Bodhgaya: In a momentous ceremony today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the state-of-the-art permanent campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey. The inauguration, held amidst an atmosphere of reverence and anticipation, commenced with an early morning puja, where Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, the director of IIM Bodh Gaya, along with faculty members and students, sought blessings for the auspicious occasion.
Gathering in the institute’s auditorium, named Niranjana, the event commenced with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony and the chanting of Saraswati Vandana. The esteemed Lt. General P.S. Minhas AVSM, Commandant of OTA Gaya, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, delivering a motivational address to the audience comprising students and faculty members, emphasizing their role in nation-building. The ceremony also saw the participation of Vijay Kumar, Member of Parliament from Gaya.
Despite being unable to attend physically, Prime Minister Modi virtually addressed the audience, emphasizing the pivotal role of national institutions in the realization of a developed India (‘Viksit Bharat’). The director expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s virtual presence and elaborated on the institute’s commitment to nurturing mindful business leaders. She reflected on the institution’s journey since its inception in 2015, reminiscing about its humble beginnings with only 30 students in the first batch. Today, IIM Bodh Gaya boasts a diverse student body of over 1100 individuals from 26 states, enrolled in five fully residential programs.
In alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of cleanliness and hygiene, IIM Bodh Gaya has undertaken initiatives such as adopting five nearby villages under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan and Swachata Abhiyaan. These efforts underscore the institute’s dedication to societal welfare and the cultivation of responsible leadership.
The event culminated with the rendition of the national anthem, followed by a communal lunch at the cricket ground of the campus, where guests, dignitaries, faculty members, staff, and students came together in celebration.
The inauguration of the permanent campus heralds a new chapter for IIM Bodh Gaya, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including ‘Niranjana’ – the Auditorium, ‘Pragyata’ – the library, ‘Uruvela’ – the academic building, a sports complex named ‘Udaan’, and ‘Dhanvantari’ – the medical block. This comprehensive infrastructure reflects the institute’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for global education and innovation.
