Welcoming the PGDM Batch of 2025–27: A New Chapter Begins at IBA
Indus Business Academy (IBA), Bangalore, officially welcomed its new PGDM Batch of 2025–27 with a meaningful and inspiring inauguration ceremony held on July 2, 2025. The event set the tone for a transformational two-year journey at one of India’s top B-schools.The event was graced by Dr. Kuldeep Dagar, Joint Secretary of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), who joined as the Chief Guest alongside other distinguished dignitaries from IBA.
The inauguration began on an auspicious note with the chanting of Saraswati Vandana, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a symbol of wisdom and new beginnings.
Introducing IBA: A Place of Purpose, Progress, and Possibility
The ceremony also served as an introduction to IBA for both students and their accompanying parents. Through presentations and speeches, the audience learned about the institute’s milestones in academics, research, accreditations, and its consistent ranking as one of India’s top business schools.
Dr. Subhash Sharma, Chief Mentor of IBA, addressed the gathering with a warm welcome. In his speech, he shared the core vision, mission, and values that shape IBA’s identity. He encouraged students to embrace the “CEO” mindset, where CEO stands for Creativity, Enlightenment, and Organic thinking that will empower them to lead with both head and heart. He taught the students the IBA song, Step by Step, emphasizing how success is built gradually, with commitment at every stage.
Leadership Lessons from the Chairman
Dr. Manish Jain, Chairman of IBA, delivered a compelling keynote, beginning with a powerful quote:
“The real foundation of success is knowledge. Knowledge shows you the right path. If you perform right actions in the right path, then success will always be yours.”
Congratulating the students on choosing IBA, he reminded them that this is more than just a PGDM program, it’s a transformational journey. He reminded students that management education goes beyond frameworks which is about real-world decision-making, people management, and self-discovery. More importantly, it’s about discovering oneself, understanding personal strengths, and unleashing leadership potential.
Dr. Manish Jain left the batch with three key messages:
- Always stay curious. Keep asking “why?” because curiosity is what separates a leader from a manager.
- Learn from each other and grow together as a community.
- Build character before building a resume, because strong character takes you far in life.
He emphasized that change is the only constant in today’s world, and India is evolving rapidly not just as an economic power but as a global value-driven leader. He encouraged students to develop a global mindset while focusing on solving Indian challenges.
Words of Wisdom from the Chief Guest
Delivering his keynote, Dr. Kuldeep Dagar gave students a broader perspective on life and education. He briefly introduced the work of AIU and shared personal reflections from his own student life, how the mix of excitement and anxiety shaped his early decisions.
He reminded the students how fortunate they are to study in a country like India, where families often make significant sacrifices to support their children’s education. Gratitude, he said, must be the foundation of every journey.
Dr. Dagar urged students to make thoughtful choices, driven by passion and clarity. “Success,” he said, “is not just about achieving things. It’s about having the freedom to choose what’s right for you.”
He spoke about the importance of blending Indian values with modern adaptability, the critical need for research skills, and the importance of lifelong upskilling in today’s competitive world. He also encouraged students to enjoy the process, not just the results. “When you give your best,” he concluded, “even your work will start to feel like a spiritual experience.”
Welcoming the IBA Family
The program continued with the introduction of IBA’s faculty and staff, helping students feel more connected to the people who will guide them throughout their academic journey. Students were also introduced to Dr. Easwar Krishna Iyer, the new Director of IBA, who joins the leadership team with a wealth of academic and industry experience.
Following this, the new batch of students introduced themselves, taking the first step toward building bonds that will last beyond the classroom.
The event concluded on a patriotic note with the singing of the National Anthem, a fitting reminder of the values and responsibilities each student carries forward.
Icebreakers and Innovation
The energy continued through the second half of the day with the start of the orientation program. The day began with a lively Ice-Breaking session led by Prof. Pavankumar Ramachandran and Prof. Jovita Rexy, with enthusiastic participation from the Director himself.
Students were introduced to IBA’s very own version of Shark Tank. In groups of eight, they brainstormed unique startup ideas and pitched them in front of their peers acting as ‘student sharks.’ The activity wasn’t just fun but students’ first taste of entrepreneurial thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills that will be a big part of their PGDM life.
Looking Ahead
With a strong start and shared sense of purpose, the PGDM Batch of 2025-27 is ready to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead – one thoughtful step at a time.
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