IIM Indore welcomed the youngest batch of the institute with its induction programme for the Five-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM Batch 2023-28) on August 22, 2023. The batch was inaugurated by Prof. Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore, who welcomed the enthusiastic batch of young minds to the institution. Mr. Saurabh Chandra, Managing Director of BCG India was the Chief Guest on this occasion.
Prof. Rai, in his welcome address, emphasized the institute’s commitment to nurturing leaders and thinkers who will shape the future of management and business. He articulated the significance of the “OCEAN” principles as guiding pillars for their academic journey. He underscored the value of O for Openness, urging students to embrace diverse experiences and engage with individuals from different backgrounds, fostering a broader perspective. Emphasizing C for Conscientiousness, Prof. Rai highlighted the necessity of disciplined effort for success, along with the importance of nurturing meaningful hobbies. Turning to E for Empathy, he encouraged students to practice kindness towards themselves and others, particularly in the face of new challenges. “Practise the A for Attitude of courage, for being fearless and having perseverance are essential companions in the pursuit of goals, with the first step often proving the most daunting”, he said. Lastly, he advised the cohort to follow the N, for Never Giving Up, imparting the wisdom that true failure arises only when the effort ceases. Prof. Rai’s words offered a roadmap for personal growth, resilience, and achievement throughout their academic odyssey at IIM Indore.
In a series of insightful reflections, Prof. Chandra shared profound life lessons, drawing from his own experiences. He emphasized the significance of recognizing oneself as a part of a greater purpose, advocating humility and collaboration. “Maintain a balance between academic achievements, sports, and creativity, for life’s definition isn’t confined to scholarly success alone but extends to how one manages challenges and perseveres”, he said. He encouraged kindness in interactions, particularly in a diverse environment, stressing the value of compassion. Addressing life’s unpredictable nature, he urged embracing the uncertainties and living life fully, highlighting the futility of excessive planning. Flexibility in goals is pivotal; he said and should be aligned with the commitment to add value. He advised that authenticity emerged as a key theme, and one could respectfully disagree, staying true to one’s beliefs. The lessons also encompassed learning from mistakes, upholding ethics, and the acceptance of life’s unpredictability. He also advised the students to take utmost care of their health. “You can only take care of others when you are feeling fit and fine, and believe me, profound satisfaction is derived from making others smile through acts of kindness, underscoring the impact of giving back”, he said.
Prof. Prashant Salwan, Dean Programmes, engaged with the incoming batch and conveyed the institute’s dedication to providing a comprehensive learning environment that fosters personal and intellectual growth. He underlined the significance of the IPM in shaping well-rounded professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of the modern world. “The IPM journey is an immersive experience that will not only challenge you but also facilitate tremendous growth. It’s a platform to broaden your understanding, refine your leadership skills, and foster personal development”, he said. Embrace the challenges, the learning, and the opportunities that lie ahead, for they will collectively sculpt you into an individual poised for success in both academia and life, he added.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Saurabh Kumar, Chair – IPM, extended a warm welcome to the new batch, highlighting the institute’s rich legacy and the limitless opportunities that await the students throughout their five-year journey at IIM Indore. “IPM stands as one of the most sought-after courses, and the 13th batch this year attracted a remarkable 24,865 applicants, out of which 746 got selected for the interview. This fervent interest underlines the programme’s unparalleled appeal and recognition in the academic landscape”, he said. He mentioned that 156 exceptional individuals were chosen for the batch. The batch has 49 females and 107 males, embarking on a journey that promises to shape their academic and personal trajectories in the most profound and impactful ways.
The event also saw an award distribution ceremony for the Certificate of Academic Excellence, recognizing the academic prowess of selected participants for their outstanding performance in the first three years of IPM.
The induction programme was a blend of insights and orientations to familiarize the new batch with the institute’s campus. Various briefings were conducted, including ones on NBFA Scholarships, Hostel Affairs, Facilities at IIM Indore encompassing the Library, IT infrastructure, medical facilities, and an essential briefing on the Government of India’s directive regarding the ‘Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging’.
An engaging interaction with IPM Alumni Ms. Aradhya Vats from the 2015 batch and Ms. Ashima Vardhan from the 2017 batch followed, providing the incoming students with valuable insights into the practical experiences and journeys of former IPM students. The interaction concluded with a spirited Q&A session that further enriched the knowledge exchange.
Batch Summary IPM 2023-28:
| Male | 107 |
| Female | 49 |
| Total | 156 |
Educational Background:
| Arts | 03 |
| Commerce | 60 |
| Science (Medical) | 12 |
| Science (Non-Medical) | 72 |
| Others | 09 |
| Total | 156 |
As the day came to a close, IIM Indore expressed its delight in welcoming the newest cohort, a group of promising young individuals embarking on a five-year voyage of learning, growth, and discovery.