Bodh Gaya: IIM Bodh Gaya has successfully concluded its annual leadership conference, Netritva, a flagship event that brought together executives, industry experts, and content creators to explore contemporary leadership and its evolving dynamics. The conference served as a platform for thought leaders to inspire and guide the next generation.
The event featured two keynote addresses and two panel discussions, focusing on leadership, innovation, and the creator economy.
Dr Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, inaugurated the conference, highlighting the critical role of vision in leadership. She noted that the distinction between a manager and a leader lies in their ability to foresee the future. Encouraging students to reflect on their purpose, she posed thought-provoking questions on personal values, legacy, and the broader impact of leadership. Dr Sanjay Kaushal, Chairperson of the Media and PR Committee, welcomed the attendees with an address of gratitude.
Keynote Addresses on Leadership and Responsibility
The keynote speakers included Bharat Lal, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission, and Amit Lodha, Inspector General of Police, Bihar.
Bharat Lal spoke about leadership in public service, urging young leaders to define their purpose early. He emphasized that leadership extends beyond rights and duties, encompassing a moral responsibility toward society, in line with the principles of figures like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.
Amit Lodha, known as the inspiration behind the Netflix series Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, underlined that power comes with responsibility and should be exercised for the greater good. He stressed that responsible citizenship is the most effective way to contribute to the nation, keeping motivation and purpose alive.
Panel Discussion: The Evolution of Leadership
The first panel discussion, Evolution of Leadership, featured Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai, bestselling author and expert on Chanakya’s strategies; Chhavi Rajawat, India’s first female MBA sarpanch; Swapnil Gawande, Managing Director of Deesha Group; and Vipin Yadav, trainer and content creator. The session was moderated by Pratyush Singh, an MBA student at IIM Bodh Gaya.
Dr Pillai described leadership as a natural science, present in all aspects of life, and emphasized its need to evolve with societal changes. Chhavi Rajawat likened a leader to water—adaptable, constantly learning, and growing. Swapnil Gawande stressed the importance of a strong value system, asserting that age is no barrier to serving society. Vipin Yadav highlighted the increasing demand for collaborative leadership, emphasizing self-reflection to navigate conflicts between personal ethics and corporate objectives.
Panel Discussion: The Creator Economy and Personal Branding
The second panel, Ethos of the Creator Economy, explored content creation, personal branding, and digital resilience. Panelists included Aditya Iyengar, finance content creator and investment strategist; Devan Bhalla, marketing expert and LinkedIn Top Voice; Bibhuti Bhushan, entrepreneur and content creator; and Manjyoti Parashar, AI educator and content creator. The discussion was moderated by MBA student Sanghvi Patel.
Aditya Iyengar stressed the importance of contextualizing digital reach, advising creators to see their audiences as individuals rather than numbers. Bibhuti Bhushan and Devan Bhalla discussed handling underperforming content, emphasizing adaptability and audience engagement. The panelists debunked myths around personal branding, arguing that content should foster engagement rather than merely seek visibility.
The session concluded with a consensus that success in creative fields requires consistency, adaptability, and genuine audience connection.
Closing Remarks
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Vishal Ashok Wankhede, Co-Chairperson of the Media and PR Committee. Netritva once again proved to be a platform where the aspirations of young minds met the wisdom and experience of seasoned leaders, fostering insightful discussions on leadership in an ever-evolving world.
