IIM Indore proudly concludes yet another successful academic endeavor with the completion of its first batch of the Certificate Programme in Global Supply Chain Management (CPGSM), specially designed for armed forces officers. Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore; Lt Gen PN Ananthanarayanan AVSM, SM, Commandant Infantry School Mhow; Prof. Prashant Salwan, Dean-Programmes, and Prof. Omkar D Palsule Desai, Programme Coordinator, graced the valedictory function, held on June 03, 2023. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of the rigorous and comprehensive programme, equipping the participants with invaluable insights into the complexities and intricacies of global supply chain management.
In his inspiring address, Prof. Himanshu Rai emphasized the tremendous power of networking and the importance of remaining open to learning from everyone and everything. He urged the participants to continue networking and maintain humility, highlighting that education instills a sense of humility. “Embrace a spirit of lifelong learning, for your quest for knowledge, should extend far beyond the knowledge you have gained during the programme”, he said. Further, he stressed the significance of compassion, not only passion, in one’s journey. He reminded the audience that true success lies not just in personal achievements but also in demonstrating empathy and compassion towards others. “You are privileged, and so, make the best use of the opportunities you have been given and bring about positive change in the lives of others”, he said. He highlighted that success is a subjective concept that evolves over time. “Do not obsess over milestones alone, because the true beauty of life lies in the journey itself—the moments experienced in between those milestones”, he explained. He emphasized that failure does not reflect one’s character but occurs only when one stops trying. Beyond hard work, he highlighted the importance of grit, resilience, and perseverance in blazing a trail toward success.
Lt Gen PN Ananthanarayanan, during his address, expressed high praise for IIM Indore, hailing it as the foremost institution in the nation. Lt Gen PN Ananthanarayanan commended IIM Indore for its exceptional courses and well-structured programmes. He highlighted the institution’s collaborations with various nations and its continued growth. “IIM Indore offers tailored courses catering to specific individuals, and the Certificate Programme in Global Supply Chain Management (CPGSM) is one such example,” he said. Recognizing the impact of changing alignments and evolving national interests on industries, he further stressed the importance of teamwork, drawing parallels to the unity and success achieved within a squadron in the defense sector. He encouraged the attendees to take pride in their ability to work cohesively as a team, as this skill is deeply ingrained in them as members of the armed forces. “I am sure that with such a contextually designed programme by IIM Indore and the army background, the officers would become exceptional ambassadors for the armed forces and the institute, promoting integration, sharing of best practices, innovation, and contemporary approaches in their future endeavors”, he mentioned. He added that under the dynamic leadership of Prof. Himanshu Rai, he has witnessed tremendous positive transformations over the past 4 years. He noted that the institute’s visionary approach and dedication to nation-building have led to the development of curated courses and initiatives that empower individuals and contribute to the growth of our nation. IIM Indore now has a vibrant academic environment that nurtures creativity, fosters innovation, and inspires students and faculty alike. “IIM Indore’s remarkable efforts have positioned the institute as a beacon of excellence, shaping the future of management education and making a lasting impact on society”, he concluded.
Prof. Prashant Salwan shed light on the complexities and risks associated with Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM). He emphasized that, in addition to the known challenges such as labor and talent shortage, material scarcity, inflation, recession, energy storage, and political constraints, the post-COVID era has introduced a new dimension of wicked problems. “It is vital to equip participants with the necessary skill sets to tackle these challenges and emerge as industry-ready professionals. Thus, we have ensured that the curriculum provides officers with deep insights into the supply chain industry,” he said. He further elaborated on the diverse skill sets gained throughout the program, preparing them to navigate the intricate landscape of global supply chain management effectively.
During the event, Programme Coordinator Prof. Omkar D Palsule Desai extended his heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of them for their achievement.
The programme recognizes the invaluable contributions of armed forces personnel, known for their self-discipline, courage, and exceptional leadership abilities. In alignment with the demands of the technology-driven era, this programme offers a challenging learning experience that focuses on the intricacies of Global Supply Chain Management. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, it equips participants to tackle the complexities of today’s global and highly competitive markets, enabling them to bring innovation and problem-solving skills to their professional endeavors.
In a proud moment for all, the first batch concluded with a total of 49 armed forces officers (09 females and 40 males) from the Air Force (17), Army (08), and Navy (29) receiving their well-deserved certificates of completion.