Indian Institute of Management Jammu’s Centre for Diversity and Inclusion highly commended for the BGA Business School Impact Award 2025

JAMMU/ NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu has been highly commended for the BGA Business School Impact Award 2025, recognizing its commitment to fostering positive change for students, graduates, communities, and economies. Conferred by the Business Graduates Association (BGA), this prestigious recognition honours institutions aligning with BGA’s vision and charter by driving transformative initiatives that promote responsible management, continuous improvement, and societal betterment through quantitative and qualitative impact.

IIM Jammu’s Centre for Diversity & Inclusion, the first in India for marginalised communities, was explicitly commended for advancing diversity and inclusivity. Originally established as "The Diversity Cell" in collaboration with the DICCI and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Centre was inaugurated on 9th June 2022 by then Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, Dr. Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu and Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.

Since its inception, the Centre has been instrumental in empowering entrepreneurs from marginalised communities, providing them with essential resources, mentorship, and training to thrive in business. Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, emphasized that this recognition underscores IIM Jammu’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society. He highlighted that the Centre for Diversity & Inclusion serves as a model for academic institutions, reinforcing the importance of diversity in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and leadership. He reiterated IIM Jammu’s dedication to creating opportunities that empower individuals from all backgrounds to thrive.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, stated that the Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is a testament to IIM Jammu’s pioneering efforts in social responsibility. This award reaffirms IIM Jammu’s dedication to social responsibility and impactful leadership. He emphasized that the institute would continue to create a safe and supportive environment for marginalized communities, equipping them with the necessary tools for entrepreneurial success and Viksit Bharat.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, emphasized academia's role in societal change, reaffirming IIM Jammu's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and responsible management to shape future leaders for sustainable global impact. The award was presented by Mr Andrew Main Wilson, CEO of AMBA & BGA, to Dr Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, IIM Jammu, and Centre for Small Business Development Units,at the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.

The BGA Business School Impact Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the global business education community. This year, the awards featured 12 categories, providing numerous opportunities for AMBA & BGA accredited business schools, students, and graduates to showcase their accomplishments. This recognition further cements IIM Jammu’s position as a leading institution dedicated to academic excellence, social impact, and nation-building.