The IIM Ranchi commenced its 5-Day Management Development Programme (MDP) on Project Management and Execution Excellence specifically for the executives of Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam (PUVN) and NTPC. The inaugural ceremony commenced on an auspicious note with the traditional lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director, IIM Ranchi; Shri K. Shanmugha Sundaram, Chairman PVUNL and Director (Projects), NTPC Ltd; Shri Ashok Kumar Sehgal, CEO, PUVN Patratu; Shri Ziaur Rahman, AGM (HR), PUVN Patratu; Prof. Amit Sachan, Dean, Executive Education and Consulting; Prof. Manish Bansal, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consulting cum Programme Director; and Prof. Nitin Singh.

Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Amit Sachan, Dean, Executive Education and Consultancy, shared the comprehensive roadmap of the MDP. He remarked - Projects are essentially about effectively managing evolving situations for the betterment of an organization. This specialized curriculum has been carefully designed to develop the strategic capabilities of the executives and make them better equipped for future challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director, IIM Ranchi, emphasised the core synergy between organisations and their ultimate objectives. He noted that an institute’s foundation rests on a shared purpose: supporting Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the vital task of nation-building. He explained that a clear purpose is derived from an organisation's Mission and Vision, which, in turn, creates the core values required for successful project management. He added that modern business management is closely tied to economic reforms, in which a strategic perspective provides the lens for developing tools for future growth. Ultimately, business management is about connecting the dots, setting a strong narrative, and uniting multiple disciplines into a single reality.

Shri Ashok Kr. Sehgal, CEO of PUVN Patratu, highlighted the training's long-term vision. He stated that the primary aim of this MDP is to create next-generation project leaders, which is why executives from various plants have been brought together under one roof. He emphasised that, as industry leaders, they must consistently upgrade their skills through global learning to understand contemporary challenges and develop the perspective needed to overcome them. He further shared that a successful workplace rests on three pillars: Safety, Speed, and Sustainability, adding that conventional thinking remains a necessary foundation for a robust leadership development process.

Sharing his insights, Shri K. Shanmugha Sundaram, Chairman PVUN and Director (Projects), NTPC Ltd, spoke proudly of NTPC’s leading position in the power and energy sector. He noted that a nation’s greatness is fuelled by its diverse energy capabilities - ranging from traditional Thermal and Hydro power to cutting-edge Solar, Wind, Nuclear, and Renewable energy sectors. He observed that market dynamics have shifted drastically, turning into a sellers' market. In this landscape, project managers act as the industry leaders who fulfil critical requirements. He stressed that decision-making is essential in the energy sector and requires continuously enhancing one's skill set to become a global leader.

Introducing the intensive 5-day schedule, Programme Director Prof. Manish Bansal highlighted the distinct features of executive education at IIM Ranchi. He provided a brief overview of the highly industry-relevant topics to be covered over the coming days and encouraged participants to collaborate and support one another in the classroom. Concluding the ceremony, Programme Director, Prof. Nitin Singh, delivered the vote of thanks. He warmly welcomed more than 30 participants who arrived from various plants across the country. Inspiring the executives, he urged them to take off into the course with a positive mindset, align themselves thoroughly with the outline, and ensure a perfect landing equipped with enriched knowledge and enhanced skill sets.