Harnessing Brand Communication to Reignite Momentum & Restart Commerce

Center for Teaching Research and Learning, Events22 MayPamposh GulatiBrand Building, Brand communication, Brand Story telling, IILM University, IILM Webinar

Brand communication is voice. It humanizes any brand to be able to create real and relevant conversations with people. In times of crisis like today, brands play a significant role in shaping the choices people make. These choices are not just about the product or service, but also message and purpose-driven.

IILM conducted an engaging and interactive webinar on “Brand Communication in Times of Crisis ” by Karen Wilson – Publisher & Business Head Lifestyle Division – India Today Group. The webinar was scheduled for 15 May and was streamed live on YouTube. The participants were a mix of students, faculty, and guests who joined through registration.

Karen initiated the webinar by talking about how in these unprecedented times, people look to leaders and institutions for guidance, reassurance, and information. We further deliberated that customers today are more aware and exposed to the realities of business. And that’s why it becomes imperative for any business to stick to implicit messaging.

The webinar took an interesting turn when Karen highlighted how increasingly, businesses require to reignite momentum and restart commerce. How they should perceive this moment of crisis not as a danger but also as an opportunity but not at the cost of sounding an opportunist. She added that this is the time for brands to take a moment and reassess past business practices and the road ahead. Karen showed some eye-opening advertisements from the past and from the present that exhibited what brands must do in times of crisis and how in the process maintain their reputation as well.

The latter part of the webinar was open to the audience and some interesting questions on how businesses should strategize their brand policy when sales begin to nosedive, consumers set stricter priorities and reduce their spending, and most businesses postpone new investments. To this Karen focused principally on the right brand messaging and its importance. She explicitly pointed out how brands must appeal to consumers’ emotions. All messaging must elicit a high emotional response to the said product. The underlined sentiments of this new normal must be reinforced in all communication. To a very interesting question on how businesses dealing in non-consumable services must do their branding? Karen was quick to answer that businesses must leverage testimonials and focus on the USP of their service for the end-user.

The webinar was a grand success in terms of the relevance of the content, the structuring of the presentation, the flurry of questions from the audience, and the huge participation. The crux that as humans, we’re programmed to stay connected. While social distancing measures offer protection and security, they come with a significant impact on the emotional and mental well-being of individuals, communities, and the world at large. It is at times like this that brands must continue to connect and reassure their customers that this too shall pass, and we are in this together, therefore resulting in them remaining top of mind.

Check out this post I wrote on “The Anatomy of Online business- Brand Storytelling the new normal, it’s packed with amazing tips.

Whatever I am is all because of IILM: Satyaveer Pal (Alumnus, Batch 2006-2008)

Alumni, Testimonials05 MaySona VikasIILM Alumnus, IILM University, MBA, MBA at IILM University

After completing his Bachelor of Science from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (MJP) Rohilkhand University, a young lad stepped out of his hometown Bareilly to fulfill his dreams in the Millennium City of Gurugram. A career-ambitious student, he landed at IILM to pursue a career in management. Meet Satyaveer Pal, Regional Manager – Sales (International Business), Aurionpro, Gurugram, an alumnus of Batch 2006-2008. His work takes him to places, literally. He has extensively traveled to Europe and the APAC and South Asia region, particularly Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Nepal where majority of his clients are based. His last International visit was to Indonesia and Vietnam in February 2020, just before the national lockdown.

I had the opportunity to speak with him recently, and he was reminiscing his experiences at IILM during his stay at the campus. Considered as a studious person, he was the CR (student Class Representative) for two consecutive years, and this helped him tremendously in improving his interpersonal skills and leadership qualities. His favorite faculty was the marketing professor, Dr. Priyanka Dhingra whose lessons in sales and marketing were a lifelong learning for him. Giving presentations, participating in quizzes and class exercises are among his best memories at the campus. He fondly recalled an instance when he had to make a sales presentation where he came up with an innovative idea of marketing and branding of pens. This activity – based classroom pedagogy made him realize that marketing was where his career lay, and today business development has become his forte.

