The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur successfully hosted Manthan 2025, its flagship cross-domain conclave, bringing together distinguished industry leaders for insightful discussions on innovation, resilience, and strategic transformation. The event served as a platform for future business leaders to gain invaluable insights from industry stalwarts, fostering a bridge between academia and corporate excellence.

The conclave featured two thought-provoking panel discussions, each focusing on key aspects of modern business strategy and leadership in a rapidly evolving landscape. Emphasizing present challenges and future opportunities, the sessions explored how businesses can adapt, innovate, and lead with resilience.

Morning Panel: "Decoding Resilience: Strategy in Disruptive Times"

The first panel set the tone for the day, focusing on strategies for navigating uncertainty and fostering sustainable growth. Experts from diverse industries shared their insights on strategic decision-making in volatile business environments.

Nikhil Bhushan, Chief Technology Officer at Starbucks, emphasized the importance of moving beyond product functionality to foster deeper human connections. Vrunda Thakkar, Chief of Staff at Augmont, discussed the exponential nature of market disruptions and urged businesses to embrace change proactively. Supriya Saripalli, Chief of Staff and Director of Business Operations at ServiceNow, highlighted the growing importance of intrinsic human capabilities, such as problem-solving and emotional intelligence, especially in an era dominated by automation. Arnab Banerjee, Director of Supply Chain AI at Micron, shared a structured career roadmap, advising professionals to stay updated with evolving technologies. Anil Suneja, Chief Financial Officer at Medtronic India, warned of the risks posed by inadequate investment in research and development, while Subramanian Chidambaran, Chief Strategy Officer at Cummins, advocated for balancing short-term adaptability with long-term strategic goals for sustainable growth.

Afternoon Panel: "Beyond Profit – Business for People & Planet"

The afternoon session shifted to a more holistic perspective, focusing on how businesses can integrate sustainability, ethics, and human-centric growth into their core strategies.

Moderated by Prof. Safal Batra, a faculty member at IIM Kashipur, the discussion covered key themes of responsible business practices. Neetan Chopra, Chief Digital and Information Officer at IndiGo, emphasized the need for businesses to integrate sustainability and ethical decision-making to create long-term impact. Dr. Tanya S, Senior Vice President at American Express, reassured attendees that AI will enhance, not replace, jobs, stressing the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning. Rajesh K, Chief Quality & Sustainability Officer at Licious, highlighted the significance of resource efficiency and meaningful work for societal and corporate progress. Swati Mishra, Head of HR – South Asia at Omya, advocated for resilience and goal-setting as key drivers of success. Samrat Sehgal, Global Supply Chain Head at Dabur, underscored the need for agility and strategic thinking amid rapid technological advancements. Uday Murthy Kandarpa, Managing Director at Kyndryl, emphasized incremental progress and strong values as the foundation for sustainable business growth.

The conclave concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where students and industry professionals engaged with panelists on topics ranging from ethical business practices to sustainability strategies. The discussions provided real-world insights and underscored the importance of creating a responsible, purpose-driven corporate world.

A Message from IIM Kashipur

“Manthan, our flagship conclave, continues to be a catalyst for fostering innovation, leadership, and resilience in today’s ever-changing business landscape. At IIM Kashipur, we are committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry, equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to lead with agility and purpose.” — Prof. Deepak Verma, Chairperson, Placement & Corporate Relations, IIM Kashipur.

Manthan 2025 proved to be a valuable platform for future business leaders to gain crucial insights from industry experts, promoting a culture of adaptability, innovation, and resilience in the ever-evolving corporate landscape.

The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur remains dedicated to academic excellence, research, and industry collaboration, shaping future business leaders who are agile, innovative, and purpose-driven.