IIMB Development Foundation hosts Donor Reception 2025

The IIMB Development Foundation (IDF) hosted ‘Donor Reception 2025’ on 28 February 2025, recognizing the generosity of individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the success of IIM Bangalore across various causes.

Welcome Addresses

Prof. Sourav Mukherji, Dean of Alumni Relations & Development at IIMB and Chair of the IIMB Development Foundation, delivered the welcome address, outlining the session’s agenda. This was followed by an insightful address by Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore.

Advancing Management Education and Innovation

Prof. Krishnan provided an overview of IIMB’s academic programs, research initiatives, industry outreach, and future plans. He emphasized the Institute’s commitment to supporting faculty and centres to create a global impact. He highlighted the establishment of the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, made possible by a generous contribution from Mathew Cyriac, Executive Chairman of Florintree Advisors Pvt Ltd and PGP Class of 1994 alumnus.

Prof. Krishnan also spoke about NSRCEL’s growing recognition and support from organizations such as Maruti Suzuki, ICICI Securities, and Capgemini, noting that NSRCEL is set to share its expertise with other incubators through a consulting-cum-product platform. He emphasized that sustaining high-quality education remains a core focus, with plans to strengthen internationalization, faculty, research, infrastructure, and the development of the second campus for undergraduate programs.

Promoting Sustainability: Special Address

The Chief Guest, Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri, MD & CEO of NeSL, delivered a special address on sustainability initiatives. He acknowledged IIMB’s commitment to sustainable practices, including the installation of rooftop solar panels and EV charging stations, aligning with NeSL’s vision. He emphasized the importance of reversing environmental degradation and expressed pride in partnering with IIMB to promote sustainability.

India-Japan Strategic Partnership

The Guest of Honor, Tatsuhiro Otake, CEO India, Mizuho Bank Ltd., highlighted India’s growing significance as a business hub for Japanese companies, citing factors such as a skilled workforce, stable monetary policies, and a strong India-Japan partnership. He outlined Mizuho Bank’s CSR activities and its role in promoting collaboration between India and Japan through initiatives like MIJSC and its interaction with IIMB students.

Launch of Professor Prakash G. Apte Memorial Endowment Fund

A key announcement was the initiation of the ‘Professor Prakash G. Apte Memorial Endowment Fund’ by Alok Apte, son of Late Professor Apte. Prof. Mukherji recalled Prof. Apte’s legacy as a mentor and advocate for the Doctoral programme. The endowment aims to support deserving students and promote academic excellence in research.

Panel Discussion: The Impact of Donating to Higher Education

A panel discussion on ‘The Multiplier Effect of Donating to Education’, moderated by Rohit Jaisingh, CEO, IIMB Development Foundation, explored the impact of philanthropic contributions. Panelists included PS Narayan (Global Head, Wipro), Sunil Khurana (CEO & MD, BPL Medical Technologies), Rajkiran Kanagala (President & CBO, TCI), Madhu Moses T (Regional Head, Kotak Mahindra Bank), and Sandhya Shekhar (PGP 1984 alumna).

The discussion highlighted the importance of choosing partners with aligned values and emphasized the need for robust, transparent policies. Panelists advocated for sustainability, civic engagement, and supporting infrastructure, scholarships, and the social stock exchange to strengthen higher education.

Donor Felicitation Ceremony

The event concluded with the Donor Felicitation Ceremony, recognizing prominent contributors, including:

• Snehal Shah (Independent Director, Gala Precision Engineering Ltd., PGP 1995)
• Prakash VGN (Co-Founder, Milltec Machinery Pvt Ltd, MPEFB 2008)
• Jayaram Krishnan (Founder & CEO, ASPIREKEN, PGP 1993)
• Tanmoy Adhikari (CEO, CTBC Bank Co. Ltd., PGP 2001)
• Jaskaran Singh Bhogal (Founder/Executive Director, Profinch Solutions, PGP 1998)
• Saroj Swain (Director, Practice Head, Wealth 360 One)
• Sunil Khurana (CEO & MD, BPL Medical Technologies Pvt Ltd)
• Narayan PS (Global Head – Sustainability, Wipro Ltd)
• Rajkiran Kanagala (President & CBO, Transport Corporation of India Ltd)
• Madhu Moses T (Regional Head, Kotak Mahindra Bank)
• Debajyoti Ray Chaudhuri (MD & CEO, NeSL)
• Tatsuhiro Otake (CEO India, Mizuho Bank Ltd)
• Alok Apte (Son of Late Prof. Prakash Apte)
• Shweta A Jha (Lead India CSR & ESG, Herbalife International India Pvt Ltd)
• Prem Nair (Head HR, Toshiba Software India)

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Utanka Sarma, Head – Alumni Relations, IIM Bangalore.