IILM gave Satyaveer learning both inside the classroom and outside. He learnt how to respond and gauge behavior of other people. He acquired networking skills and learnt how to brand oneself. This learning has taken him to the pinnacles of success.

He got an opportunity to do his summer internship at Shoppers Stop Gurugram, and he was also part of a new outlet opening in New Delhi where he helped Shoppers Stop in setting up their retail business from the scratch. He gained hands-on experience during his SIP and developed a multidimensional approach to handling problems. He believes those students who do not take their SIP seriously are the ones who loose out on good placements later.

Satyaveer feels that he not just gained academic knowledge at IILM but also the soft skills that are required to be successful in the corporate world.

As he was an outstation student, Satyaveer stayed at IILM boys’ hostel, and that was a wonderful experience for him. He learnt to become independent and gained friends for life. He cherishes the memories of playing cricket after classes in the campus grounds, going around in the local markets and malls of Gurugram, and chit-chatting with his hostel roommates till late night.

It is such a pleasure to have an alumnus as Satyaveer. His colleagues praise him unabashedly. I was going through some of the recommendations he received on LinkedIn and my heart swelled in pride. Considered as a good task master and team player, his peers and managers hold a remarkably high opinion of Satyaveer. According to them, he comes with a very infectious sort of energy; always warm and outwardly sociable, he gets along with people very easily. He is good at making new connections and is the live wire of every conversation.

He is still in touch with his faculty, Dr Radhika Madan and Dr Sujata Shahi, presently the Vice-Chancellor of IILM University. He has had positive interactions with them in the past and due to these, he has retained the connect with his Alma mater. Dr Radhika had in fact taught him and still considers him as one of her brightest students taught till date. She has seen Satyaveer grow in his career path over the years. A very vigorous person with a clear vision, she feels that he knows how to co-ordinate assignments and the workforce he deals with. She has found him to be a very dedicated and committed person who strives to achieve his goals with full commitment and sincerity. His positive approach to all his challenges is what differentiates him from other students.

In the past twelve years of graduating from IILM, he has earned the reputation of an enterprise leader with an excellent track record of contributions that streamline operations, invigorate businesses, heighten productivity and develop business strategies.

He visits IILM Gurugram once in two months – either as an industry speaker to share his insights with the present batches, or as a jury member for a campus event – contributing in every possible way. He has also recommended several students for taking admissions in MBA, the flagship programme of IILM University Gurugram. One of the most connected alumni to his alma mater, he takes out time from his busy schedule whenever IILM requires his presence.

He is currently residing in the corporate hub of Gurugram with his parents, wife Abha and a three – year old son Arkin. On being asked, how did his stay at IILM impact his career, he proudly said, “Whatever I am is all because of IILM.”

Before its back to normal-Pause and Reflect

Blog Catgeory, IILM University18 AprilDr. Megha PushkarnaCoaching, IILM University

So we get these forwarded messages of how lockdown 2020 is treating us and how long we will be suffering in this self-imposed isolation. Satirical jokes about Husband-wife, working moms and home schooling, work from home and work at home, binge eating as well as pollution levels down to nil to be able to see far far away keeps all of us amused.

And in the evening, when the rush of emails and pending work cools off and we are not expected to be logged on to any more meetings; a silence grows with a hounding question; Is it going to be like this forever? Will work structurally change where employers have realized financial viability of having people work from home and its efficiency? How are we going to cope with so many changes and so soon?

Clear blue skies, constant birds chirping, reduced pollution levels and an acceptance which was missing in the first week of #stayathome makes me realize the importance of slowing it down. We all are compelled to take life easy while crumbling mental blocks to expect and deliver perfection and find peace looking at a messy home, jumbled up time schedules, eating boring home food and mostly not having a choice to step out.

Life before this lockdown was living a rush life; the experience to be everywhere and experience everything will certainly come back to us very soon. We all are wishing to return back to those experiences with a spirit of determination and hope that everything will be OK one day.

