Empowering Entrepreneurs: IIM Jammu concludes Advanced Management Development Programme under ESDP for MSMEs

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu concluded the Advanced Management Development Programme (AMDP) under the Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP) of the Development Commissioner, MSME (DCMSME), Government of India, with a valedictory ceremony held at its Jagti Campus on13^th Feb 2026. The ceremony was presided over by Prof.  Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu and graced by Programme Directors Dr. Mahesh Gadekar and Dr. Muqbil Burhan, IIM Jammu.

The five-day residential programme, conducted from 09 to 13February 2026, saw the participation of existing entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, representing a broad cross-section of India’s MSME ecosystem. The programme aimed to enhance managerial capabilities and strategic thinking to enable sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy (EE&C), IIM Jammu, in his address expressed his appreciation for the thoughtful reflections shared by the participants. He stated that it was a privilege to stand before a group that had engaged so deeply with the learning experience over the past five days. He emphasized that the participants belong to one of the fastest-growing and learning-driven nations, contributing actively through research, reflection, and nation-building efforts.

He remarked that IIM Jammu does not believe in being merely a degree-granting institution; rather, it is committed to delivering high-quality, impactful programmes that create meaningful transformation. He underscored that the presence, engagement, and active participation of the learners are equally important in making the program successful and reaffirmed that IIM Jammu has carefully designed processes to ensure excellence in delivery, academic rigor, and overall learning experience.

Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Program Director, IIM Jammu, stated that it was a wonderful gathering and expressed his happiness at the sustained enthusiasm demonstrated by the participants throughout the programme. He emphasized that meaningful learning is always a shared effort, and when the audience is engaged and eager to learn, the true credit goes to the participants themselves. He highlighted that a programme is not only about academic content but also about building new friendships, learning from the environment, engaging with faculty, and benefiting from peer learning. He described the programme as the beginning of a long-term relationship and reaffirmed that IIM Jammu’s faculty members remain committed and willing to support participants in their continued professional and personal growth.

Participants shared highly encouraging reflections about the programme, describing it as enriching, insightful, and truly transformative. They emphasized that such initiatives should be more widely shared to create greater awareness, appreciating the efforts of the Management, faculty, and staff of IIM Jammu. Many described the experience as a wake-up call that offered a rare and forward-looking perspective, helping them re-evaluate their professional journeys despite the ups and downs they had faced. Some referred to it as a new beginning or a “2.0 phase” in their growth, calling the overall experience superb and deeply impactful.

Participants expressed gratitude to all departments for seamless coordination and hospitality, highlighting the excellent accommodation comparable to 3–4 star standards, very good food, and top-notch campus facilities. The ice-breaking sessions were particularly appreciated for fostering openness and peer learning. Several participants mentioned that the programme provided valuable insights, especially in areas such as data analysis and performance improvement, and acknowledged the thoughtfully curated course structure. They noted that despite the diversity of backgrounds, every participant benefitted meaningfully from the experience.

The dedication of both faculty and non-faculty members of IIM Jammu was widely appreciated, with many participants expressing their intent to recommend the programme to colleagues and even family members, reflecting their strong confidence in the institution and its impactful learning environment.

Aligned with the theme “Capacity to Competitiveness: Strategize, Sustain and Scale,” the programme was designed for existing MSMEs, entrepreneurs, promoters, and executives, with a focus on strengthening strategic capabilities, operational resilience, financial acumen, innovation, and market orientation. Participants engaged in expert-led sessions, case discussions, experiential learning modules, and peer-to-peer interactions, fostering a holistic understanding of contemporary entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Programme Director, IIM Jammu followed by the National Anthem.

The programme marks another significant milestone in IIM Jammu’s commitment to empowering MSMEs and nurturing resilient, growth-oriented entrepreneurs, aligned with India’s broader vision of self-reliance, innovation, and inclusive growth. The programme was organised by the Centre for Small Business Development Unit (SBDU), IIM Jammu, and executed by Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, reinforcing the Institute’s role as a catalyst for entrepreneurial capacity building and national development.