campus. The book offers a visual journey through IIMB’s biodiversity, demonstrating the wide variety of trees, plants, birds, insects, and fungi found across the campus. IIM Bangalore, recognized for having the ‘Best Garden in Academic Institutions’ by the Karnataka State Department of Horticulture, has carefully nurtured its green cover, which now boasts over 285 species of trees – the most in any academic institution in India.

Following the book launch, a panel discussion titled ‘Embracing Biodiversity for a Nature-inclusive Bangalore’ featured the book’s co-authors along with P.S. Narayan, Global Head of Sustainability at Wipro. The panel explored how urban spaces, including educational institutions like IIMB, can harmonize development with nature conservation, serving as models for ecologically responsible environments.

Reflecting on the history of IIMB, Harish Mittal shared how the campus transformed from barren land in the 1980s into a lush green haven, highlighting the crucial role played by the horticulture team. Prof. K Kumar, who led the IIMB History Project, spoke about the long-term commitment required to create environmentally responsible institutions. K.N. Murthy, an IIMB alumnus and former member of the Indian Forest Service (IFS), urged collaboration between IIMB and other corporate campuses to enhance Bangalore’s biodiversity.

Exploring Nature is the third in a series of books launched as part of IIMB’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. It follows The Evolution of IIMB: Directors Perspectives (2019) and The Making of a Campus: IIM Bangalore (2023), both commemorating various aspects of the institution’s legacy. This latest addition celebrates the natural heritage of IIMB, offering readers a deeper connection to the campus’s ecosystem and its role in fostering a harmonious relationship between education and the environment.