But before leaving our homebound lives and getting back into action, please let’s not forget why we are here. Did we learn something relevant out of this? Are we going to embrace self-isolation or just avoid seeing this quality time with self as a bad phase of 2020?

If we can just take with us where we are coming from to where we are going in the near future and accept that all life forms are important, so respect; we need each other, so empathize and to never take anything for granted- not a day, a person or a thing.

If we can just remember to be grateful to see beauty in finer things in life and be easy on self I think we have learnt our lockdown lesson well.

“Life becomes more meaningful when you realize that you will never get the same moment twice”. OURPOSITVE.COM

Role of financial inclusion in achieving sustainable development goals…

Blog Catgeory, General Blog, IILM University27 MarchProf. Kirtika MalhotraFinancial Inclusion, IILM Blog, IILM University, Management, Sustainable Development Goals

What is financial inclusion?
According to world bank, Financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs – transactions, payments, savings, credit and insurance – delivered in a responsible and sustainable way.
Financial inclusion does not only include the access to and usage of financial services by individuals and businesses but also includes the dimension of quality of the products and the service delivery. It is also a key to prudent financial development and well being, both- at the individual level and for the economy as a whole. An all-inclusive approach which considers both demand side and supply side needs to be adopted to reach global goal of Universal Financial Access (UFA) by 2020, says World bank.

What are the key indicators of financial inclusion?
First and the foremost step towards broader financial inclusion is to have access to a transaction account allowing people to exchange and save money. Thus, ensuring that people have a transaction account is the most crucial dimension of financial inclusion (Universal Financial Access 2020 initiative). Financial access opens the doorway to various financial services such as managing daily monetary requirements, long term planning and even planning for future unforeseen circumstances. However, by merely having an account, the objective of financial inclusiveness cannot be achieved. It is therefore imperative that the focus should equally be levied on the usage of these financial services, which forms the second dimension of financial inclusion.
(https://databank.worldbank.org/data/download/g20fidata/G20_Financial_Inclusion_Indicators.pdf)

The current status: According to Global Findex database, 2017; about 515 million adults worldwide opened an account at a financial institution or through a mobile money provider between 2014 and 2017.
• About 69 percent of adults now have an account, Up from 62 percent in 2014 and 51 percent in 2011.
• About 65% of the women adults now have an account.
• About 52% of adults either receive or make payments.
• About 87% of SME’S have an account with a formal financial institution.
• About 30% of people worldwide have Received wages or government transfer payments directly to an account.

(https://globalfindex.worldbank.org/basic-page-overview)

The above facts reveal that the economy’s worldwide are progressing towards the goal of financial inclusion by staying committed to G20 High-Level Principles for Digital Financial Inclusion, Universal Financial Access (UFA) by 2020, Sustainable Development Goals, National financial inclusion strategies, financial consumer protection and literacy and many more initiatives taken so far in this direction.

What are Sustainable Development Goals?
A new set of development goals adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in Sept 2015, are collectively called as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),2030. After years of deliberation and negotiation, the agenda for these goals was put in place and has been endorsed by around 193 member nations of the General Assembly including booth developed and developing countries. The SDGs cover a set of 17 goals.(https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs)

How does financial inclusion help in achieving sustainable development goals?
Financial inclusion offers wide range of benefits such as Improving earning potential, enhanced women empowerment by encouraging women entrepreneurs, reduction in the costs of transactions, easy accumulation of funds, increased use of digital platforms etc. While financial inclusion does not explicitly targets achieving the SDG’s, greater access to financial services has paved the way for achieving a number of sustainable development goals. Financial inclusion has been identified as an enabler for 7 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, says World Bank.

