The Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM) Jammu hosted Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon'ble Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India, for a momentous visit that included a comprehensive review of ongoing construction activities. This visit not only underscored the institute's steadfast commitment to academic excellence and innovation but also aligned seamlessly with the broader goals of national progress under the visionary initiative, “Viksit Bharat”. The event was presided by Padmashri Dr. Milind. P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, Cmdr Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu along with officials from the Ministry, faculty, officers, staff and students of the Institute On the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan planted a Rudraksha sapling, symbolizing growth and prosperity, in the permanent campus during the visit, commencing the event with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India gave a detailed overview into the Ideas for the vision Viksit Bharat @2047 initiative.  He mentioned about Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Shri Narendra Modi’s governance philosophy, approach of uplifting those at the bottom of pyramid, Sabka Saath—Sabka Vikas model, and the need for promoting education in mother tongue and drawing pride, inspiration, and confidence from Bharatiyata.

He reiterated, “We are in an era of game-changing reforms under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.  India has witnessed rapid transformation post 2014 and is on its way to become the third largest economy in the world. Hon’ble PM’s welfarism model is a case study.  On this occasion, I would like to encourage IIM Jammu family to examine it minutely and come up with long-term case studies on the unique propositions and possibilities for the U.T of Jammu & Kashmir.  I would like to commend the active involvement of the Institute in Viksit Bharat Initiative and its commitment to nurturing future leaders, dedication in academics and skill development aligning seamlessly with our vision for a Viksit Bharat @2047. The next twenty-five years are crucial. I urge everyone out here that with Sabka Prayas, we must realise the goal of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, warmly welcomed the Hon'ble Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji. He expressed deep gratitude for the invaluable opportunity to engage in discussions with the Hon’ble Minister, commending the institute's resilience and dedication to academic excellence. 

During his address, Dr. Milind. P. Kamble highlighted several key initiatives undertaken by IIM Jammu in a short span of time, further reinforcing its commitment to fostering a conducive and inclusive learning environment at the Institute.  He mentioned, “We have established "Anandam,” A Center for Happiness, which is aimed at addressing academic stress among students. Furthermore, the establishment of the Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is a testament to our commitment to providing an inclusive and diverse learning environment. These initiatives align seamlessly with our vision for a developed India by 2047 as part of the Viksit Bharat initiative. The institute remains steadfast in its commitment to transformative initiatives and looks forward to further collaboration with the Hon'ble Minister towards achieving the shared vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

During his address, Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu underscored IIM Jammu's unwavering dedication to academic excellence and active participation in transformative initiatives like Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He emphasized the institute's commitment to shaping the educational landscape in alignment with the vision for a developed and thriving India by 2047.

Prof. B.S. Sahay further stated, " It is matter of privilege to host Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, Hon’ble Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship at the Institute. We extend our sincere thanks for his continuous support, which has played a pivotal role in our journey. I applaud the collective efforts of our stakeholders, including the diligent faculty and bright students, who have contributed significantly to making IIM Jammu an epitome of knowledge. IIM Jammu reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, unveiling pioneering programmes ranging from MBA HA & HM in collaboration with IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu, AIIMS Jammu and B.Tech + MBA with IIT Jammu  designed to align with the transformative vision outlined in the policy. Our commitment to academic excellence is unwavering, and initiatives like Viksit Bharat @ 2047 exemplify our active role in shaping the future of education in India,"

During his visit, the Hon'ble Minister reviewed the progress of IIM Jammu’s Jagti campus construction activities, acknowledging the institute's commitment to academic excellence, research, and fostering future leaders. He also visited and lauded the state-of-the-art library at the institute and its hi-tech facilities available there to provide a comprehensive learning ecosystem to the students.

One of the key highlights of the visit was the involvement of the student community with the Hon’ble Minister for in-depth discussion on the ViksitBharat@2047 initiative, a visionary program aimed at shaping the educational and skill development landscape in India by the year 2047.The discussion with students revolved around this long-term vision of the government and its several initiatives, aligning the educational landscape with the overall broad goals of the nation where he emphasized on the bottom of the pyramid approach of the government to prosper inclusive economic growth and the importance of imparting knowledge in the local language.

While answering questions of the students, Hon’ble Minister mentioned about the quality education initiatives that the Government is planning and implementing to ensure equal access to education as a part of New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.  Further, during the interaction, Hon’ble Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence in holistic development of the mankind.

This pivotal interaction at IIM Jammu served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and the co-creation of educational pathways that resonate with the evolving needs of the nation, propelling it towards a brighter and more prosperous future. The event culminated with the national anthem with a sense of pride and patriotism.