IIM Ranchi successfully hosted the first edition of the Social Impact Conference 2025, centered around the theme "Values for Tomorrow." The conference brought together thought leaders, social entrepreneurs, and change-makers to discuss the evolving role of values in a rapidly transforming world. The event emphasized key themes such as inquiry, harmony, sustainability, compassion, resilience, non-violence, innovation, and trusteeship to drive meaningful conversations and inspire action.
The Conference commenced with a vibrant cultural performance, setting the tone for a day dedicated to values and meaningful discussions. Prof. Gaurav Manohar Marathe, SEDC Chairperson at IIM Ranchi, welcomed the audience by emphasizing the need for a cultural and human touch in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and climate change. He shared insights into the journey of organizing the conference, acknowledging the roadblocks faced and the collective effort that made it possible.
Dr. Steffani Bryant, EVP & Chief Accreditation Officer, MD, Americas, AACSB, addressed the gathering through a video message. She highlighted the significance of ethical leadership and the role of business education in preparing future leaders to navigate AI-driven transformations while ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than replacing it.
Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director of IIM Ranchi, expressed his joy in hosting the first edition of the Social Impact Conference. He underscored the importance of human connections and responsible leadership, hoping that similar initiatives gain momentum across institutions. He also spoke about the need for holistic development and introduced the concept of 'happiness corners' across the campus to encourage meaningful interactions.
The conference then moved to the value incubators’ speeches, beginning with Mr. Utsow Pradhan, a social entrepreneur and environmental activist and founder of TIEEDI Forest Garden. He discussed the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and introduced the idea of 'Gross Natural Abundance' as a measure of true sustainability. He emphasized shifting from degenerative to regenerative growth, ensuring harmony between human activity and nature.
Ms. Lakshmi Menon, a designer turned social entrepreneur and Governing Council Member, NIF, shared her journey of accidental entrepreneurship. She spoke about her initiatives, including Chekutty dolls, plantable pens, and sustainable mattresses made from PPE scraps. Her work focuses on upcycling and empowering marginalized communities, demonstrating how innovation can drive social impact.
Mr. Kaustubh Deshpande, who did his PhD from University of Maryland, provided a philosophical perspective on inquiry, drawing connections between rational analysis and existential introspection. He explored the concept of the quantum vacuum and the power of belief, encouraging a deeper understanding of self and meaning in an ever-evolving world.
Mr. Pratul Jain, founder of Backpack with Prat, spoke about redefining success and materialism. He emphasized the importance of free-share spaces, fostering community-driven interactions, and promoting a lifestyle in harmony with both nature and people.
Ms. Manasi Saxena, founder of enCOMPASSion, challenged conventional notions of non-violence. She redefined it as 'love in action' and stressed the universality of human needs. Her insights reinforced the importance of empathy and understanding in fostering meaningful relationships.
CA Rohit Rajgharia, an IIM Bangalore alumni, highlighted the power of small acts of kindness and the role of heart intelligence. He advocated for inner transformation as the foundation for collective progress, emphasizing the importance of celebrating life through everyday actions that benefit others.
The conference concluded with an address by Professor Srivastava, who reflected on the impermanence of life and the philosophy of trusteeship. He urged participants to view power and wealth as responsibilities rather than possessions and to focus on building sustainable legacies through mindful consumption and ethical leadership.
The conference was further enriched by interactive experiences that brought the themes of service and collaboration to life. A highlight of this was the Community Kitchen, where students took the lead in preparing and serving meals to all attendees. MBA students Arpit Sagar, Nikhil Gupta, Ketho, Gaurav Raut, Amrit Tripathy, Rashmi Raj, Ashish Yadav, Shreyoshi Gope, Pragnya Priyadarshini, Komal Agrawal, and their team actively participated in this initiative. Through shared meals and meaningful conversations, the initiative reinforced the values of togetherness and generosity, embodying the spirit of collective well-being.
Then, the Impact Circles provided a space for meaningful dialogue, where participants formed small groups to discuss pressing social issues. These discussions encouraged collaborative problem-solving, allowing diverse perspectives to come together in pursuit of actionable solutions.
To culminate the event, the Soul Carnival created a unique space for generosity and social contribution. Students set up stalls offering various items and services for free, while attendees could contribute any amount they wished. All proceeds from the carnival were directed to charity, underscoring the ethos of selfless giving and community impact.
