UDAIPUR, India — IIM Udaipur marked a momentous milestone with its first Foundation Day celebration on July 27, 2024. The occasion was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Prof. Mahan Maharaj, Member of the Board of Governors – Mr. D Shivakumar, the Director – Prof. Ashok Banerjee, Dean of Programs – Prof. Rajesh Nanarpuzha and Dean of Faculty and Research – Prof. Anirban Adhikary. The ceremony highlighted the institute’s rapid progress and commitment to excellence in education.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Nanarpuzha. Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2011, he emphasised the collective efforts of faculty, staff, and students in building IIM Udaipur into a premier business school.
Prof. Banerjee addressed the gathering and highlighted the Institute’s journey so far. He reminded the community of the six core values: Excellence, Integrity, Transparency, Mutual Respect, Inclusion, and Environmental Consciousness. He stressed the importance of these values in sustaining the institution’s growth and maintaining its distinct identity.
Mr. D. Shivakumar discussed IIM Udaipur’s unique positioning as a research leader among the 13,000 business schools worldwide. He highlighted the institute’s focused programs and the crucial role of industry connections in providing students with practical and up-to-date knowledge. Dr. Shivakumar praised the commitment of the IIM Udaipur community for its remarkable rankings and robust placement record.
The ceremony included the felicitation of faculty and staff who have completed ten years with the institute, acknowledging their dedication and contributions. Mr. Kartik Misra, Vice President of the Alumni and Allies Association, announced new initiatives to strengthen alumni relations. He also introduced the annual Best Faculty Award, which was voted by the alumni community, and Prof. Rajesh Agrawal was declared its first recipient.
The Chief Guest, Prof. Mahan Maharaj, a distinguished mathematician and faculty at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, captivated the audience with his insights into the intrinsic nature of mathematics and its parallels to the broader quest for knowledge and innovation. He underscored the importance of intellectual curiosity, starting afresh and pattern recognition in academic and personal growth.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Adhikary, expressing gratitude to the speakers, Board of Governors, faculty, staff, and organising committee.
This Foundation Day celebrated the vision and hard work of the people who have contributed to IIM Udaipur’s journey. The ceremony served as a reminder of the institute’s commitment to driving change and innovation.
