IIM Jammu concludes the 13th AIM–AMA Sheth Foundation Doctoral Consortium, reinforcing global excellence in marketing research

JAMMU:The 13th AIM–AMA Sheth Foundation Doctoral Consortium 2026 concluded on a grand note at the Indian Institute of Management Jammu on 03 July 2026 at Mandapam Auditorium, marking three days of enriching academic exchange, global mentorship, and research excellence. The valedictory ceremony brought together renowned international marketing scholars, journal editors, faculty mentors, and doctoral researchers from India and abroad, celebrating academic collaboration and the advancement of global marketing scholarship. 

The valedictory ceremony was presided over by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. Prof. Russell Belk, Co-Chair, Doctoral Consortium; Shri Jayant Shah, Executive Director, Academy of Indian Marketing; Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research graced the valedictory ceremony. Dr. Ateeque Shaikh, Co-Chair, Doctoral Consortium and Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Co-Chair, International Marketing Conference, also graced the valedictory ceremony.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, commended the organizing team for the conduct of the Doctoral Consortium and reflected on his long-standing association with Chief Mentor Prof. Jagdish N. Sheth, Charles H. Kellstadt Professor of Business at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, USArecounting inspiring anecdotes that highlighted his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to global marketing scholarship.

Reflecting on his own academic journey, he acknowledged the invaluable guidance of his mentors and emphasized the transformative role of mentorship in shaping future researchers and academic leaders. Reaffirming IIM Jammu's steadfast commitment to the Academy of Indian Marketing (AIM), he encouraged the scholars to cultivate lifelong academic relationships, engage in meaningful collaborations, and pursue rigorous, impactful, and socially relevant research that contributes to society.

Prof. Russell Belk, Co-Chair, Doctoral Consortium, encouraged participants to challenge conventional thinking, embrace emerging research opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of marketing scholarship. He urged scholars to view academic conferences not merely as platforms for presenting research, but as spaces to exchange ideas, build lifelong collaborations, and discover new directions for inquiry. Emphasizing intellectual curiosity and fearless exploration, he inspired participants to question established paradigms, pursue innovative research, and create scholarship that leaves a lasting impact on academia and society.

Shri Jayant Shah, Executive Director, Academy of Indian Marketing, encouraged scholars to make the most of the Consortium by engaging with distinguished academicians and building enduring academic networks. He emphasized that the conversations initiated during the programme have the potential to evolve into meaningful collaborations, lifelong mentorships, and impactful research contributions.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, inspired scholars to transform the knowledge and mentorship gained during the Consortium into impactful research that advances academia and serves society. He encouraged them to embrace intellectual curiosity, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and pursue globally relevant scholarship that addresses contemporary challenges. He also urged participants to carry forward the spirit of the Doctoral Consortium by building enduring academic networks and contributing to a vibrant, innovation-driven global research ecosystem.

Dr. Ateeque Shaikh, Co-Chair, Doctoral Consortium, presented a comprehensive summary of the three-day programme, highlighting its rich blend of faculty mentoring, research proposal presentations, Meet the Editors sessions, Global Café discussions, publication-focused masterclasses, and collaborative academic engagements. He emphasized that the Consortium not only strengthened research capabilities but also fostered meaningful collaborations, intellectual exchange, and a shared commitment to advancing excellence in marketing scholarship.

The Consortium featured enriching masterclasses, research mentoring, Meet the Editors sessions, and Global Café discussions, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Rao & Reddy Award to Dr. S. Bharadhwaj, Dr. Bala V. and Vasantha Balachandran Chair Professor of Marketing, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, and the Best Proposal Award to Mr. Ananth, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. The valedictory ceremony also witnessed the presentation of certificates to all participating doctoral scholars in recognition of their successful completion of the Consortium.

A key highlight of the valedictory ceremony was the Faculty Mentor Reflections, during which Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, invited the distinguished faculty mentors to share their experiences and insights from the three-day Doctoral Consortium. The mentors unanimously appreciated Chief Mentor Prof. Jagdish Sheth, Prof. B. S. Sahay, and the organizing team for curating an exceptional platform that fostered academic excellence, global collaboration, and scholarly mentorship.

Prof. Matilda Dorotic, Professor, BI Norwegian Business School, Norway, reflected on the warmth and hospitality extended by IIM Jammu and the people of Jammu, encouraging scholars to embrace lifelong learning and pursue their academic journey with confidence and purpose. Prof. Manfred Krafft, Professor of Marketing, University of Münster, commended the outstanding quality of research presented during the Consortium and encouraged participants to pursue rigorous, globally relevant scholarship while fostering meaningful academic collaborations.Prof. Moutusy Maity, Department Chair and Professor of Marketing, Southeast Missouri State University, USA, described the Consortium as a meaningful full-circle academic journey that exemplified the spirit of collaboration and research excellence. Prof. Shaphali Gupta, Professor, IIM Kozhikode, reflected on her long association with the Consortium, describing it as a transformative experience that continues to inspire both mentors and scholars through mutual learning and shared academic growth.

Prof. Rajeev Kumra, Professor of Marketing, IIM Lucknow, appreciated IIM Jammu's vibrant academic ecosystem and encouraged scholars to fully leverage the invaluable mentorship opportunities available through the Consortium. Prof. David W. Stewart, Professor, Georgia State University & Member, Conference Advisory Board, inspired participants to remain creative, embrace continuous learning, and contribute to shaping the future of marketing research. Prof. Shankar Ganesan, Raymond W. and Kenneth G. Herrick Collegiate Professor of Marketing, University of Notre Dame, commended the successful organization of the Consortium and reminded scholars that participation in such a prestigious academic forum is a significant recognition and an opportunity to build a lasting research career.

Prof. Denish Shah, Department Chair and Professor of Marketing, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, reflected on the vision behind the Doctoral Consortium and appreciated IIM Jammu's gracious hospitality and commitment to advancing academic excellence for the benefit of society. Prof. Janakiraman Moorthy, Associate Dean (Academics & Research) and Professor, SPJIMR, acknowledged the leadership of Prof. B. S. Sahay and emphasized the Consortium's role in fostering authentic, impactful research that serves both Indian and global industry. Prof. Githa Hegde, Dean and Principal, MICA, appreciated the exceptional quality of the research presentations and expressed her enthusiasm for strengthening future academic collaborations with IIM Jammu. Prof. Pallab Paul, Professor of Marketing, Daniels College of Business, University of Denver, described his first Doctoral Consortium experience as highly enriching, applauding the Global Café sessions and encouraging scholars to actively network, exchange ideas, and build enduring academic relationships.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida, Co-Chair, International Marketing Conference 2026, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished mentors, IIM Jammu Leadership, scholars, delegates, organizing committee, and participants for making the 13th edition of the Consortium a resounding success.

As the Doctoral Consortium culminated with the National Song and National Anthem, IIM Jammu reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research excellence, strengthening global academic partnerships, and nurturing the next generation of marketing scholars and academic leaders.