Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore, in his address, described what he called the three anchors for life that would guide the graduates in their journey ahead. He emphasised the importance of clarity of purpose, noting that in a rapidly changing world, a strong sense of purpose serves as an internal compass, defining one’s own sense of success. He also spoke about the strength of character, highlighting that integrity and credibility form the true foundation of leadership, especially under pressure. Talking about the third anchor, the spirit of contribution, he said, “Measure success not only by personal achievements but by the positive impact they create for society through compassionate and responsible leadership”. He noted that in the coming years, the institute aims to build on its current momentum by expanding global collaborations, enhancing research excellence, and introducing innovative programmes that respond to the evolving needs of industry and society.
In his Convocation Address, the Chief Guest, Dr. Janmejaya Sinha, offered a deeply reflective, human-centric perspective on leadership in today’s world. He reminded graduates that at the heart of all systems, strategies, and technologies are people, and that it is essential to recognise humans as sentient beings. Emphasising the importance of emotional intelligence and awareness, he shared the anagram “LOCALE” as a guiding framework for effective leadership. Each letter, he explained, represents a critical quality – Listening, Observation, Curiosity, Affirmation, Learning, and Empathy. He said, “Together, these principles encourage leaders to engage more meaningfully with individuals and contexts, strengthening trust, understanding, and collaboration”. He urged graduates to internalise these values as they navigate complex global environments, highlighting that true leadership lies not just in decision-making, but in the ability to connect, understand, and inspire people in an increasingly interconnected world.
Adding to the momentous occasion, Gold Medalists were also felicitated for their outstanding academic and overall performance, symbolizing the highest level of excellence achieved by the graduating class