The following SDG’s can be achieved via increased financial inclusion:
A better access to financial services enables the people even in the rural segments of any country to have better access to funds and other related financial services. This enables people to come out of poverty and thereby enabling the first SDG i.e Eliminating extreme poverty (SDG 1). Better and improved access to avenues for raising funds, access to crop agricultural insurance and improved credit facilities also enables the people working in the primary sector to mange their finances in the season for plantation and thereby generate higher yields. It not only improves food production in the country but also generates food security in the economy, which is the second SDG i.e. Reducing hunger and promoting food security (SDG 2).When people are able to come out of the poverty line, are ensured of their food security ,have access to various insurance facilities; achieving the third SDG i.e. Achieving good health and well-being (SDG 3), is bound to fall in place. Increased availability of funding options has removed the barrier of monetary constraints which stop people from getting educated. People are encouraged to invest in educating their children and this enables the achievement of the fourth SDG i.e. Fostering quality education (SDG 4). Financial inclusion has also encouraged women entrepreneurs to take up ventures which earlier were impossible for them. Enhanced women empowerment is the key to promoting gender equality (SDG 5), the fifth SDG. Financial exclusivity weakens up the thread between smaller goals and larger socio-economic goals. These five SDG’s acts as a strong base for achieving broader socio-economic goals such as Promoting shared economic growth (SDG 8) and Promoting innovation and sustainable industrialization (SDG 9).

Given the fact that there exists an association between Financial inclusion and overall economic development, it can be concluded that greater emphasis should be laid on financial inclusiveness.

References:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/financialinclusion/overview
https://databank.worldbank.org/data/download/g20fidata/G20_Financial_Inclusion_Indicators.pdf
https://globalfindex.worldbank.org/basic-page-overview
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs
https://www.microinsurancenetwork.org/sites/default/files/CGAP_Working-Paper-Achieving-Sustainable-Development-Goals.pdf

Classroom equity: Creating educational equality

Career Development (Placement), Faculty, General Blog, IILM University27 MarchChavi SoodEducation, Embracing Liberal Education, Faculty, IILM Faculty Development Programme, IILM Gurgaon, IILM University, Liberal Education, students of IILM

Everything that happens in the society is a consequence of human actions. Even though it may seem like a roundabout route, any effort to build a brighter future must begin with a change within human beings themselves.

The way we distinguish our own lives is also the way we distinguish the lives of others. When we have a sense of our own dignity, we recognize the dignity of others and value their lives too. The most fundamental way to achieve peace and happiness is to help people around the world to the greatest extent to reveal the treasure of inherent dignity in their lives.

No epidemic or any other cause is worth depriving students of their right to education. Teachers should not be masters who offer themselves as paragons, but enablers who guide students towards achieving their goals.

It is important that we afford students the highest respect as individuals in their own right. Helping students grow requires total commitment on our part. There is a fine adult inside every child. We need to direct our voices to that inner adult. We must never treat children in a dismissive or condescending manner, assuming they won’t understand and thinking its okay not to fully explain things.

We must believe in students’ immense potential, and strive to develop their innate capacities as well as our own. The more we broaden our own minds, the more we can inspire and foster the students. That is why our growth is indispensable to our efforts to help others grow.

We, at IILM University, Gurugram believe in our students, trust them unconditionally and encourage them to grow and excel professionally as well as personally. We believe in providing immeasurable source of support and encouragement to them. Our effort to provide Liberal Education gives our students the flexibility, knowledge and wisdom to pursue their passion.

Fostering students contributes to our own growth. Teaching students makes us wiser. Learning together with our students and advancing together with them is a path of lifelong youthfulness, giving us fresh perspectives and vitality.

Liberal Arts Education: Door to Creativity, Happiness and Bright Future

Faculty, General Blog, IILM University28 NovemberDr. Vidhisha VyasBBA, BBA colleges in Delhi, Career, Embracing Liberal Education, IILM, IILM Gurgaon, IILM University, Management

Liberal Arts Education has become a buzz word in India from past couple of years. More and more parents and students are inquisitive about it and also showing positive inclination towards the same. Liberal world holds its origin in a roman word ‘liberalis’ which means freedom, hence, simply freedom to pursue the choice of discipline can be called as liberal arts. The term liberal arts originated in Europe however it was American Universities which make the concept not only popular but also successful. In fact, the liberal education brought many American Universities in limelight and on top spot in world university rankings. The Indian higher education was focused on Job driven unidirectional studies where focus was on ‘what to learn’ than ‘how to learn’. However, thanks to the fast changing world dynamics and need of multi facet skills, this trend is changing and driving Indian Higher Education system to embrace liberal arts education with arms wide open.

