634 students join IIM Lucknow’s management, agribusiness, sustainability and PhD courses

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow has inducted 634 students into its Postgraduate Programme in Management (PGP), Postgraduate Programme in Agribusiness Management (PGP-ABM), Postgraduate Programme in Sustainable Management (PGP-SM) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes through a three-day induction programme.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by ICICI Bank Executive Director and IIM Lucknow alumnus Rakesh Jha, who addressed the incoming batch and encouraged students to focus on continuous learning and personal growth.

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Among those present at the event were IIM Lucknow Director M P Gupta, Dean (Programmes) Sanjay K Singh, Chairperson (Doctoral Programme) Pushpendra Priyadarshi, Chairperson (PGP-SM) Kaushik R Bandyopadhyay, Chairperson (PGP) Alok Dixit, Chairperson (Student Affairs) Rajesh Aithal, and Alumni Association President Vinit Chauhan.

Rakesh Jha urges students to embrace lifelong learning

Addressing the students, Jha said time is the most valuable resource and advised them to focus on learning rather than becoming overly concerned about outcomes.

“Time is your most valuable resource. Enjoy the journey, give it your best, but do not become obsessed with the destination. Everyone’s path is unique, and the key is to maintain a hunger for learning, keep asking questions, and learn from everyone around you,” he said.

He also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and encouraged students to work alongside AI instead of viewing it as competition. Jha further urged them to remain empathetic and appreciate the contributions of people whose efforts often go unnoticed.

Importance of vision and critical thinking

Speaking at the event, IIM Lucknow director M P Gupta encouraged students to develop a long-term vision for their careers and lives.

“Learn to use AI intelligently, but more importantly, develop the capability to design the architecture of your own life and create a vision for the future. Just as corporations have stories that go beyond case studies, your life is also a story; make it one worth unfolding,” Gupta said.

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Dean (Programmes) Sanjay K Singh asked students to make the most of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. He also advised them to use technology to enhance their capabilities while continuing to think independently.

Alok Dixit, Chairperson (PGP), said joining IIM Lucknow comes with both opportunities and responsibilities.

“Joining IIM Lucknow is both a privilege and a responsibility. The journey ahead will challenge and transform you, but it is through discipline, integrity, and openness to learning that you will emerge as future leaders,” he said.

Industry interactions

The three-day induction programme began with a student pledge and is designed to familiarise the new batch with the institute’s culture, academic rigour and opportunities for personal and professional development.

A key highlight of the event was an address by Alumni Association President Vinit Chauhan, who spoke about the achievements of IIM Lucknow alumni and encouraged students to contribute to the institute’s legacy.

As part of the induction programme, students will also participate in interactive discussions with representatives from academia and industry to gain insights into career opportunities, leadership development and professional growth.