Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurates Mid-Career Leadership Development Programme for SAIL Officials

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurated the Mid-Career Leadership Development Programme for officials of the Maharatna company, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), at the Vedanta MDP Block, Jagti Campus on 5^th Jan 2025.The program marks a significant collaboration between IIM Jammu and SAIL to nurture next-generation leadership in the steel sector. The training program comprised 35 participants from SAIL plants and offices across different parts of the country.

The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu. The occasion also witnessed the online presence of Shri Sanjay Dhar, Executive Director, HR–L&D, SAIL; Shri Rizwan Ahmed Siddiqui, DGM-HR_L&D, SAIL; Shri Atanu Mukherjee, General Manager, I/c (ACADEMIC), CENTRAL HR-L&D & IT, Senior Faculty Member, SAIL and Ms. Daisy Hembrom, General Manager, MTI, SAIL. The event was graced in person by Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu; Prof. Rajesh Sikka, Co-Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, Program Directors, Prof. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Sarabjit Singh, Program Director, and Dr. Chinmay K. Swain, IIM Jammu.

Addressing the participants in online mode, Shri Sanjay Dhar, Executive Director, HR–L&D, SAIL, congratulated IIM Jammu for designing a relevant and forward-looking program. He emphasized that SAIL expects participants to broaden their managerial horizons beyond plant-level operations and develop a holistic understanding of management. He called for creating a strong learning ecosystem focused on continuous learning and application. Highlighting the importance of bold and non-defensive leadership, he encouraged participants to fully leverage IIM Jammu’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, academic excellence, and sports facilities. He noted that exposure to excellence naturally encourages higher aspirations and a continuous pursuit of improvement.Referring to the long leadership journey within SAIL in collaboration with IIM Jammu, he described the program as a force multiplier and urged the first batch to act as brand ambassadors, engaging with the program, faculty persons and the Institute with Vigor and intellectual curiosity.

In his address, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu noted that the program coincides with the tenth year of IIM Jammu, making it a special milestone for the Institute. He highlighted IIM Jammu’s philosophy of expanding horizons through knowledge that liberates and encouraged participants to engage deeply with faculty and campus life. Emphasizing participative and interactive learning, he expressed confidence that the program would be intellectually stimulating and enriching. He also encouraged participants to explore the campus, engage in co-curricular activities, and reflect on their learning in the serene environs of the Trikuta Hills, in close vicinity to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Katra, reinforcing the spirit of lifelong learning.

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu stated that the program has been thoughtfully curated through extensive deliberations and continuous feedback from SAIL. He emphasized the need to move beyond conventional frameworks to address evolving leadership challenges and highlighted IIM Jammu’s growing expertise in Executive Education and Consultancy. Encouraging participants to relive their student life, he urged them to be inquisitive, actively engage in discussions, and leverage peer learning and collaboration, adding that their feedback would be vital in further strengthening future editions of the program.

The program culminated with the National Anthem and a vote of thanks by Dr. Chinmay K. Swain, Program Director, IIM Jammu, who expressed gratitude to the SAIL leadership, Institute leadership, faculty members, staff members, and participants, marking a strong beginning for a meaningful and impactful learning journey. The training program is being coordinated and executed by the office of IIM Jammu Executive Education and Consultancy.