“Alumni form the pulsating core of IIM Indore, their journey intricately woven into its vibrant legacy.” This resonating sentiment encapsulated the essence of Footprints, the annual alumni event held from November 3rd to 5th, 2023. The event commenced with an inaugural address by our esteemed Director, Professor Himanshu Rai.
With a vision that surpassed traditional education, Professor Rai underscored the significance of practical knowledge dissemination. “I extend a heartfelt invitation to all the esteemed alumni, urging your active participation in shaping educational programs, enriching the institute with your invaluable experiences, and contributing to pivotal decision-making processes for your alma mater,” he expressed. He delved into the institute’s initiatives in detail, emphasizing the need for alumni involvement to elevate and steer the institution forward.
Professor Rai’s address at the event encapsulated a significant shift in the institution’s mission statements, emphasizing not only education but also the practical dissemination of knowledge. He highlighted the revised mission statements, extending the institution’s goals beyond IIT Indore and various executive education programs such as EFPMG, LBSNAA ATC, and AWC’s shared mission to ‘Build the Nation’.
Amidst his impassioned address, Professor Rai extended a heartfelt invitation to the alumni community to actively participate in the institution’s Executive Education and program development. He emphasized the immense value of the alumni’s collective experience, urging their involvement in decision-making processes, particularly during course reviews, to ensure the programs’ contextual relevance and quality.
Furthermore, Professor Rai shed light on the institution’s commitment to creating world-class infrastructure. He detailed ongoing initiatives, such as the G8 project, aimed at sustainability, the establishment of gardens, and ensuring superior air quality within classrooms compared to the ambient environment. Expressing unwavering confidence in the institution’s potential to reach new heights, Professor Rai emphasized the importance of a socially conscious approach. He stressed the significance of making inclusive and equitable decisions, outlining the identification of five critical challenges that the institution aims to tackle: inequality, rural-urban disparities, lack of environmental protection, and insufficient entrepreneurship initiatives.
Concluding his address, he advocated for a mindset that not only celebrates and learns from failure but also perseveres. He highlighted the importance of trying again and called for collective efforts to cultivate and foster this mindset, inviting all present to join in contributing to these endeavors. His address resonated as a call for collective action and participation in shaping the institution’s future.
Chair Alumni, Professor Dipayan Dutta Chaudhuri, detailed the extensive strides undertaken by the IIMI alumni office and the committee. He elaborated on the diverse array of initiatives implemented, encompassing regular newsletters, highlighting the remarkable achievements of alumni, and broadcasting the latest news and events within the institute. He also announced the launch of a new section focusing on the entrepreneurial endeavors of IIMI graduates, introducing the dynamic ‘Entrepreneurs of IIMI’ segment. Apart from the Wisdom Alumni Talk Series, the recognition of outstanding performances through the Distinguished Alumni Award was emphasized, signifying the commitment to celebrate and honor alumni achievements. Furthermore, Professor Chaudhuri introduced new alumni categories, specifically ‘Alumni Expertise’, intended to actively contribute to program offices and practitioner-based courses, showcasing the alumni’s diverse and invaluable knowledge. “We have an impressive strength of 13,000 members, and we are determined to conduct more chapter meets to make collaborative efforts within this expansive alumni community”, he said.
The second day was marked by a delightful brunch where the participants of the current batch had the invaluable opportunity to connect and engage with the alumni. The gathering offered an invaluable platform for networking, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas, establishing a memorable and fruitful interaction for all involved.
The Annual Alumni Entrepreneurs Meet at IIM Indore showcased an insightful panel discussion featuring a distinguished lineup of entrepreneurial minds. Shireen Sultana, the Co-Founder of KinderPass, Bhavin Parmar, Co-Founder of Vedaroots & Trishya Natural and Eco Products LLP, Chanakya Joshi, the Founder of GetAConnect.in, and Sakshi Agrawal, the Founder of Palette and Beyond, shared their invaluable perspectives and experiences. Their discussions, filled with wisdom and practical guidance, offered an invaluable learning experience for the aspiring entrepreneurs and enthusiasts present.
As lively conversations flowed and cherished connections were rekindled, the event underscored the enduring bond between the institution and its alumni.