Bodh Gaya: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya convened leading voices from academia and industry on Saturday for the fifth edition of its annual management conclave, Gyanodaya 5.0. Centred on the theme “Leading Transformation: People, Performance, and Technology in the New Era of Management”, the event explored how organisations can adapt to a digital-first world while remaining resilient, sustainable and people-focused.
Over the course of four panel discussions, participants debated challenges and opportunities in people management, digital disruption, inclusive leadership and sustainable growth. The conclave brought together human resource leaders, business strategists and academics to address the shifting dynamics of leadership in an uncertain global economy.
Opening the event, IIM Bodh Gaya director Dr Vinita S. Sahay underlined the institute’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and social transformation. Highlighting the training of more than 6,800 micro-entrepreneurs last year, she said: “The world does not look to India for technology alone, it comes to us for knowledge. Our true soft power lies in the wisdom we have nurtured for centuries.”
The first panel examined the evolving demands on managers and the role of academic–industry collaboration in preparing future leaders. Speakers from Adani Group, JSW Steel and ICF emphasised the importance of modern HR skills and sustainable practices in driving organisational resilience.
A second session, moderated by IIM Bodh Gaya faculty, focused on learning as a strategic lever for long-term growth. Representatives from AtkinsRéalis, Tredence Inc., Cushman & Wakefield and Hippo Homes called for organisations to extend learning beyond immediate needs, embed responsible practices and measure the impact of development initiatives.
The third panel turned to the role of artificial intelligence in organisational success. Executives from NRI FinTech, Capgemini Engineering, EPAM Systems and DXC Technology discussed AI’s potential to boost efficiency and innovation, while warning of ethical challenges linked to bias, privacy and trust.
The final discussion explored leadership and workplace culture in multi-generational teams. Panellists from Standard Chartered Bank, Goldmedal Electricals and Darwinbox urged leaders to move past generational stereotypes, encourage inclusive collaboration, and balance younger employees’ ambitions with the experience of seasoned professionals.
The conclave closed with a vote of thanks from Dr Molla Ramizur Rahman of IIM Bodh Gaya, who underscored the institution’s commitment to building “mindful and future-ready managers”. With its focus on empathy-driven leadership, sustainability, digital adaptability and inclusion, Gyanodaya 5.0 marked another step in IIM Bodh Gaya’s effort to align management education with the demands of a rapidly transforming world.