Is liberal Education new to India?

Before answering the question lets understand Liberal Arts Education. In the words of John Henry Newman, “The purpose of a Liberal Arts education is to open the mind, correct it, to refine it, to enable it to know and to digest, master, rule, and use its knowledge, to give its power over its own faculties, application, flexibility, method, critical exactness, sagacity, resource, address, and eloquent expression”.

If we read the above expression in depth then we understand that Liberal arts education had wide presence in ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshila. Students studying in these esteemed Universities were imparted simultaneously knowledge in the field of grammar, philosophy, ayurveda, surgery, politics, warfare, astronomy, commerce, music, dance, and much more. The students were taught right blend of skills and subjects which were important to contribute in civic life.

Despite having strong educational past; during colonial era India was forced to adopt fixed curriculum model set up by British Education System. Also the greedy aspirations for professional degrees liberal education took back seat from main stream academia.

The Changing Paradigm

There is a pressing need for people to learn and enhance their creativity along with analytical skills and be a path finder in rapidly changing environment. The fast paced technological transformations and disruptions and challenges of degrading physical and social environment put forth the demand for leaders and scholars with deep sense of imagination, analytics and creativity.

Liberal arts education broadens the minds and understands the scenarios from diverse perspectives rather than being a conservative. It lights up the intellectual curiosity which fosters knowledge creation in subjects ranging from arts and humanities, social sciences to the natural and applied sciences. Liberal education inculcates problem solving and critical analysis skills which are much desirable in corporate world as well as in daily civic life. A sufficient emphasis on liberal arts education help us to tackle practical problems of this century and also provide our current and future generations a chance of freedom of knowledge and a way of living happy.

Who are making efforts?

Since 2015 Indian government decided to invest more in research universities, in social sciences and liberal education so that world ranking of Indian Universities can improve. Taking the initiative of the government forward private universities took charge to address the challenge and creating inter-disciplinary curriculum which are globally bench marked. However, very few have moved in this direction. IILM University situated in the heart of corporate Gurugram is centering interest in Liberal Arts education and aiming at inter-disciplinary education. IILM University has created the curriculum focusing on technology, psychology, business, design, communication skills, critical thinking and academic writing. The best part is, these courses are well aligned to the demand of the market. The extensive major and minor combinations open multiple career options. In all, liberal education not only shape career of the students but also creates informed and happy citizens.

Hon’ble Vice President of India,Shri M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates IILM University.

The Edge10 OctoberAtima MankotiaIILM University, IILM University inauguration, inaugurated by Honorable Vice President of India, inaugurated by Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu

IILM University has been set up under the Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Act 2018, and the University will open its doors to the students from the current academic year starting from July 2018. Mr. S.Y. Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner, is the Chancellor Designate of IILM University and Dr. Sujata Shahi is the Vice Chancellor Designate. IILM University, Gurugram, was inaugurated by Honorable Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, on 20 th April 2018. IILM University, Gurugram, has been established on the principles of being Global, Inclusive and Responsible. Anchored around the concept of liberal education with technology focus, the University is benchmarked with the best of liberal education universities in the world. The University, having international collaborations with the best global and national institutions, will be inclusive, reaching out to all sections of society. The focus of the new University will be on Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Technology. Located on the DLF Golf Course Road, Sector 53, Gurugram, the University has an environment friendly, world-class infrastructure, and a safe and secure campus for the students and faculty members.

The inauguration event, held at IILM campus in Lodhi Road, witnessed eminent personalities, Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner and Chancellor Designate of IILM University and Shri Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor, Haryana Vishwakarma Skill University, among many others. The evening began with Chairperson IILM Group, Mrs. Malvika Rai and Mr. Anil Rai, welcoming the Honourable Vice President of India, along with Dr. Quraishi and Dr. Sujata Shahi. Mr. Anil Rai shared with the Vice President the vision behind the University and the Centres of Excellence.

