IIM Jammu hosts landmark Mumbai Roundtable to strengthen academia-industry synergy for future-ready India

MUMBAI: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu hosted a landmark Mumbai Roundtable Conference on 12^th Sept 2025 at Hotel Orchid, Mumbai bringing together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders. The Roundtable Conference focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, addressing workforce evolution, and leveraging technology to prepare students for future employment. 

The Roundtable Conference was graced by Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, and Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, along withother eminent dignitaries from the industry. The event commenced with participant registration, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and an introductory video on IIM Jammu, setting the tone for a series of insightful discussions.

Padmashri Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, in his address, emphasized that the Mumbai Roundtable Conference represents a significant step in IIM Jammu’s efforts to foster purposeful collaboration between academia and industry. He noted that in today’s fast-evolving global landscape, academic institutions must not operate in silos but engage proactively with industry leaders to co-create solutions that are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.

He highlighted that such platforms are instrumental in aligning education with the needs of the economy, preparing students for emerging challenges, and driving national development. He further urged both academic and industry stakeholders to work together on areas of critical importance such as climate change, digital transformation, and equitable growth, reiterating that the strength of such partnerships lies in their ability to bring diverse perspectives to a common table. He concluded by underlining that such joint efforts will play a pivotal role in realizing the clarion call of Viksit Bharat 2047 given by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. 

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, underscored the Institute’s impressive growth journey and its steadfast focus on integrating academic excellence with practical, real-world exposure through strong industry linkages. He stressed that such partnerships are vital in creating a dynamic and future-ready education ecosystem, one that nurtures graduates who are both intellectually robust and industry-prepared. Reflecting on India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, he emphasized the significance of initiatives like Project YUVA, launched in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in fostering employment generation through entrepreneurship.

He urged all stakeholders to align their personal and institutional aspirations with the broader mission of national growth and nation building. He reiterated that IIM Jammu has achieved the rare distinction of securing two prestigious international accreditations, BGA Institutional Accreditation and EFMD Programme Accreditation for its MBA programme in the same year. He highlighted that this milestone places IIM Jammu among the top five IIMs nationwide and makes it the only second-and third-generation IIM to hold both rare achievements, reinforcing its position as an emerging global hub of excellence in management education.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, in his introductory remarks, outlined the Roundtable Conference as a pivotal platform for bridging academic insights with industry practices. He stressed the importance of such forums in aligning educational frameworks with the dynamic and evolving demands of the workforce. The Mumbai Roundtable Conference held on12^th Sept 2025 featured three insightful panel discussions that brought together industry leaders and experts to address critical issues shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

Panel One focused on the theme “The Power of Networking: How Industry Interactions Can Open Doors” and brought together leading industry experts who shared insights on how strategic networking and active engagement with professionals can create opportunities, foster collaborations, and expand career horizons. The panel featured Ms. Pallavi Khot, CHRO, ICICI Lombard; Mr. Manoj K. Prasad, VP HR, Digital Transformation &Organization Change Management, Reliance Industries Limited; Ms. Surya Saraf, Global Alliance Manager, Tech Mahindra;Mr. K.R. Venktadri, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Chemicals; Mr. Devang Ved, VP, State Street; Mr. Manoj Upadhyaya, Director - Transformation & Operations, Morningstar; and Mr. Prakash Lakhiani, Head HR - Vice President - People Experience, Prime Focus Technologies and was moderated by Ms. Anushri Verma, VP HR, Kotak Mahindra Bank. 

Panel Two centered around the theme “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: Industry Needs in Young Talent”, where eminent industry leaders discussed the evolving expectations from young professionals and highlighted the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation in meeting industry demands. The panel featured Ms. Kanika Garg, COO, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited; Ms. Gauri Desai, HR Lead-India (HRBP), Seaspan Corporation; Dr. Indu Nair, DSO, Bayer; Mr. Yogesh Udhoji, CFO, Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited; Dr. Brillian S.K. DTM, PRA, Chief People Officer, Times Pro; Ms. Amruta Borlikar, Associate Director TA, Astaguru; and Dr. Srikanth Dahagam, CHRO, Go Apptiv Private Limited. The session was moderated by Mr. Kalpesh S. Dave, Deputy CEO, Bajaj Capital.

Panel Three, on the theme “Learning Beyond Books: Role of Industry in Making Education More Practical”, brought together distinguished industry leaders who emphasized the value of experiential learning, real-world exposure, and industry-academia partnerships in bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical application. The panel featured Mr. Ramakrishna Vyamajala, CHRO, Home First India; Dr. Mukund Kamath, Vice President –Sales and Marketing, Consumer Health Care, Torrent Pharma; Mr. Lavita Theroth, Head HR, Essens RenewablePvt. :Ltd; Shri Shiv Kumar, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, L’Oréal; Mr. Mukesh Jain, Executive Vice-President and CTO, Capgemini; Ms. Bhoomi Ahuja; Talent Acquisition & Development, Strategist, Reevooy; Ms. Poonam Chandok, Vice President & Head-HR, L&T Energy (Hydrocarbon); Dr. Vithal V. Kamat; Executive Chairman and Managing Director, Kamat Hotels; and Mr. Kunjvihari Jandhyala, Chief Strategic-HR, Tata Power. The session was moderated by Ms. Mugdha Kolhatkar, Country HR Lead, Glencore.

The event culminated with the National Anthem. Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, Dr. Garima Saini, Assistant Professor, IIM Jammu and Dr. Manu Bansal, Assistant Professor IIM Jammu along with industry experts and students from the Industry Interaction Cell and Placement Committee of IIM Jammu.

The Mumbai Roundtable Conference further strengthened academia-industry collaboration, paving the way for actionable outcomes benefiting students and the corporate world. IIM Jammu remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and shape the future of education and professional development.