KOZHIKODE:
The Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-Kozhikode) has set the ball rolling with the induction of the first batch of one year-full time Post-Graduate Programme in Business Leadership (PGP-BL), here, on Friday.
This uniquely designed MBA programme is aimed at shaping young graduates with relevant work experience into potential business leaders through a high-intensity and holistic curriculum and regimen. Suparna Mitra, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Watches, Titan Company Ltd., and Member of Board of Governors (IIM-Kozhikode) was the Chief Guest for the induction ceremony, which was presided over by Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM-Kozhikode.
The PGP-BL is a one-year, full-time, residential programme that will have as integral elements, a global immersion module, constant industry engagement and placement assistance. The programme is structured to have five terms of 8 to 9 weeks. The inaugural PGP-BL batch comprises of 67 students who will be taught in two sections, in order to facilitate a highly intense and personalised learning experience. This batch with an average work experience of about 5 years, is also diverse in terms of gender (~33% female), and work experience profile.
Speaking on the occasion, Mitra, said “Leadership in the corporate world is not just about leading a group of people but immersing one’s whole-self with virtues such as accountability for action, affection towards everyone, audacity to go after the challenges and the abundance of the right attitude.” She encouraged the inaugural batch to be pioneers in every aspect of life and learning and to endeavour to consciously combine academic rigour with deep sensitization to critical aspects of leadership and responsible business, to empower personalized learning and reflection.
In his inaugural address to this diverse and experienced set of professionals, Prof. Chatterjee said, “Businesses, today, need leaders to sustain and thrive in a volatile, connected and non-linear world and this new offering is precisely aimed to fill this gap. This leadership programme aims to systematically nurture and shape experienced minds into high potential leaders who are authentic, capable, multi-dimensional, and grounded in core values.” Adding further, he said “Humility and persistence is the trait of a true leader and IIM Kozhikode prides itself in endeavouring to instil these values in to leaders of tomorrow.”
Earlier,Prof. Venkatraman, Chairperson, PGP-BL Programme, welcomed the students of the inaugural batch along with Prof. C Raju, Dean (Extension Programmes), who expressed hope that the young leaders will not only be successful professionals but will also responsible citizens who give back to the society in equal measures.