The inauguration event started with Dr. Sujata Shahi, Vice Chancellor Designate, welcoming the Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu; Chancellor Designate, Dr. Quraishi; Shri Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor, Haryana Vishwakarma Skill University; Mrs. Malvika Rai; Mr. Anil Rai, and other distinguished guests, colleagues and the students.
In her welcome address she said, “It is our privilege to welcome Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu Ji. Sir, we are deeply honored to have you with us on this very special and momentous occasion for the IILM family. Today we remember our founder, Dr. Kulwant Rai. In some measure, this is the fulfillment of his dream. Dr. Kulwant Rai’s abiding passion was to make education available to all. His focus on education is best described in the words of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba,” The process of education is to render the individual a happier and more useful person; it must also make him a better citizen, able and willing to further the progress of the nation to which he belongs & Sir, in December 2013, Mr. Anil Rai and Mrs. Malvika Rai met Shri Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad. Modi ji asked them to set up a liberal arts university because, in his words, “We do not want to create robots.” Our University is an off shoot of that vision to create this world class liberal arts university in Gurugram. IILM University will deliver an academic experience that fosters intellectual curiosity, a critical thought process, self-reflection, leadership and a heightened sensitivity to one’s socio-cultural environment. Sir, our University is committed to shape a better future, create a higher quality of life, and give wings to a million dreams and aspirations with confidence, energy and passion for a greater India.” She thereafter invited the Chancellor Designate, Dr. Quraishi, to deliver his address and welcome the Honorable Vice President of India .

Dr. Quraishi highlighted that IILM University envisages becoming a leading Liberal Arts University in Asia with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology and then he unfolded the IILM University vision. In his address he said: “The vision of IILM University is – Global, Inclusive, Responsible. The University has 4 Schools – Liberal Arts, Management, Technology, Design and Fashion. We have 5 Centers of Excellence: Skills, Entrepreneurship & Business, Technology, Innovation & Sustainability, and Teaching, Research & Learning. IILM University envisages becoming a leading Liberal Arts University in Asia with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology. This century needs youth who are capable of navigating cultural differences, have a sense of groundedness and are able to lead in an increasingly interdependent global world. Liberal education develops these qualities. It encourages students to explore and develop their interests,to think critically about issues from multiple perspectives, to communicate effectively and become responsible leaders with a commitment to society. Our university shall focus on Liberal Education – an education that provides students with flexibility and space to explore and pursue a wide range of courses instead of focusing solely on one field of study. Our students will have the option of a flexible degree that won’t preclude a variety of job prospects across disciplines.We will provide an integrated approach to undergraduate and post graduate education with a global outlook, supported by over thirty academic collaborations. IILM University will therefore be a responsible and inclusive center of learning. Hon’ble Vice President in one of his recent speeches had said, “It is important for every education institution to create an atmosphere which encourages innovation, new ideas and tap the talent of the young minds.” We have at IILM Uniersity a 40,000sq ft. Incubation Center to promote entrepreneurship and inspire innovation amongst our students. The IILM Incubation Center proposes to provide mentorship and access to funds to enable our students to start up their own businesses and not depend only on jobs. Our University will also focus on next generation technologies in break through areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, the Internet of Things, Autonomous Vehicles and Quantum Computing. The University shall provide linkages with Industry and work very closely with them to help delivery of this new age curriculum. This will equip our students to face the challenges of a globalized world. The University’s Center of Excellence in Sustainability and Innovation is being aligned to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. IILM has been a UN Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Signatory since 2008 and works closely with the UN Global Compact in India to promote CSR and sustainability.To cater to the ever-growing requirement of teachers, both for schools and for higher education, IILM’s Centre for Teaching, Research and Learning will be a special platform for the exchange of pedagogical ideas. It will provide training to school and college faculty which is a critical need for the students of tomorrow. It will focus on evolving best practices of teaching and learning, redefining the role of a teacher so that the use of technology can be leveraged to facilitate learning that is relevant in the current context. We shall train teachers from K-12 schools to university, keeping in mind the vacuum that exists presently in India and around the world.” He requested the Vice President of India to inaugurate the University and release the University. The Vice President of India was delighted to be presented with a caricature of himself. The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said that education should not only prepare our youth to face challenges of a technologically-driven knowledge society, but also make them analyze critically and come out with innovative solutions to the problems faced by people.

