The Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurated a unique Leadership Skills for Managers – Trekking Based Management Development Programme (MDP) in the serene environs of the Lower Himalayas for officials of NTPC Limited, a Maharatna Company of the Government of India. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy (EE&C), IIM Jammu along with Program Directors Dr. Mahesh Gadekar and Dr. Naveen Goyal, Programme Directors, IIM Jammu. The training program witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 45 professionals from various parts of the country, all serving with NTPC Limited, reflecting the organization’s pan-India presence and commitment to capacity building.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, expressed happiness at continuing the strong association with NTPC. He highlighted that IIM Jammu has successfully conducted multiple programmes for NTPC in the past and continues to collaborate with leading public sector organizations such as NHPC, SAIL, HAL, and Coal India. He appreciated the rigorous recruitment process of NTPC and congratulated the participants for being selected for this prestigious programme. He emphasized that the programme marks a transition from a managerial role to a leadership role. The trekking component, including the spiritual visit to Mata Vaishno Devi, is designed to foster reflection, resilience, and deeper self-awareness. He noted that while participants already possess strong managerial skills and rich experience, the programme aims to bring about an attitudinal transformation. He encouraged active participation, peer learning, and a co-creation model to ensure meaningful takeaways that will contribute to both individual growth and organizational development.

Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, EE&C, welcomed the participants and inquired about their expectations post the trekking. Many participants shared that they felt energetic and enthusiastic after the trekking experience. He described the programme as an excellent opportunity for bonding, networking, and strengthening professional relationships. He also provided an overview of the Executive Education and Consultancy initiatives at IIM Jammu for Central and State Government organizations and encouraged participants to make the most of the campus experience.

Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Programme Director, delivered the inaugural address and described the MDP as a unique and transformative initiative designed to develop leadership capabilities through experiential learning. He informed participants that the next three days would feature power-packed sessions led by distinguished faculty members, integrating classroom learning with trekking-based experiential modules. He also provided a brief overview of IIM Jammu and wished the participants success.

Dr. Naveen Goyal, Programme Director, delivered the vote of thanks. The session concluded with participants introducing themselves and sharing their expectations from the programme, setting a collaborative and energetic tone for the days ahead.

The trekking-based Leadership Skills for Managers Programme reflects IIM Jammu’s commitment to innovative executive education that blends management theory, experiential learning, and personal transformation amidst the inspiring landscape of the Lower Himalayas.