Empowering excellence: IIM Jammu commences ‘Align and Aspire’ training initiative for administrative staff (7th–9th July 2025 | Batch I)

JAMMU: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, launched the ‘Align and Aspire’ Staff Training Programme for its administrative officers and staff, scheduled from 7th to 9th July 2025 at its Jagti Campus. The training inaugural programme was graced (online) by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.

The inaugural ceremony began with the traditional lamp lighting  at Vivekananda Classroom.The inaugural ceremony witnessed the key presence of Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu; Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean, Academics, IIM Jammu; Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson Anandam and Media and Publication Division, IIM Jammu; Prof. Ravij Seth, Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy ( EE & C), IIM Jammu; Shri Shailesh K Lohiya, Librarian, IIM Jammu and  Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran (Retd.), CAO, IIM Jammu. Faculty, Officers and staff members from various departments of the Institute were also in attendance.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized the importance of continuous development and alignment of staff with institutional goals. He highlighted that administrative staff form the backbone of any academic institution and stressed the need for cultivating a shared vision, enhancing operational excellence, and building a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and innovation. He noted that the ‘Align and Aspire’ programme is a significant step toward creating a responsive and forward-looking administrative ecosystem at IIM Jammu.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu emphasized that the programme would help staff better understand institutional priorities and contribute more effectively to academic excellence. He noted that such initiatives promote alignment, ownership, and continuous growth. Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean, Academics, IIM Jammu stated that administrative efficiency plays a crucial role in supporting the academic mission of the Institute. He highlighted that the training will foster a culture of professionalism, agility, and proactive service delivery. 

The training programme marks a significant strategic step towards enhancing institutional effectiveness through comprehensive staff development and engagement. It aims to align the administrative workforce with the Institute’s vision, mission, and core values, while simultaneously enhancing their professional skills and service orientation. The training programme will be conducted in two phases and is a completely residential initiative, allowing the participants to fully immerse themselves in the learning environment and benefit from focused peer interaction and experiential learning. During the inaugural ceremony, participants actively shared their expectations and warmly welcomed the unique initiative at the Institute. 

The session concluded with lectures on Happiness at the Workplace, delivered by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson Anandam, and Brigadier Soni, Co- Chairperson, Anandam, IIM Jammu. 

The key objectives of the Programme include, Aligning staff with IIM Jammu’s strategic goals and institutional culture; Familiarizing participants with institutional systems, policies, and digital tools; Enhancing soft skills including communication, teamwork, time management, and customer service; Promoting a proactive, accountable, and collaborative work culture; Instilling a growth mindset and readiness for continuous improvement; Improving internal communication and service delivery mechanisms; Reinforcing a sense of belonging, motivation, and institutional pride and, Facilitating peer learning and cross-functional knowledge-sharing. 

The ‘Align and Aspire’ initiative is a testament to IIM Jammu’s unwavering commitment to excellence not only in academics and research, but also in administrative leadership and governance. By fostering professional growth and engagement, the innovative training programme sets the foundation for the institutional pathway ahead, empowering officers and staff to contribute meaningfully to the Institute’s evolving vision and goals. The program is coordinated by CAO Office, IIM Jammu.