IIM Bodh Gaya Welcomes New Batch of IPM Students with Vibrant Orientation Programme

Bodh Gaya: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya has officially welcomed its new cohort for the Integrated Programme in Management (IPM). The fourth batch of this five-year integrated course comprises 148 students, including 14 international students from the USA, Canada, Australia, and Nepal.

The two-day orientation programme, which began on August 24, commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by esteemed guests. Prof. Vittal Rangan S, Chairperson of the IPM Programme, introduced the course, highlighting its significance in today’s business environment.

Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of a holistic education. She stressed the institute’s commitment to nurturing leaders who are both socially responsible and mindful, reflecting the core values of IIM Bodh Gaya. Dr. Sahay also drew attention to India’s ancient practices such as yoga and organic farming, noting their resilience and enduring relevance.

The Chief Guest, D. Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent Private Equity, advised the students not to focus solely on academic marks but to develop all facets of their personalities. “An all-rounded person is the kind of person who wins in life,” he remarked. The first day of the orientation concluded with a lively cultural evening, Estovia 3.0, featuring performances from both new and existing IPM students.

New student Ahmed KP shared his excitement about joining the programme, noting that the campus surpassed his expectations with its beauty and that the orientation, particularly the cultural activities, was highly enjoyable.

The second day of the orientation featured sessions from industry experts, including Manoj Kumar, General Manager at LPG, HPCL; Niglanshu Nandi, Director of Sales and Marketing at OLA; and Karthik Venkat, Country Lead at India Tech Partnerships (Ads) at Google. Venkat advised students to follow their curiosity rather than chase opportunities. Additionally, Pratik Yadav, Expert Partner at BCG Zurich, connected with students virtually from Switzerland. The sessions provided valuable insights into the functioning of IIM Bodh Gaya’s 14 student-driven committees.

IIM Bodh Gaya is one of five IIMs in India offering the IPM programme, alongside IIM Rohtak, IIM Jammu, IIM Indore, and IIM Ranchi. Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the programme provides flexibility for students to complete an undergraduate degree after three years or continue to an MBA.