In his address to the gathering after inaugurating the IILM University Gurugram Campus from IILM Lodhi Road Campus, he said: “I am extremely delighted to inaugurate IILM University. My best wishes to everyone associated with this institution. I am also glad to know that the University’s mission is in sync with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create a new India on the basis of inclusive economic development through education and skill development among students. I am sure that IILM University is going to make an important contribution in realizing the dream of an educated and skilled India. However, it should be remembered that the education of an individual does not end by merely acquiring degrees or employable skills. Education is meant to develop a holistic personality with qualities of head and heart. As Swami Vivekananda had said, “Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man”.

Education should not only prepare our youth to face challenges of a technologically driven knowledge society but also make them analyze critically and come out with innovative solutions to the problems faced by people. They should be confident of dreaming big and exploring uncharted territories. At the same time, students should remain rooted to our culture, traditions, customs and history. They should never neglect their parents, mother tongue, motherland and native village. They should always believe in co-existing harmoniously with nature for a better future. There is a need to revamp and reorient the higher education system in the country to equip students with the demands of knowledge driven world.
While, there are more than 800 universities in the country, it is a matter of concern that none of them figures in the top ranked global institutes. Merely expanding infrastructure with sleek looking buildings will not make an institution excellent unless it imparts education of highest standards without compromising on quality. Our universities should move in that direction by making necessary changes in the methods of pedagogy. I am glad to learn that the Vision of this University is to be Global, Inclusive and Responsible. Indian civilization has always considered the world as its family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam). Our commitment to the cause of climate change, solar energy and conserving nature, will hopefully, get reflected in educating students and making them globally responsible citizens. Mahatma Gandhi was the foremost proponent of this philosophy of being responsible. His seven sins -Wealth without Work, Pleasure without Conscience, Knowledge without Character, Commerce without Morality, Science without Humanity, Religion without Sacrifice and Politics without Principle – are guiding principles for shaping the ethical ethos of individuals, society, country and the world. I hope the University will try to inculcate such values. The University has to be inclusive given India’s diversity and inequality. While diversity is our strength, the huge inequality poses lots of challenges. Focus on entrepreneurship, technology and skill development will help develop an inclusive, just and equal society. sciplinary education is must. I am glad to know that University intends to pursue this objective with vigor. Education in silos will not equip students for future. Liberal Education with focus on Technology, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will serve well the students, industry and the society. Information technology coupled with various scientific advances is changing our lives like never before. Therefore, the focus should be on futuristic technologies and students need to be prepared for jobs which do not exist. I am happy to know that students doing a major in fashion or design or economics can also study Artificial Intelligence or robotics at IILM University. We need more and more such multi-disciplinary and multi-skilled youngsters to meet future challenges.

