IIM Ranchi successfully concluded the fifth day of its Induction 2026 for the new cohorts of MBA, MBA-HRM, MBA-BA, and PhD programmes. The concluding day featured insightful sessions by distinguished speakers from the defence and career development domains, focusing on leadership, decision-making, adaptability, managing information, personal branding, and self-awareness.
The first session was led by Major General Sajjan Singh Mann, General Officer Commanding, 23 Infantry Division, who addressed students on the theme “Leadership Under Uncertainty”. Sharing experiences from his distinguished military career, he highlighted that leaders often need to make crucial decisions in dynamic situations where complete information may not always be available.
Major General Mann explained that leadership is not defined by position or authority but by the ability to guide, influence, and inspire others towards a common objective with integrity and responsibility. He emphasised that leadership is a skill developed through continuous learning, experience, and practice rather than an inherent trait.
Discussing the changing nature of leadership, he shared that effective leaders must have clarity of purpose, the ability to collaborate, adaptability, and the capability to manage information effectively. He also highlighted that technology could support leadership but cannot replace the human elements of judgement, empathy, and decision-making. He encouraged students to avoid over-analysis and take timely decisions based on available information. According to him, leadership is a collective effort built on trust, teamwork, and shared responsibility.
The second session was conducted by Ms Shini Gupta, Career and Emotional Wellness Coach and Founder, EQ Elevate, who spoke about the importance of personal branding and self-awareness in professional growth. She explained that personal branding is not limited to a designation or job profile but reflects an individual’s values, behaviour, capabilities, and professional identity.
Ms Gupta highlighted three key pillars of personal branding – Identity, Strengths & Capabilities, and Reputation. She encouraged students to understand their unique strengths, define their values, and build a consistent professional image through their actions and contributions. She also discussed the importance of visibility, presence, participation, contribution, and authority as essential steps towards developing a strong personal brand. She further emphasised that self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth. By understanding their passions, strengths, and areas of improvement, students can create an authentic professional identity that helps them stand apart in a competitive environment.
During the concluding session, Prof. Jyoti Verma, Chairperson, Student Engagement and Development Committee (SEDC), interacted with students and introduced them to various student clubs and committees at IIM Ranchi. She encouraged students to actively participate in these platforms, take leadership responsibilities, and contribute towards creating a vibrant campus environment.
