‘Role of business leaders has never been more critical’

Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade advises students to take every challenge as an opportunity for personal, professional growth

Mysore/Mysuru: The 29th Annual Convocation of Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Institute for Management Development (SDM-IMD), Mysuru, was held yesterday at the institute campus in Siddarthanagar here. Sanjay Koul, Chairman and Managing Director of Timken India Limited, delivered the Convocation Address.

Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Shri Kshethra Dharmasthala, and Chairman, Governing Board of SDM-IMD, presided. Dr. (Lt. Col.) S.N. Prasad, Director of the institute, presented the Annual Report.  D. Surendra Kumar, Vice-President of SDME Trust, was present.

In total, 172 students graduated and received the Post Graduate Diploma in Management. Among them, 171 students belonged to the 2022-24 batch, while one student belonged to the 2021-23 batch.

During his address, Sanjay Koul advised the graduating class that although there may be pressure in the initial years of their corporate careers, they should perceive it as a learning opportunity and resist being overwhelmed by challenging situations.

Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade emphasised that the institute’s focus extended beyond academic achievements to encompass ethics, values and social responsibility. He expressed pride in the fact that many SDM-IMD alumni hold prominent positions in both industry and society, serving as successful entrepreneurs known for their dedication and integrity.

Embrace uncertainty and adversity

Encouraging students to embrace uncertainty and adversity, he urged them to perceive every challenge as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Dr. Heggade stressed that true success is not solely measured by accolades or positions attained, but rather by the positive impact made on others and the enduring legacy left behind.

He further underscored that education extends beyond textbooks and case studies, encompassing a deeper understanding rooted in values, ethics and integrity, which cannot be fully quantified by grades or awards. “The pursuit of a PGDM or MBA extends beyond mere knowledge acquisition; it involves honing one’s skills, broadening perspectives and cultivating the mindset of a leader,” he said.

Growing future business leaders

“As future business leaders, students bear a responsibility not only to drive profits and shareholder value but also to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and corporate social responsibility,” he emphasised.

“In a world grappling with complex challenges — ranging from climate change and income inequality to geopolitical instability and technological disruption — the role of business leaders has never been more critical,” he noted and  highlighted SDM-IMD’s collaborations with foreign institutions and Universities, facilitating student and faculty exchanges as well as collaborative research.

Over the past few years, Dr. Heggade noted, SDM-IMD has taken significant strides towards securing international recognition from well-known accreditation agencies. He emphasised that international benchmarking of the institute’s standards will positively impact student learning outcomes.