I am happy that you already started an Incubation Center. Entrepreneurship is the need of the hour. Students must be motivated to start their own businesses and not depend on jobs alone. India is a land of entrepreneurs and given the right opportunity our youngsters can excel and create global businesses. With about 65 percent of our population aged below 35 years, we need to take full advantage of this demographic dividend in building a prosperous and inclusive New India and educational institutions like IILM have a pivotal role to play in achieving that goal. I am pleased to note that IILM has been part of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education initiative since its inception in 2008. The University’s focus on the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity), and working closely with the UN Global Compact India will allow it to be a responsible provider of higher education Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President, famously said, “The true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves”. I hope the University will have such teachers and researchers and it will also create such future teachers which we need in vast numbers. I wish the University well and may it rise to greater heights in achieving academic excellence. JAI HIND!” The Vice President congratulated the University and the entire team and said that students should be confident of dreaming big and exploring uncharted territories and remain rooted to our culture, traditions, customs and history. In his view Liberal Education with focus on Technology, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will serve well the students, industry and the society. The address of the Vice President was met by a thunderous applause and palpable excitement amongst the University faculty, students and dignitaries for the new education hub in the heart of Gurgaon. Mr. Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor, Haryana Vishwakarma Skill University offered a vote of thanks and endorsed the IILM University vision.
In his address he said, “It is a great pleasure and honor to be part of this august audience and this event where the University is going to focus on the Liberal Arts having its inauguration today with the hands of person who has deep passion for education. India is at the cusp of change, the world is also at the cusp of change. The amount of change that’s happening around the world, and the amount of innovation and disruption that’s happening all around, is triggering a lot of technological advancements. And these technological advancements are compelling and propelling growth. There is a big void happening between the values, the character, which has been entrained in our text, our books, for last many millennials. An education which proposes itself in the area of Liberal Arts can manifest as an anchor by joining technology and the values together and making the wholesome development of the individual, combing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements, which is the need of the time.
There is need not only to develop the physical comfort, but also to develop the emotional and spiritual comfort, because unless there is no internal comfort, unless the fears are not taken away, unless the doubts and suspicions are not taken away, there won’t be a wholesome development of an individual. Here, the opportunity that comes through liberal arts education is where you give opportunities to individuals not only to excel in the area of technology, but at the same time pick up the subjects which can align the person with philosophy, psychology and with subjects that can integrate both. I am glad, to tell you that Haryana Vishwakarma Skill University, which is the first skill university in India which also tells you about changing frames around the skilling and integrating vocational education has also signed an MOU with IILM University very recently and both the universities will be partnering together to take education to more meaningful way. Where today the educator, the educatee and the employer, all three are living in different worlds, this model of education will be integrating them together. On behalf of IILM University, I thank Honorable Vice President for giving his time and inaugurating this University and the stamp. I also thank all other guest, dignitaries to be part of this program” The day ended in vibrant excitement and enthusiasm and dignitaries exchanged ideas over high tea on initiatives to be taken towards making IILM University, an exceptional institution of higher education and research. The University unique in itself will help make Gurugram an education hub of pan India with a focus to collaborate with academic institutions, companies and entrepreneurs to make an impact through creation and dissemination of application oriented knowledge.

IILM University has designed the pedagogical experience through innovation and experiential learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, whereby providing a holistic development to the students. At the same time, the pedagogical experience empowers the students to deal with diversity, change and complexity, bringing them closer to their personal & professional goals. The University will follow the blended learning process where theory and real world practices are weaved into the curriculum to make the students ready for employability. Teaching methods will include case studies, simulation, role plays, seminars and presentation. IILM University’s international partnerships will aid in enhancing students’ ability to relate to global markets giving them an opportunity to draw informed deductions and comparisons between developed and fast developing economies. All faculty at IILM University have a Ph.D and come from myriad backgrounds. This wide mix of experience combined with extensive research and industry experience adds an exceptional learning experience for the creative minds. Faculty also acts as mentors to the students which fosters a strong bond between the students and the teacher guiding the disciples to achieve their goals and aspirations in life. The full amenity residential campus ensures plenty of opportunity to the students to compete and collaborate on various activities. The IILM residences allow students to focus on personal, academic and professional development during their study.

IILM University also offers merit and needs based scholarship to all deserving candidates thus attracting the brightest of the minds. The scholarships are also offered for all round excellence in areas other than academics, for girl students, for wards of defense personnel, for wards of martyrs and scholarships are also considered favorably for students in cases of emergency. With great optimism, the Industry at large, eminent luminaries and students across Gurugram have all welcomed this news of IILM offering different programs through IILM University Gurugram. The academic fraternity at IILM is eagerly looking towards making the entire experience enriching where students are taken through a learning journey which is Global, Responsible and Inclusive.