LUCKNOW : Indian Institute of Management Lucknow welcomed 634 students into the Post Graduate Program in Management (PGP), Post Graduate Programme in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM), Post Graduate Programme in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes, with an elaborate three-day induction program.
The inaugural event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Rakesh Jha, Executive Director, ICICI Bank Ltd., and an IIM Lucknow alumnus, Class of 1996.
In addition to the Hon’ble Chief Guest, the inaugural event was attended by Prof. M.P. Gupta, Director; Prof. Sanjay K. Singh, Dean (Programmes); Prof. Pushpendra Priyadarshi, Chairperson (Doctoral Program); Prof. Kaushik R Bandyopadhyay, Chairperson (PGPSM); Prof. Alok Dixit, Chairperson (PGP); Prof. Rajesh Aithal, Chairperson (Student Affairs), and Prof. Vinit Chauhan, President, Alumni Association, among others.
The three-day induction program will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the institution’s culture, academic rigor, and the vast range of opportunities available to them. The event commenced with the student pledge, marking the beginning of their journey at IIM Lucknow.
Speaking during his inaugural address, Chief Guest, Shri Rakesh Jha, Executive Director, ICICI Bank Ltd., said, “Time is your most valuable resource. Enjoy the journey, give it your best, but do not become obsessed with the destination. Everyone’s path is unique, and the key is to maintain a hunger for learning, keep asking questions, and learn from everyone around you.”
Emphasising the evolving role of technology, Shri Rakesh Jha urged students to work alongside AI rather than compete with it, while also reminding them to remain grounded and empathetic towards those whose contributions often go unnoticed.
Encouraging students to develop a long-term vision, Prof. M.P. Gupta, Director, IIM Lucknow, emphasized the importance of foresight in shaping both careers and lives. He said, “Learn to use AI intelligently, but more importantly, develop the capability to design the architecture of your own life and create a vision for the future. Just as corporations have stories that go beyond case studies, your life is also a story; make it one worth unfolding.”
Prof. Sanjay K. Singh, Dean (Programmes), IIM Lucknow, motivated the students to embrace the diverse learning opportunities at IIM Lucknow, both inside and outside the classroom. Reflecting on the growing role of AI, he advised students to use technology as a tool to enhance their capabilities while continuing to think critically and independently.
Speaking during his address Prof. Alok Dixit, Chairperson (PGP), said, “Joining IIM Lucknow is both a privilege and a responsibility. The journey ahead will challenge and transform you, but it is through discipline, integrity, and openness to learning that you will emerge as future leaders.”
Another key highlight of the induction programme was the address by Prof. Vinit Chauhan, President, Alumni Association, who showcased the achievements of its distinguished alumni and encouraged the new batch to carry forward the institution’s legacy built by generations of alumni.
As a part of the induction program, the new batch will also participate in Interactive discussions with multiple stakeholders from academia and industry. With these interactions the new batch will get a comprehensive overview of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
