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JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu (IIM Jammu) has successfully concluded the second batch of its Operational Management Programme for Armed Forces personnel under the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), Ministry of Defence, equipping 45 participants with contemporary management knowledge, industry-oriented competencies and practical insights to support their transition into civilian careers.
Conducted at the IIM Jammu campus from August 10 to October 30, 2026, the 10-week programme was designed to bridge the gap between the professional experience acquired during military service and the managerial, operational and entrepreneurial capabilities required in the civilian economy. The initiative sought to enable participating personnel to explore meaningful second careers by building on their existing strengths in leadership, teamwork, decision-making and operational management.
The valedictory ceremony was attended by Brigadier H. S. Billing, Chief Engineer, 16 Corps, as the chief guest, and Lt. Col. Angad Singh Behl, SM, Joint Director, Resettlement Directorate North, as the guest of honour. Other dignitaries present included Lt. Gen. (Prof.) Sunil Kant (Retd.), Programme Director; Dr. Ashish Kumar, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy, IIM Jammu; Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida and Dr. Yashoda Devi, Programme Directors, IIM Jammu; and Prof. Debasish Satapathy, Senior Consultant, IIM Jammu. The programme participants also attended the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Brigadier H. S. Billing commended IIM Jammu for providing Armed Forces personnel with an opportunity to gain exposure to contemporary management education and civilian business practices. He expressed confidence in the participants' ability to explore entrepreneurial ventures and contribute meaningfully to the civilian economy.
He encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge, professional exposure and practical insights acquired during the programme as they prepare for the next phase of their professional lives.
Guest of honour Lt. Col. Angad Singh Behl, SM, emphasised the importance of preparing systematically for the transition from military service to civilian employment. He urged participants to move beyond their comfort zones, actively explore employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, and remain informed about relevant job openings and resettlement initiatives.
He also highlighted the need to adapt to the expectations and working environments of civilian organisations while continuing to draw on the discipline, leadership and resilience developed during their military careers.
Lt. Gen. (Prof.) Sunil Kant (Retd.), Programme Director, encouraged the participants to carry forward the values of leadership, integrity, discipline and commitment that had defined their service in the Armed Forces. He observed that although their uniforms might change, their spirit of seva and commitment to serving the nation would remain unchanged.
Describing the participants as valuable assets to the country, he encouraged them to embrace emerging opportunities, enjoy the next phase of their lives and maintain their association with IIM Jammu. He also assured them of the institute's continued guidance and support should they require assistance in navigating their professional transitions.
Dr. Ashish Kumar, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education & Consultancy, IIM Jammu, stressed that the completion of the programme should be viewed as the beginning of a continuing learning journey rather than its conclusion.
Referring to the programme's 150-hour learning component, he encouraged participants to strengthen their managerial and entrepreneurial capabilities through further professional development. He invited them to remain connected with the institute's Executive Education & Consultancy division and explore relevant short-term courses and executive management education programmes offered by IIM Jammu.
He underscored the importance of continuous learning, upskilling and professional development in helping participants adapt to civilian workplaces and pursue sustainable career opportunities.
Presenting the programme report, Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Programme Director, IIM Jammu, outlined the participants' learning journey and highlighted the programme's emphasis on practical knowledge and real-world applications.
He noted that the initiative was designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset while familiarising participants with the fundamentals of business operations and the professional environment of civilian organisations.
The curriculum covered several areas relevant to career transition and enterprise development, including curriculum vitae (CV) preparation, professional networking through LinkedIn, entrepreneurship and access to financial resources for prospective business ventures. The programme aimed to help participants translate their military experience and newly acquired management knowledge into opportunities across operations management, entrepreneurship and other sectors of the civilian economy.
Participants, in their reflections on the programme, appreciated its practical orientation and the opportunity to gain insights into procurement, operations management and contemporary business practices. They highlighted the value of the knowledge acquired, the friendships developed and the professional networks established over the 10-week programme.
They also noted that the learning experience had broadened their understanding of civilian organisations and introduced them to new perspectives on entrepreneurship, business operations and career opportunities beyond military service.
Coordinated by the Executive Education & Consultancy (EE&C) division of IIM Jammu, the programme was structured to leverage the extensive professional experience of Armed Forces personnel while addressing the competencies required in civilian organisations. Through exposure to contemporary management practices, business environments and professional expectations, it enabled participants to build on their established capabilities in leadership, teamwork, decision-making and operational management.
The initiative reflects the continuing collaboration between IIM Jammu and the Directorate General Resettlement, Ministry of Defence, to support the professional resettlement of Armed Forces personnel and facilitate their transition into productive and fulfilling second careers. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Yashoda Devi, Programme Director, IIM Jammu, followed by the National Song and the National Anthem.
