Igniting aspirations: IIM Jammu hosts Rich Harvest School for an immersive day of learning and inspiration

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, as part of its vibrant outreach programme and steadfast commitment to nurturing young minds for a brighter and more empowered society, welcomed students and teachers from Rich Harvest School, Jammu, for an enriching educational visit to its state-of-the-art Jagti Campus on 28^th May 2025. Guided by the visionary leadership of its Director, Prof. B.S. Sahay, this initiative reflects IIM Jammu’s broader mission of community engagement, national development, and cultivating intellectual curiosity among school students through exposure to world-class academic environments.

The delegation comprised 38 students (15 female and 23 male) from Classes XI and XII, accompanied by four faculty members. The visit commenced at the Grand Reception Area, where the guests were given a warm welcome, followed by a guided tour of the institute’s architectural and academic landmarks—including the Clock Tower, Courtyard, Nalanda Library, Smart Classrooms, Mandapam Auditorium, Vedanta MDP Block, Rangmanch, Amphitheatre, and Jalpan Kendra. A specially curated audio-visual presentation showcased the genesis, evolution, and key milestones of IIM Jammu, highlighting its commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service.

Welcoming the young visitors, Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam: The Centre for Happiness and the Media and Publication Committee, IIM Jammu, delivered an inspiring address that blended intellectual reflection with national purpose. He urged the students to anchor their aspirations in the profound civilizational ethos of India, while aligning their personal goals with the vision of a resurgent and self-reliant Bharat, as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Emphasizing the need for autonomous academic choices,

Prof. Lal encouraged the students to cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and inner clarity, rather than merely relying on digital tools and external validations. Drawing deeply from the wisdom traditions of Indian philosophy, he highlighted the transformative power of reading, the importance of harmonizing material ambition with spiritual integrity, and the necessity of living with passion and purpose. He concluded by reminding the students that in nurturing their own potential, they participate in the larger journey of nation-building and the making of a truly great India. 

Brigadier Neeraj K Soni (Retd.), faculty, IIM Jammu, delivered an inspiring session on personal discipline and national vision. Emphasizing the triad of physical health, emotional resilience, and time management, he urged students to envision their contribution to a Viksit Bharat by 2047. With powerful analogies—such as Arjuna’s unwavering focus during his archery test—Brigadier Soni reinforced the values of routine, integrity, and character-building, encouraging students to see spirituality not as abstraction but as the inner compass that energizes meaningful action.

Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Associate Professor, IIM Jammu, engaged the students with practical life lessons on developing focus and perseverance. Using the metaphor of an ECG to highlight the natural ups and downs of life, he reminded students that purpose, clarity, and organization are crucial for success. He further underscored the importance of early riser routines, communication skills, and making informed use of India’s diverse scholarship ecosystem to overcome socio-economic barriers to higher education.

The visit also featured an interactive career counselling session, offering insights into career trajectories, pathways to premier institutions like IIMs and IITs, and the dynamic academic opportunities available at IIM Jammu. Students actively participated in this session, posing thoughtful questions and demonstrating a keen interest in shaping their futures. This educational outreach initiative reflects IIM Jammu’s unwavering commitment to democratizing access to knowledge, fostering a culture of leadership and aspiration, and nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and nation-builders. The visit was meticulously coordinated by the Public Relations Office of IIM Jammu and stands as a testament to the institute’s deep engagement with the broader educational ecosystem.