The Indian Institute of Management Indore (IIM Indore) proudly hosted its 26th Annual Convocation today, celebrating the remarkable achievements of its graduating participants.Renowned Chess Grandmaster Mr. Viswanathan Anand graced the event as the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address. This year, 788 students from seven flagship programmes were awarded their degrees, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional journeys.
In his opening remarks, Shri M M Murugappan, Chairman of the Board of Governors, IIM Indore, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating batch and their families. He lauded the perseverance and dedication of the students, highlighting the role of education in shaping future leaders. Acknowledging IIM Indore’s growing stature as a premier management institute, he commended the faculty and leadership for encouraging an environment of excellence. “The world of uncertainty presents opportunities for the bold. India’s economic momentum is strong but deeply connected to global shifts. Technology is reshaping industries, making global competitiveness tougher beyond policies and geopolitics. These challenges bring immense opportunities, demanding resilience, determination, and a positive mindset. Like a Grandmaster, embrace reflection, strategic pauses, and balance”, he said. He mentioned that India needs leaders who are skilled, principled, and ethical. He said, “Let integrity and values guide your decisions, building not just success but lasting institutions. As you step into the professional world, remember that learning never stops. The real test of your knowledge lies beyond the classroom, in the choices you make and the impact you create. Leverage your education, leadership skills, and values to drive meaningful change for India and the world.”
During the convocation ceremony, Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore addressed the graduating class with an inspiring message centered around GLOBE, a framework representing the core values essential for a meaningful and impactful life. He emphasized that true success is not just about reaching a destination but about building a bridge that uplifts both oneself and others. He elaborated on the five pillars—Grit, the resilience to overcome challenges; Leadership, the ability to guide and inspire; Optimism, the mindset to navigate uncertainties with confidence; Balance, the wisdom to harmonize ambition with well-being; and Excellence, the pursuit of the highest standards in all endeavors. Encouraging students to embrace these values, he stated, “The world will recognize you not just for what you achieve, but for the values you uphold and the impact you create.” He urged the graduates to remain fearless in their pursuits, adaptable in their approach, and steadfast in their commitment to making a difference. Prof. Rai also highlighted the remarkable achievements and milestones of IIM Indore over the past year, reaffirming the institute’s standing as a center of excellence. From global accreditations and prestigious rankings to groundbreaking collaborations and student accomplishments, he underscored how the institute continues to shape future leaders who drive innovation, progress, and ethical leadership.
In his inspiring Convocation Address, Chess Grandmaster Mr. Viswanathan Anand shared profound insights on learning, unlearning, and the unpredictable nature of success. Drawing from his personal experiences, he emphasized that true mastery comes not just from acquiring knowledge but from continuously adapting, refining, and even discarding what no longer serves a purpose. Mr. Anand spoke about the importance of planning—how we meticulously chart out strategies, prepare ourselves to execute them, and yet, in reality, often find ourselves not using those plans at all. He highlighted that while structured preparation is essential, true success lies in the ability to pivot, rethink, and embrace new possibilities when circumstances change. He urged the graduates to remain flexible in their approach, open to change, and willing to adapt to challenges.
He also delved into the concepts of success and failure, underscoring that setbacks are an integral part of any journey. Just as in chess, where a single move can change the course of the game, life, too, requires resilience and the ability to bounce back stronger. He encouraged students to view failures as stepping stones rather than obstacles, learning from each experience to refine their strategies. Additionally, Mr. Anand stressed the importance of taking breaks—not just in their careers but in their daily routines. “Rest and reflection are vital for clarity, creativity, and long-term success. Constant motion without pause can lead to burnout, while well-timed breaks allow the mind to reset and approach challenges with renewed energy”, he said. Through his words, Mr. Anand left the graduates with a powerful message: success is not about rigidly sticking to a plan but about staying agile, learning from every experience, and embracing the journey with resilience and adaptability.
This year’s convocation saw 788 participants receive their degrees from the following programmes:
- Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP)
- Post Graduate Programme in Human Resource Management (PGPHRM)
- Five-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) (including BA degree recipients)
- Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP)
- Post Graduate Programme in Management for Working Executives (PGPMX – Mumbai)
- Doctoral Programme in Management (DPM)
- Executive Doctoral Programme in Management (EDPM)
