IIM Jammu concludes Leadership Development Programme for SAIL Young Managers (Batch–II)

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu concluded the first phase of second edition of the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) for Young Managers (Batch–II) conducted for officials of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) on 20^th Feb 2026. The valedictory ceremony, held at the Vedanta MDP Centre, marked the culmination of the first phase of intensive and transformative learning journey designed to build strategic capability, leadership maturity, and measurable organizational impact.

The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty, and Research and Shri Sanjay Dhar, Executive Director (HR-L&D). MTI SAIL on online mode. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu and Program directors, Prof. P.P Maheshwari, Dr. Manu Bansal and Dr. Malaya Ranjan Mohapatra. The one-year program, structured across immersive academic engagement at IIM Jammu followed by implementation and application phases at SAIL’s Management Training Institute, witnessed the participation of 35 young managers representing diverse functional domains of the Maharatna enterprise. Throughout the programme, participants engaged in rigorous classroom sessions, case discussions, simulations, leadership labs, and action learning projects aligned with SAIL’s strategic priorities.

Joining virtually, Shri Sanjay Dhar, Executive Director (HR-L&D). MTI SAIL expressed his gratitude to IIM Jammu for the excellent hospitality, seamless coordination, immersive learning, and comfortable stay provided to the participants. He appreciated the enriching learning experience, particularly the use of videos, case studies, and interactive sessions that offered practical exposure and new perspectives. He observed that professionals often lose the habit of embracing new challenges over time and emphasized the need to consciously stretch oneself and operate at higher levels of complexity.

He noted that participants were nominated to IIM Jammu to gain fresh perspectives and enhance their ability to handle multiple variables effectively.Encouragingreflection and application, he urged participants to conduct an internal review upon returning and assess how their thinking and approach have evolved. He emphasized that learning must translate into visible change in the way one operates and leads. He described the participants as ambassadors of SAIL at IIM Jammu and ambassadors of IIM Jammu within SAIL, encouraging them to share their learnings with their teams. He concluded by appreciating the well-maintained campus and reiterating that true transformation depends on one’s sincere engagement with the learning process.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, in his valedictory address, emphasized that the ceremony marked not a closure, but the foundation of a meaningful learning journey initiated over the past five days. He underscored that such programmes are designed for the co-creation of knowledge, where collective reflection, dialogue, and shared experiences enrich both faculty and participants alike. Encouraging the participants to carry the momentum forward, he invited them to reflect on how they would transform their individual journeys into impactful institutional contributions. He expressed sincere gratitude to SAIL for its collaboration and trust and shared that IIM Jammu looks forward to initiating more such immersive training programmes in the future. He conveyed confidence that with this depth of engagement and outcome-oriented learning, the partnership would continue to yield positive results and help SAIL scale even greater heights.

Dr. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, welcomed Shri Sanjay Dhar, Ms. Neha, and the participants at the valedictory session and expressed satisfaction that the programme had been enriching and meaningful.He appreciated the constructive feedback and assured that the suggestions would be incorporated in future editions. Emphasizing that SAIL is poised for a significant leap forward, he noted that such capacity-building initiatives are crucial for strengthening leadership and organizational effectiveness.He shared that Phase II would be conducted online, followed by Phase III in physical mode, ensuring sustained engagement. He also welcomed the suggestion of curating sessions at SAIL plants and highlighted the Institute’s Open MDPs, reiterating that continuous skilling and upskilling remain the need of the hour.

Dr. Malaya Ranjan Mohapatra presented a detailed report of the five-day programme, outlining its thematic focus, key sessions, and the active engagement of participants throughout the duration.Heexpressed confidence that the insights, frameworks, and leadership perspectives shared during the programme would prove valuable in their professional journeys and institutional responsibilities. He encouraged the participants to implement the learnings in their respective domains and wished them continued professional growth, success, and excellence in their future endeavours.

During the valedictory session, select participants shared reflections on their learning journey, emphasizing enhanced strategic clarity, improved decision-making capabilities, and strengthened cross-functional understanding. Many acknowledged that the blend of theoretical depth and practical orientation helped them approach business challenges with renewed confidence and analytical precision.Set against the serene Trikuta foothills, IIM Jammu provided an intellectually stimulating and reflective environment throughout the programme, enabling participants to engage deeply with faculty expertise and the Institute’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the Vedanta MDP Centre and the Nalanda Library.

The valedictory ceremony of the first phase of the training program concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Manu Bansal, Program Director, IIM Jammu, who expressed gratitude to the leadership of SAIL, faculty members, coordinators, and participants for their unwavering commitment to excellence. He reaffirmed that the Executive Education and Consultancy wing of IIM Jammu remains dedicated to designing high-impact leadership interventions that contribute to nation-building through strengthened public sector enterprises.

The completion of the first phase of Leadership Development Programme (Batch–II) further strengthens the enduring partnership between IIM Jammu and SAIL, underscoring a shared vision of cultivating competent, ethical, and forward-looking leaders for India’s industrial growth trajectory.