Bodh Gaya: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya has launched Lakshya 1.0, its first Corporate Leadership Conclave, marking the formal commencement of the institute’s Final Placement Season 2026–27. According to the institute, the initiative has been introduced to strengthen industry–academia collaboration by creating a platform where corporate leaders, faculty members and management students can engage on leadership, recruitment trends and the evolving demands of the business world.
Held under the theme ‘Campus to Corporate | Igniting Vision, Shaping Leaders’, the conclave focused on building long-term partnerships with industry while preparing students for changing workplace expectations.
Focus on Industry–Academia Collaboration
According to IIM Bodh Gaya, Lakshya 1.0 was conceptualised under the guidance of Director Prof. Vinita S. Sahay to expand engagement between industry and academia beyond conventional campus recruitment.
The institute said the initiative was led by Prof. Deepika Gupta, Chairperson of the Career Development Cell, with the objective of creating opportunities for internships, live projects, guest lectures, leadership interactions and long-term corporate partnerships alongside placements.
Officials said the conclave is intended to provide organisations with sustained engagement with students while helping future managers understand industry expectations.
Corporate Leaders Discuss Skills Employers Seek
The first panel discussion, titled ‘From Classroom to Consulting: What the Best Firms Look for in MBA Talent’, examined the competencies organisations seek in management graduates.
Moderated by Prof. Ramizur Rahman, the panel included senior executives from Oracle Corporation, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Hexagon R&D India, Capital One and Access Healthcare.
According to the institute, the discussion highlighted analytical thinking, communication, adaptability, leadership and problem-solving as some of the key skills employers increasingly value in management professionals.
Panel Explores Global Business Trends
The second session, ‘Navigating Careers in a Changing World: How Geopolitical Shifts Are Reshaping Global Business and MBA Opportunities’, focused on how geopolitical developments, artificial intelligence and evolving global supply chains are influencing careers.
Moderated by Prof. Madhumita Das, the panel featured executives from Kearney, Decimal Point Analytics, Centricity WealthTech, Comviva Technologies and Haleon.
According to IIM Bodh Gaya, the speakers encouraged students to develop cross-functional capabilities, storytelling skills, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning while viewing global uncertainty as an opportunity for innovation and leadership.
Leadership Talk Highlights Changing Workplace
The conclave also featured a keynote leadership session by Kunal Choudhury, Director and Head of HR & Talent at Alvarez & Marsal Global Capability Center.
According to the institute, Choudhury spoke about the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning and purpose-driven leadership in today’s corporate environment. He encouraged students to approach their careers as a continuous journey of professional and personal growth.
Placement Season Begins
According to IIM Bodh Gaya, Lakshya 1.0 marks the beginning of a long-term corporate engagement initiative that extends beyond the annual placement process.
The institute said it expects the platform to strengthen partnerships with industry while creating additional opportunities in placements, internships, experiential learning, research collaboration and leadership development.
Established in 2015, IIM Bodh Gaya said it continues to focus on producing socially responsible managers through a combination of classroom learning, industry interaction, live projects and research-based education.
